Their songs are notable for their male/female vocal harmony, shifting rhythms, and quirky song structure- most tracks are composed of multiple distinct, almost disjointed movements. Both members sing with great intensity, often in the upper ranges of their voices, and often sing different (yet complementary) melodies simultaneously. Tempos are nearly always fast, with beats often resembling those found in electronic club or dance music.
The main instruments used by the band are drums and electric organ. Although both members started out playing the guitar, they found they ended up fooling around with the organ and drums in their practice space more often than with more traditional instruments.
The band recorded one album on Omnibus Records before moving to Polyvinyl Record Company for their second and third full-lengths. They have also released five 7-inch singles and two EPs. In December 2005, the band signed with Barsuk and since have released an album entitled Bring It Back. In May 2008, they released the album Re-Arrange Us.
For The Actor
Mates of State Lyrics
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This is what it's like on a fantasy
No, I wouldn't challenge your home
In the basement of words we knew
There were more of us
Don't want to make you grow numb
Legs are for discovering
Relieved and now we see the road
This is what it's like on a fantasy
Little codes bring the balance to none
And the shapes of your hands do tell of such a rare variety
Relieved and now we see the road
This is what it's like on a fantasy
You put your life on hold as we interest one another
Two steps closer to the level I imagined
I remember when it poured and you sang to me in summer
It's a fantasy
Relieved and now we see the road
This is what it's like on a fantasy
You put your life on hold as we interest one another
Two steps closer to the level I imagined
I remember when it poured and you sang to me in summer
It's a fantasy
No, I wouldn't challenge your home
In the basement of words we knew
There were more of us
You put your life on hold as we interest one another
Two steps closer to the level I imagined
I remember when it poured and you sang to me in summer
It's a fantasy
Don't want to make you grow numb
If it's not what you thought it was
Legs are for discovering
This is what it's like
This is what it's like on a fantasy
Put your life on hold
This is what it's like on a fantasy
The lyrics to "For The Actor" by Mates of State are open to interpretation, but one way to read them is as a reflection on a new relationship that is based on mutual fantasy and escapism. "You and me on a fantasy" suggests that the two people involved are drawing each other into a world of imagination and make-believe. The references to "the basement of words we knew" and "little codes" imply that this world is constructed through language and symbols that are shared between them, but are indecipherable to outsiders.
However, the song also acknowledges the potential danger of staying in this fantasy world too long, and possibly losing touch with reality. The lines "Don't want to make you grow numb / If it's not what you thought it was" suggest that there is a risk of becoming too absorbed in the fantasy and losing sight of each other as real people. The lines "Legs are for discovering" further hint at the idea that the relationship can only be sustained if the two people keep exploring and learning about each other, rather than becoming complacent.
Ultimately, the song leaves it unclear whether this fantasy relationship is something sustainable, or just a passing phase. The final line, "Put your life on hold / This is what it's like on a fantasy", can be read either as an invitation to fully embrace the fantasy world, or as a warning that doing so might come at a cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, you and me on a fantasy
We're living in a fantasy world
This is what it's like on a fantasy
Fantasy is our reality
No, I wouldn't challenge your home
I won't interfere with your life
In the basement of words we knew
We shared secrets in private
There were more of us
We had more friends in common
Don't want to make you grow numb
I don't want to bore you
If it's not what you thought it was
If I disappoint you
Legs are for discovering
We'll explore each other physically
Relieved and now we see the road
We can see clearly now
Little codes bring the balance to none
We have secrets that no one else knows
And the shapes of your hands do tell of such a rare variety
Your hands are unique and special to me
You put your life on hold as we interest one another
We are consumed with each other
Two steps closer to the level I imagined
We are getting closer to my fantasy
I remember when it poured and you sang to me in summer
I have fond memories of us together
It's a fantasy
Our love is a dream
Put your life on hold
Let's focus on our relationship
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner Hammel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind