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.
Mistakes
Mates of State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Welcome to no good
I led you up there, but you were too young
Welcome to no good
Just remember that we all make mistakes
And know one big slip up makes it all, all go away
I stepped over the line
I know where I stand
And I don't blame you
(And I stand up to you)
We spent too long in that other world
(Just remember that we all make mistakes
And that I, I'm not going away)
One big slip up nearly took it away
No, no, no I don't blame you
(That would do no good)
And thank hell that we're moving on, moving on
(I used to be hate myself just a little because I)
'Cause one big slip up makes it all, all go away
I step over the line
But whose side are you on?
I know where I stand
I need you
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
I need you
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
Above the garage, we climbed up to sin
And up into no good
Just remember that we all make mistakes
And know one big slip up makes it all go away
I led you up there, and lied "I love you"
(I love you) You know I do (I do)
Just remember that we all make mistakes
(And that I, I)
And know one big slip up makes it all go away
I step over the line
But whose side are you on?
I know where I
I need you
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
I need you
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
The song "Mistakes" by Mates of State depicts a relationship that is struggling with the consequences of a big mistake made by one partner. The first stanza describes a physical setting where the mistake occurred - "above the garage, we climbed up the stairs, welcome to no good". The singer acknowledges that they were the one who led their partner into this situation, but their partner was also too young to make the right decision. The chorus emphasizes that everyone makes mistakes, but one big mistake can change everything. The singer asks whose side their partner is on, suggesting that there may be a conflict arising as a result of the mistake. However, they also acknowledge that they "know where [they] stand" and that they don't blame their partner.
In the second verse, the singer admits that they crossed a line, but ultimately it's the partner's choice which side they will take. They state that they need their partner, but that it's not healthy to refuse to be by themselves. The bridge goes back to describing the setting of the mistake, with the phrase "above the garage, we climbed up to sin". The singer admits that they said "I love you" but this was a lie. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the repetition of "just remember that we all make mistakes", suggesting that the relationship can move forward despite the mistake.
Overall, "Mistakes" portrays a complex and nuanced relationship that is struggling to deal with the consequences of a big mistake. The song delves into themes of forgiveness, resilience, and ultimately acceptance that mistakes happen.
Line by Line Meaning
Above the garage, we climbed up the stairs
We went up the garage stairs
Welcome to no good
We're in a place where we shouldn't be
I led you up there, but you were too young
I brought you to the place of trouble even though you were not ready to handle it
Just remember that we all make mistakes
Everyone makes errors in life
And know one big slip up makes it all, all go away
One significant blunder can ruin everything you have
I stepped over the line
I crossed a boundary I should not have
But whose side are you on?
Are you with me or against me?
I know where I stand
I am clear about my position
And I don't blame you
I am not holding you responsible
We spent too long in that other world
We wasted too much time in that forbidden place
One big slip up nearly took it away
A severe error almost destroyed everything
No, no, no I don't blame you
I really don't hold you responsible
And thank hell that we're moving on, moving on
I am grateful that we are leaving this behind and moving forward
'Cause one big slip up makes it all, all go away
Because one significant error can destroy everything you have
I need you
I require your assistance
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
But it's not healthy if I cannot be alone at all
Above the garage, we climbed up to sin
We went up the garage stairs to do something wrong
Just remember that we all make mistakes
Recall that everyone can err
And know one big slip up makes it all go away
Understand that one significant mistake can ruin everything
I led you up there, and lied "I love you"
I deceived you into coming up the stairs and said "I love you"
(I love you) You know I do (I do)
I do care for you, and you know it.
I need you
I am dependent on you
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
But it's not reasonable if I cannot be alone for some time
I step over the line
I go beyond the limit
But whose side are you on?
Are you supporting me or someone else?
I know where I
I am aware of my position
I need you
I require your assistance
But it's not normal if I refuse to be by myself
But it's not healthy if I cannot spend any time by myself
Contributed by Hannah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.