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.
Open Book
Mates of State Lyrics
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Who is reading this?
Who is leading this?
'Cause I thought you should know that this is not an open book
They read so much it tears them down
They're all around the kinder people like the Federman's tale
And I know myself of course 'cause it's certifiable
And the people that are pushing in their cheeks, oh
And I thought you should warn them that this is not an open book
Don't read so much it tears you down, you're all around
The kind of people like the prodigal heirs and their sons
It's the cycle of five
And I know how strong the pull of what's fortified, make sense?
And the people that are pushing in their cheeks, oh
Tell me what you have and that's when I'll know
If you have anything to start with
Then I thought you should warn them that this is not an open book
Don't read so much it tears you down, you're turning into people
The people like the prodigal heirs and their sons
It's the cycle of five
And I know myself of course 'cause it's certifiable
And the people that are pushing in their cheeks, oh
Tell me what you have and that's when I'll know
If you have anything to start with
These are the fibers of what makes the world
Left are the fibrous ones who've met the world
Here with the favors done, left are the fibers of letting go
In Mates of State’s song “Open Book,” the lyrics revolve around the idea of the harm that can come from reading too much into things. The opening lines about a smile suggest that the song is about misreading social cues and making assumptions about other people. The singer questions who is reading and leading in this situation and emphasizes that things are not always as they seem – this is not an “open book.” The repeated lines throughout the song about “reading so much it tears you down” and “turning into people like the prodigal heirs and their sons” convey the idea that overanalyzing can have negative consequences. The reference to the “cycle of five” could potentially be a nod to the fifth step of the twelve step program, which involves admitting one’s faults and mistakes.
Overall, the song seems to be cautioning against jumping to conclusions or obsessing over details. The repeated line “tell me what you have and that’s when I’ll know if you have anything to start with” suggests that the singer wants people to focus on what is present, rather than trying to read too much into things that may not be there. The abrupt ending with “left are the fibers of letting go” provides a sense of finality and perhaps a reminder that sometimes it is better to step back and release control or grasp on events and situations.
Line by Line Meaning
It all begins with a smile
Things often start off positively and with good intentions
Who is reading this?
Who is paying attention to what is going on?
Who is leading this?
Who is in charge here?
'Cause I thought you should know that this is not an open book
I need to warn you that this situation is more complicated than it may seem
They read so much it tears them down
Trying to understand everything can be overwhelming and take a toll on a person
They're all around the kinder people like the Federman's tale
People who are too engrossed to see the bigger picture are often unable to truly appreciate the good things in life
It's the cycle of five
Life follows a predictable pattern
And I know myself of course 'cause it's certifiable
I am well aware of myself and my own tendencies
And the people that are pushing in their cheeks, oh
People who are hiding something or not being honest may physically show it by tensing their cheeks
Don't read so much it tears you down, you're all around
Don't overthink or obsess over everything, because it can negatively impact your overall wellbeing
The kind of people like the prodigal heirs and their sons
People who come from a wealthy background can sometimes struggle to find their own identity and place in the world
Tell me what you have and that's when I'll know
The possessions and things someone value can say a lot about them
If you have anything to start with
If you have something of value to offer or work with
These are the fibers of what makes the world
These things are what constitute the world and society we live in
Left are the fibrous ones who've met the world
Those who have experienced the world and its challenges are the ones left standing
Here with the favors done, left are the fibers of letting go
After completing tasks and deeds, it is important to be able to let go of things and move on
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner Hammel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MagicTurtle643
Awesome! I've never heard this one performed before! I love Team Boo.
@TomPonce14
Team Boo..... What a feeling.
@shelbythomas
this is so dang good. EDIT: Who is reading this?
@quasiotter
me
@no3chris
This isn’t fatherson