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
At The Carnival
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll fly the ferris wheel to the moon
at the carnival
carnival, I'll be your scarecrow
we'll drive your father's car down the road
at the carnival
carnival
carnival, you're on my last nerve
I'll be a humming bird, you shall see
at the carnival
cigarette, we'll have a quick drag
I'll boot your bony ass to the moon
at the carnival
carnival
(I need some old times
a place to lay low
and to waste my time
on a mime)
Let's bust out our new piano
play a tune in the corner of your spine
chase the moths away
chase the blues away
and take me to the carnival
superfriend,
I'd like to hear you
it'd make me happier
than a child
at the carnival
carnival
The lyrics of "At The Carnival" by Margot & the Nuclear So and So's depict the excitement and thrill of going to a carnival with someone special. The song evokes feelings of giddiness, adventure, and liberation. The singer promises a great time, hoping to fly the ferris wheel to the moon and drive the father's car down the road. However, the second verse offers a slightly different perspective, as the singer seems slightly irritated but still goes along with their significant other's desires. The chorus repeats the theme of the carnival as a place of fun, excitement, and escape.
The bridge of the song offers a glimpse into the singer's inner thoughts and desires. They yearn for a place to lay low and reminisce, perhaps highlighting the nostalgia associated with carnivals. The bridge also mentions a piano and the desire to play music together, suggesting a desire for connection and intimacy. The final verse is a plea to a friend to bring some happiness, capturing the social aspect of carnivals and the need for companionship to fully enjoy the experience.
Overall, "At The Carnival" is a whimsical, nostalgic song that captures the joy and excitement of going on an adventure with someone special while also highlighting the importance of companionship and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Carnival, we'll have a great time
We'll enjoy ourselves at the carnival
We'll fly the ferris wheel to the moon
We'll enjoy the carnival rides so much that it'll feel like we're on the moon
at the carnival
All of these experiences will happen at the carnival
carnival, I'll be your scarecrow
I'll be a companion for you at the carnival
we'll drive your father's car down the road
We'll have an exciting adventure at the carnival, even borrowing your father's car
carnival
Repetition of the setting and main subject of the song
carnival, you're on my last nerve
I'm getting annoyed by the carnival or something related to it
I'll be a humming bird, you shall see
I'll be moving around quickly and energetically like a humming bird
at the carnival
This action will take place at the carnival
cigarette, we'll have a quick drag
We'll enjoy a cigarette together quickly
I'll boot your bony ass to the moon
I'll kick you out of there like you're flying to the moon
at the carnival
The act of kicking someone out will happen at the carnival
carnival
Repeating the subject and setting again
(I need some old times
a place to lay low
and to waste my time
on a mime)
Feeling nostalgic and wanting a place to relax and spend time like watching a mime
Let's bust out our new piano
Let's bring out our new talent or hobby
play a tune in the corner of your spine
Doing something entertaining or pleasant to you
chase the moths away
Let's get rid of any negativity or annoyance and enjoy the good times
chase the blues away
Let's improve our mood and have fun
and take me to the carnival
Repeating the setting and subject, wanting to go to the carnival again
superfriend, I'd like to hear you
Wanting your friend to talk to you and make you happy
it'd make me happier
than a child
at the carnival
Talking to your friend would bring you immense joy even more than a child enjoying a carnival
carnival
A final repetition of the setting and subject
Contributed by Keira I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.