Gonzalez and Fromageau parted ways shortly after touring their second album Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts. Gonzalez records primarily on his own, with other artists as guest musicians. The band is signed to Mute Records and found international success in 2011 with the single "Midnight City". Their most recent album Fantasy was released on 17 March 2023.
Anthony Gerard Gonzalez (born March 13, 1980) grew up in Antibes, France together with his brother Yann. His family had a great interest in football and Gonzalez had trials with AS Cannes, while his maternal grandfather is the French international Laurent Robuschi. At the age of 14 he got injured and turned to music instead after his parents bought him a guitar. Gonzalez developed his interest in music and American culture while at secondary school. Together with Fromageau he formed a post-rock outfit called My Violent Wish.
At the age of 17, Gonzalez bought a synth to record a demo, which he sent to a number of French labels. When the Paris-based Gooom Records appeared interested, he recruited Fromageau to "help me because I didn't feel like I had the shoulders to carry the project on my own". The band is named after the galaxy of the same name.
The band's musical aesthetic is characterized by extensive use of reverb effects and lyrics spoken softly over loud instruments. Gonzalez has been inspired by aspects of the American Dream and his songs have been outlined as themed around "adult-scripted teen dreams". Inspiration for the 1980s style found in much of Gonzalez’s music includes bands such as My Bloody Valentine, Pink Floyd, and Tangerine Dream. Between various electronic music properties and album artwork, M83’s style includes a mix of both contemporary pop and 1980s dream pop.
Deceiver
M83 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can read my destiny through you
Everybody, "He's my writer"
He makes my world flow
Distance driver
Can you see it all? Can you breathe it all?
Everybody, "He's my writer"
The lyrics to M83's song "Deceiver" can be interpreted as an exploration of the power of art and the role of the artist in shaping our perception of the world. The first two lines, "Distant writer, I can read my destiny through you," suggest that the writer possesses a certain insight or foresight that allows the listener to see their own path or future through their words. The idea of the writer being "distant" implies that they may have a detached perspective, perhaps observing and interpreting from a distance rather than being directly involved.
The repetition of the phrase "Everybody, 'He's my writer'" emphasizes the widespread influence and admiration for this writer. It suggests that their words have touched the lives of many, becoming a source of inspiration or guidance. The line "He makes my world flow" suggests that the artist's work has the power to bring coherence, meaning, and order to the listener's existence. By creating art, the writer is able to shape and mold reality, allowing others to experience a more harmonious or connected perception of the world.
The second paragraph introduces the idea of a "distance driver," someone who can see and experience everything. This implies that not only does the writer have a deep understanding of their own world, but also possesses a broader perspective that encompasses various perspectives and experiences. The question posed, "Can you see it all? Can you breathe it all?" suggests a desire for all-encompassing awareness and understanding. This can be seen as a reflection of the artist's role, which often involves capturing the essence of reality and human experience in their work.
The phrase "Turns me on" in the last line of the second paragraph is metaphorical and open to interpretation. It can be understood as the artist's ability to captivate and evoke emotions through their work. The artistic expression becomes a source of energy and excitement, arousing a deep fascination within the listener. It may also suggest that the artist's ability to drive and inspire others is a source of personal satisfaction or fulfillment for themselves.
Overall, these lyrics convey the idea that the writer/artist has a transformative power to shape the way we perceive and navigate the world. Through their words and creations, they offer insight, guidance, and emotional stimulation. The admiration and recognition of "Everybody, 'He's my writer'" highlights the impact that the artist has on others, as they turn their experiences and observations into art that resonates with and touches the lives of many.
Line by Line Meaning
Distant writer
An individual who is far away but has the ability to express themselves through writing
I can read my destiny through you
By interpreting the writer's words, I can envision the path my life is destined to take
Everybody, 'He's my writer'
The writer is highly regarded and respected by everyone, as they have the power to captivate through their writing
He makes my world flow
The writer's words have the ability to bring harmony and coherence to my life
Distance driver
An individual who is physically distanced but possesses the capability to steer or guide situations
Can you see it all? Can you breathe it all?
Do you have the vision and understanding to comprehend and immerse yourself in everything around you?
Everybody, 'He's my writer'
Similar to how a skilled driver is praised, the individual's role as a writer is highly appreciated by all
Turns me on
The writer's words evoke strong emotions and excitement within me
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Anthony Gerard Gonzalez, Joe Berry, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Yann Gonzalez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@just4stuff975
LYRICS:
Distant writer
I can read my destiny through you
Everybody, "He's my writer"
He makes my world flow
Distance driver
Can you see it all?
Can you breathe it all?
Everybody, "He's my writer"
He turns me on
@WWIflyingace62
I'll forever hold M83 in my heart. First heard Midnight City in middle school. Fell in love with Hurry Up We're Dreaming my senior year, as I was leaving home and the people I loved behind. Listened to Junk religiously as I was starting to fail college. And now I'm listening to Fantasy for the first time, as I sit in LA working for my dream company despite my degree. I'll love this music 'til the day I die.
@vepromud
couldn't agree more with your last sentence
@00Spoke
Perhaps they are slightly opening the door to heaven with their cosmic vibration
@opinologo8313
Life is an amazing journey. And you always need music to make journeys.
@saidvomihsa7020
Я Рад за тебя
@SFS_LAPETUS
This reflects this aong well. Let me explain. Theres something behind everything, in the song, it describes the writer of this song (presumably most others) and how big of an impact it was. And for this fellow, the band is helping them succeed in their life. The backbone of this person's life depends on other significant things in order to succeed.
@PrimitiveInTheExtreme
One of my favourites from the album.
@GregSierra
It's definitely underrated and will stay that way, because it's a bit of a slow burn. But a good one.
@Biroltataro
M83 Never fails
@JB-257
Right.........