Margot & the Nuclear So and So's is a 6-piece indie-pop/orchestral pop band… Read Full Bio ↴Margot & the Nuclear So and So's is a 6-piece indie-pop/orchestral pop band from Indianapolis, Indiana. The band, which was formed in 2004 by Richard Edwards and Andy Fry (formerly of Archer Avenue and The Academy, respectively), is currently signed to Epic Records.

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

Freak Flight Speed
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wide eyed stayed awake
let's have some fun
if I'm discovered at your place
all bets are off

I know nothing's gonna work right
strung up
dancing on a freak flight

hold on
baby get your hair back down

won't stop metal friend
while the moon's still red
let's get carried away
let's lose our heads

you're on my side
when I lose my mind
when I get carried away
and I take my time

I know nothing's gonna work right
strung up
dancing on a freak flight
hold on
baby get your hair back down
cause I need you now (x3)

Wide eyed stayed awake
let's have some fun
If I molest you in this state
all bets are off

I know nothing's gonna work right
strung out
dancing on a freak flight
hold on

baby get your hair back down
cause I need you now (x6)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Margot & the Nuclear So and So's's song "Freak Flight Speed" depict a night of reckless abandon and surrender to the moment. The singer is wide awake and wide-eyed, urging their partner to join in on the fun. They are aware that being discovered would have negative consequences, but they are willing to take risks. The phrase "all bets are off" suggests that they are willing to let go of any inhibitions and expectations.

The singer is also aware that things may not go according to plan, but they are embracing the chaos and unpredictability. They are "strung up," which could refer to being high or anxious, and "dancing on a freak flight," which could suggest an out-of-body experience or a feeling of being untethered from reality. Nevertheless, they are holding on to their partner, encouraging them to let loose and get carried away with them. The line "baby get your hair back down" could be interpreted as a call for the partner to let go of any reservation and abandon themselves to the moment.

The final stanza repeats the previous ones, but with a slight change in wording. The singer adds the line "If I molest you in this state, all bets are off," which adds a darker and potentially problematic aspect to the song's narrative. However, the repeated refrain "cause I need you now" suggests that the singer seeks a connection with their partner, even if it means crossing boundaries.

Line by Line Meaning

Wide eyed stayed awake
I am alert and ready to party

let's have some fun
Let's enjoy ourselves and do something exciting

If I'm discovered at your place
If we get caught by someone while we are here

all bets are off
We can't predict what will happen next

I know nothing's gonna work right
I am aware that things might not go as planned

strung up
I feel nervous and tense

dancing on a freak flight
I am taking part in an unusual experience that involves dancing

hold on
Stay focused and be patient

baby get your hair back down
Calm down and don't get too excited

won't stop metal friend
I am not afraid to take risks and do something crazy

while the moon's still red
During this wild, exciting time