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
There's Talk Of Mine Shafts
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
where we can hide
there's room for you
and me inside
oh mariel,
sweet applepie
you can't be shy
or close your eyes.
You talk of mines
where we can hide
until the bombs
and floods subside
but that hole's a drag
it's not my bag
it's dark and cold
and it smells like mold
There's a world beneath the earth
it deals in blood and lives in dirt
but we'll escape biblical fate
yes, we'll be safe in a miner's grave
The lyrics of "There's Talk of Mine Shafts" by Margot & the Nuclear So and So's talk about seeking refuge in a mine shaft during a catastrophic event, such as a war, a nuclear explosion or a natural disaster. The singer addresses Mariel, urging her not to be shy and to keep her eyes open, suggesting that the situation is serious and requires careful attention.
The second verse reflects the singer's reluctance to hide in a mine shaft, despite Mariel's suggestion. He describes it as a "drag" and something that is not his preference because it is cold, dark, and smells like mold. However, he acknowledges the possibility that it might be the only way to survive, given the gravity of the situation.
The final verse hints at a deeper meaning to the song, where the "world beneath the earth" represents the idea of death and the inevitability of mortality. Yet, the singer suggests that there is a way to cheat death, by seeking sanctuary in a miner's grave. The song offers a bleak yet hopeful message of survival, suggesting that even in the face of impending doom, there is a way to stay alive.
Line by Line Meaning
There's talk of mines
There are plans being discussed to hide in mines during difficult times.
where we can hide
The mines have space where we can stay hidden.
there's room for you
Both of us can fit inside the mines.
and me inside
Both you and me can stay within the mines.
oh mariel,
The artist addresses Mariel directly.
sweet applepie
Mariel is being affectionately referred to as sweet apple pie.
you can't be shy
Mariel must not hesitate or be timid if they choose to go inside the mines.
or close your eyes.
Mariel must be vigilant and not allow themselves to be fooled or misled.
You talk of mines
Mariel suggests the idea of hiding inside the mines.
until the bombs
The hidden place may be the solution to the coming war.
and floods subside
The mines could also help us withstand any flooding or water issues.
but that hole's a drag
The artist doesn't like the idea of hiding in a dark, confined space.
it's not my bag
The idea of staying inside the mines isn't preferable to the singer personally.
it's dark and cold
There are environmental factors that could cause problems while hiding in the mines.
and it smells like mold
The conditions inside the mines could have a moldy smell, which would not be pleasant.
There's a world beneath the earth
There is an entirely different world inside the mines, below the surface of the earth.
it deals in blood and lives in dirt
The world inside the mines is harsh, dealing in death, injury and the general difficulties life presents.
but we'll escape biblical fate
The singer is certain that they will not be harmed by any of the biblical plagues predicted to take place.
yes, we'll be safe in a miner's grave
The singer is confident that they can survive within the mines and emerge safely on the other side.
Contributed by Julian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.