The band have released five studio albums: Far Q (2010), World Record (2011), Changing Tune (2012), Lower Than Atlantis (2014), and Safe in Sound (2017).
In December 2018 the band announced they would be splitting up after a short farewell tour in May 2019.
Currently Mike Duce is releasing solo music as Headache.
Ben Sansom is now part of a new band named Paper Mill.
Go On Strike
Lower Than Atlantis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm sick and tired of being hired to do someone else's chores
When weekend means nothing, there's something wrong
Work keeps me adrift in my sinking ship, I'm just floating along
I am a servant, you have the power
These shelves won't stack themselves for £5 an hour
But when it takes the place of your vocation in life you've got to go on strike
They say it's character building but I'm ten feet tall
With a mop in my hand and a badge on my chest, this ain't cool at all
I have big plans, aspirations galore
In order to achieve, I've got to leave
Someone else can mop this floor
The opening lines of Lower Than Atlantis's song Go On Strike express the singer's desire to break free and take control of their life, leaving the mundane tasks that they have been hired to do behind. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of being a cog in someone else's machine and wants to pursue their own ambitions and dreams. The repeated theme of being a servant with no power emphasizes the powerlessness that can come with low-paying, unfulfilling jobs. The line "These shelves won't stack themselves for £5 an hour" highlights the disparity between hard work and a small paycheck, suggesting that the singer is undervalued and overworked.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of standing up for yourself when your work is impacting your life in negative ways. The line "But when it takes the place of your vocation in life you've got to go on strike" speaks to the idea that work should not consume your life and that standing up for yourself and taking action is key to finding fulfillment. This song serves as a rallying cry to encourage people to prioritize their passions and work towards achieving their goals, rather than being satisfied with merely "floating along."
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking my life back, I'm leaving yours
I am no longer going to let my life be dictated by someone else's expectations and expectations. I am taking control and reclaiming my independence.
I'm sick and tired of being hired to do someone else's chores
I am fed up with being employed to do tasks that belong to someone else but are marked menial, lowly by society.
When weekend means nothing, there's something wrong
My life is consumed by work, and I have no time left for relaxation or leisure. It's an indication that a change needs to happen since work shouldn't be everything in a person's life.
Work keeps me adrift in my sinking ship, I'm just floating along
I feel lifeless and lost, like I'm merely going through the motions without any purpose or direction. My employment has become monotonous and restricting.
I am a servant, you have the power
I am in a lowly position, and my managers hold all the cards. They can dictate how I work, and I have little power or sway regarding my position and salary.
These shelves won't stack themselves for £5 an hour
The compensation for the job is not commensurate with the effort and workload.
Sometimes we have to do things we don't like to get by
Sometimes we have to accept unpleasant jobs to help us survive or make ends meet.
But when it takes the place of your vocation in life you've got to go on strike
When it takes a toll on your mental health and hinders your progress from doing things you are passionate about, it is time for you to take a stand and seek a different path.
They say it's character building but I'm ten feet tall
Some people say that going through adversity and stressful situations can help you grow and become more resilient. Nonetheless, for me, the job is far from uplifting or fulfilling.
With a mop in my hand and a badge on my chest, this ain't cool at all
Apart from being dull, the job can also feel demeaning since it feels like I am merely a cleaner, and I have no motivation early in the day when I dawn my employee badge and prepare to mop floors.
I have big plans, aspirations galore
I have lofty goals and have always wished for a more fulfilling career path that aligns with my aspirations and strengths.
In order to achieve, I've got to leave
I realize that to achieve my aspirations, I must resign and seek employment that aligns with my expertise and passions.
Someone else can mop this floor
I assert myself to no longer accept this employment since I firmly believe I deserve better and wish to invest myself in something more fulfilling.
Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Juris Raudulis
Everything's just great about this song,especially the instumental part. Like someone already mentioned,this band really is underrated.
Lauren Trever
this song pretty much gets me through everyday,so grateful to the lads that make this inspirational music
Philip Wiltshire
Changing Tune is the best CD so far in my opinion. This is one of my favourite songs too!
Rebeckha Homer
Seen this live was the best time of my life :3
Laura Lydon
This is so unreal! Lovin it, lovin LTA!
Tash Wales
So good, love this band!
jacharyzones
Its my favourite album by them so far
Dan Clark
GTFI, one of my favourites on the whole album!
tinky winky
How have I not heard this band before today awesome band non stop listening to them for last 12 hrs
Sean Wilson
@Max Masterson he just... sounded a bit off to me in this bit. apologies mate. O_o