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
Birds
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So why would you want me to?
Why would you want me?
Why would you need me?
Would you feed me?
Nobody knows the names of those rats
So why would you want me to?
Why would you need me?
Would you feed
The whole world is burning up from the ceiling
Nobody knows the names of those dogs
So why would you want me to?
Why would you want me?
Why would you need me?
The whole world is burning up from the ceiling
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
Let's have a party
You dance like a frog whenever you dance
Your friends, they can't stand you
Nobody can
And I am afraid that
The world is closer to moral foreclosure
You dance like a jerk whenever you dance
Your mother can't stand you
Nobody can
And I am afraid that
What I am proposing's a total explosion
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's have a baby
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
Let's make it evil
The lyrics of Margot & the Nuclear So and So's's song "Birds" can be seen as a commentary on the state of the world and society's behavior. The repeated phrase "nobody knows the names" implies a lack of care and attention towards the natural world, and this is contrasted with the desire to have a party and potentially create new life. The use of animals as a metaphor also points to a general sense of apathy towards living beings.
The lines "Let's make it evil" and "the world is closer to moral foreclosure" suggest a darker and more cynical perspective. The idea of intentionally creating something "evil" is disturbing, and hints at a desire to disrupt the status quo or express frustration at the current state of affairs.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a critique of modern society's values and priorities, and a call to be more mindful and compassionate towards the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody knows the names of those birds
Why do you expect me to know the names of the birds when nobody knows?
So why would you want me to?
Why are you forcing me to know something that cannot be known?
Why would you want me?
Why do you want me as someone who cannot know everything?
Why would you need me?
Why do you need me as someone who cannot know everything?
Would you feed me?
Are you trying to sustain me without the knowledge I need to survive?
Nobody knows the names of those rats
Just like the birds, nobody knows the names of rats as well.
The whole world is burning up from the ceiling
There is a calamity happening somewhere that nobody notices.
Nobody knows the names of those dogs
Just like the other animals, there are dogs whose names nobody knows.
Let's have a party
Even with the impending doom, might as well party and have fun.
You dance like a frog whenever you dance
Your dancing skills are not that great or unpleasant to watch, like a frog.
Your friends, they can't stand you
Your friends dislike the way you dance or even you.
Nobody can
Even those who do not know you cannot bear watching you dance.
And I am afraid that
I am worried that something horrible might happen.
The world is closer to moral foreclosure
The world appears to be losing its morality or values.
Let's have a baby
In the midst of all this chaos, the decision to have a baby seems logical.
Let's make it evil
A twisted sense of humor, suggesting something feared or anticipated.
Contributed by David L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.