Their debut album, The Dust of Retreat came out in 2006. At this time, the band was signed to Artemis Records and had 8 members. In 2008 the band signed to Epic Records and (on 7 October) released two new albums, Animal! and Not Animal. The band originally planned to just release "Animal!". However, Epic disagreed on their song choice, and compiled a different list, which would later become "Not Animal". Eventually, after dispute over which version would be released, it was decided to release both at the same time.
In August 2009, 5 of the band's members left. They are all involved in other projects, most notably Pravada.
While the band, and Richard specifically have given many explanations to the band's name; this is all in fun. As the name was created as an anti-name; not meant to have any real meaning, just to make fun of other ridiculous names. The name "Margot" comes from Gweneth Paltrow's character in Wes Anderson's "The Royal Tenenbaums".
The band's sound, categorized as "chamber pop", has been compared to the indie rock groups Arcade Fire, The Decemberists, and The Shins, while incorporating elements of singer/songwriters like Paul Simon and Conor Oberst.
Current Members are:
Richard Edwards - lead vocals, guitar, bells, melodica, banjo
Ronnie Kwasman - lead guitar
Tyler Watkins - bass guitar
Brian Deck - drums
Eric Kang - guitar
Cameron McGill
Former Members include:
Emily Watkins - keys, backup vocals
Andy Fry - guitar, bass, lap steel, percussion
Jesse Lee - cello
Casey Tennis - percussion
Chris Fry - drums, percussion
A Light On A Hill
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Lyrics
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All tangled up like balls of string.
And we woke at dawn
And watched the sun glide over the hill.
I just said the first
Three words that popped into my head.
Let me off the bus; I'm tired and soar and should probably change clothes.
My woman is cold,
Our children are stoned and worthless.
All waiting for you to tell them the truth. The truth is a line, that you'll never use.
And her dignity
Shown so bright like a light on a hill.
And she burned for me,
And no other man came near the flame.
And back country songs the deafening twang of the rich-white-kid blues
You can own the stage,
But the lights and glares will not make you real.
She whispers to me, I was meant to be free.
This life that we've built is deadly.
She crawls from my bed, with a comb cross her head.
She crawls to the train and drives herself home
The lyrics of Margot & the Nuclear So and So's's song A Light On A Hill describe a sense of disillusionment with life, and a longing for something more meaningful. The opening lines suggest a tangled, directionless existence that lacks purpose and direction. But there is a glimmer of beauty to be found in the simple act of watching the sunrise over the hill - a fleeting moment of tranquility that has the power to inspire.
The middle section of the song takes a darker turn, with a sense of frustration and despair creeping in. The verse about the blown circuits and cold partner, stoned children and the elusive truth suggests a sense of stagnation and loss of hope. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of the titular "light on a hill" - a symbol of dignity and perseverance that still burns brightly despite the darker aspects of life.
The final verse introduces a character who whispers about the need for freedom and the danger of complacency. The image of the woman crawling from bed with a comb in her hair suggests a sense of defiance and independence - she will not be contained or controlled by the life she has built. The song ends with her driving away on a train, leaving the singer behind to reflect on what could have been.
Line by Line Meaning
That's no way to live
Living life tangled like a ball of string is unhealthy.
All tangled up like balls of string.
Being disorganized and confused is like being entangled in a messy ball of string.
And we woke at dawn
And watched the sun glide over the hill.
They woke up early and watched the sunrise together.
I just said the first
Three words that popped into my head.
He spoke impulsively without thinking.
Let me off the bus; I'm tired and soar and should probably change clothes.
He is physically exhausted and needs a break before continuing on his journey.
And the circuits are blown,
My woman is cold,
Our children are stoned and worthless.
All waiting for you to tell them the truth.
His life is falling apart and everyone around him is affected by it.
The truth is a line, that you'll never use.
The truth is available, but it will never be utilized.
And her dignity
Shown so bright like a light on a hill.
She exudes confidence and pride, like a bright light shining for all to see.
And she burned for me,
And no other man came near the flame.
She is passionately committed to him and no one else.
And back country songs the deafening twang of the rich-white-kid blues
You can own the stage,
But the lights and glares will not make you real.
Although he may be successful in his musical career, he is still struggling with his identity and facing criticism for being privileged.
She whispers to me, I was meant to be free.
This life that we've built is deadly.
She crawls from my bed, with a comb cross her head.
She crawls to the train and drives herself home
His partner acknowledges that she needs to break free from their toxic relationship and starts to distance herself from him.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: RICHARD CHARLES EDWARDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind