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.
Long way home
Mates of State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm lost and alone
Though I said I'd go before us
And show the way back home
Is there a light up ahead?
I can't hold on very long
Forgive me pretty baby but I always take the long way home
Off the back of a train
Got a handful of lightening
A hatful of rain
And I know that I said
I'd never do it again
And I love you pretty baby but I always take the long way home
I put food on the table
And a roof overhead
But I'd trade it all tomorrow
For the highway instead
Watch your back, keep your eyes shut tight
Your love's the only thing I've ever known
One thing for sure pretty baby I always take the long way home
You know I love you baby
More than the whole wide world
You are my woman
I know you are my pearl
Let's go out past the party lights
We can finally be alone
Come with me and we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
The lyrics to Mates of State's "Long Way Home" paint a picture of a journey towards finding oneself and navigating through the challenges that come with it. The singer sets out on this journey alone, stumbling in the darkness and feeling lost and alone. Despite wanting to show the way back home, the singer finds themselves constantly taking the long way. It's unclear whether this is intentional, but it seems to be a pattern for the singer.
The lyrics also touch on themes of love and sacrifice. The singer acknowledges that they have put food on the table and a roof over their loved one's head, but they would trade it all for the freedom of the highway. The singer's love for their partner is evident, as they refer to them as their pearl and claim to love them more than the whole wide world. The pair's desire to escape together is palpable as they seek out the darkness beyond the party lights.
Overall, "Long Way Home" is a song about breaking free from the confines of the norm and finding one's own path, wherever that may lead.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I stumbled in the darkness
I have found myself lost and confused.
I'm lost and alone
I don't know where I am or what to do.
Though I said I'd go before us
I had promised to lead us both to safety.
And show the way back home
To guide us back to a place of comfort and familiarity.
Is there a light up ahead?
I'm searching for a beacon of hope.
I can't hold on very long
I'm growing tired and weary.
Forgive me pretty baby but I always take the long way home
I have a tendency to complicate things and make life harder for myself and those around me.
Money's just something you throw
Material possessions are fleeting and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.
Off the back of a train
They can be easily lost or discarded.
Got a handful of lightening
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises.
A hatful of rain
Some of them can be unpleasant or difficult to deal with.
And I know that I said
I've made promises in the past.
I'd never do it again
But have not always followed through on them.
And I love you pretty baby but I always take the long way home
Despite my flaws, I genuinely care for you.
I put food on the table
I do what I can to support us.
And a roof overhead
Provide shelter and safety.
But I'd trade it all tomorrow
However, I sometimes daydream of leaving it all behind.
For the highway instead
To travel and explore the unknown.
Watch your back, keep your eyes shut tight
Life can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Your love's the only thing I've ever known
But your love is the one constant in my life.
One thing for sure pretty baby I always take the long way home
Once again acknowledging my tendency to overcomplicate things.
You know I love you baby
I want you to know how important you are to me.
More than the whole wide world
I love you more than anything or anyone else.
You are my woman
You are my partner and my rock.
I know you are my pearl
You are precious to me and I cherish you.
Let's go out past the party lights
Let's leave the distractions and noise behind.
We can finally be alone
So we can connect and be intimate without interference.
Come with me and we can take the long way home
Join me on my journey, despite the detours and delays.
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Together, we can make the journey more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Come with me, together we can take the long way home
Once again, inviting you to join me on this adventure together.
Contributed by Adam S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.