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.
Safe
M83 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They left me all alone
Falling stars exploding on the sea
God, it's beautiful
The land and the roses slowly disappeared
Why am I so alone?
A wounded angel is smiling at me
God, it's so beautiful
The lyrics of M83's song "Safe" paint a picture of a post-apocalyptic world where the singer is left alone to wander amongst the ruins. The opening lines hint towards a catastrophic event, possibly nuclear, with "atomic roads" and a "nuclear sunrise". The mention of falling stars exploding on the sea creates a surreal yet beautiful image that contrasts with the destruction around. The singer is left with a sense of loneliness, questioning why they are so alone in this world. Despite the desolation, the wounded angel's smile reminds the singer of the beauty that still exists.
The song's theme explores the dichotomy of beauty and destruction, an idea that M83's frontman Anthony Gonzalez has often expressed in his music. The use of electronic music and distortion creates a sound that mirrors the chaotic yet beautiful nature of the post-apocalyptic imagery. The lyrics are open to interpretation, leaving room for the listener to find their own meaning in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Atomic roads, nuclear sunrise
The destruction caused by war has left a lasting impact on the world, symbolized by the desolate landscape and radioactive elements.
They left me all alone
The singer feels abandoned and isolated as a result of the aftermath of war, with no one to turn to for support or companionship.
Falling stars exploding on the sea
The beauty of nature still exists despite the destruction caused by war, as seen in the vivid imagery of fiery shooting stars over the ocean.
God, it's beautiful
The artist finds comfort and solace in the beauty of nature, which serves as a reminder that hope and positivity still exist in a world that has experienced great tragedy.
The land and the roses slowly disappeared
The effects of war have resulted in the gradual disappearance of natural beauty and life, represented by the fading of the land and the flowers that once bloomed there.
Why am I so alone?
The singer is plagued by feelings of loneliness and despair, wondering what he has done to deserve such isolation and solitude in the wake of war.
A wounded angel is smiling at me
Amidst the destruction of war, there is still hope and goodness to be found, symbolized by the angel who despite being wounded is still able to smile and bring joy to those who witness her beauty.
God, it's so beautiful
Once again, the artist finds solace and comfort in the beauty of nature, recognizing that even amidst darkness and despair, there is still beauty in the world to be appreciated and cherished.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mvvagner
Atomic roads, nuclear sunrise
They left me all alone
Falling stars exploding on the sea
God it's beautiful
The land and the roses slowly disappeared
Why am I so alone?
A wounded angel is smiling at me
God it's so beautiful
@L7pusher
Time flies when you're alive. Don't put it off for too long. Things won't be the same even if you do manage to get back this way again. What you say now, is what you will have said then. What you do now is the memory you'll keep forever. And while you're greater than the sum of your memories, make every memory count; they're the only thing, you alone, keep in life. Be good my people and enjoy the ride. One can only hope we'll all see each other on the other side. Until then, be good to yourself.. today.
@markbennet7395
I don't usually reply to comments, though this time I have to. This was so poetic and beautifully written, with so much truth behind the words. Just realising that 2015, probably the happiest and most fulfilling year of my life was 7 years ago. I'm certain that I will have many great years to come; though that year will forever be ingrained into my heart. Time really does fly when you're alive.
@mvvagner
Atomic roads, nuclear sunrise
They left me all alone
Falling stars exploding on the sea
God it's beautiful
The land and the roses slowly disappeared
Why am I so alone?
A wounded angel is smiling at me
God it's so beautiful
@user-mq1bx6un4r
Теперь мы так близки к этому
@martinetienne1446
Sounds like it could be the thoughts anyone has while feeling he's dying...
@pedrodasilva1981
this is not music... this is something... something... something... i don't know how to explain... maybe something to make us think why we born and why we die, why we fall in love, why we have bad and good days...
This is something i want to pass to my kids...
@futbolotetas
This is poetry
@ophly8993
It's art. M83 produces music, but it also produces beautiful, emotional art.
@alison2161
A lover speaking through the airwaves to His Beloved
@pedrorebelo6671
Ganda Pedro