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.
Starman
Mates of State Lyrics
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I leaned back on my radio
Some cat was layin' down some rock 'n' roll
Then the loud sound did seem to fade
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase
That weren't no DJ that was hazy cosmic jive
There's a starman waiting in the sky
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
'Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
And he told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie
I had to phone someone so I picked on you
Hey, that's far out so you heard him too
Switch on the TV we may pick him up on channel two
Look out your window I can see his light
If we can sparkle he may land tonight
Don't tell your poppa or he'll get us locked up in fright
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He's told us not to blow it
'Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
And he told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie
"Mates of State's song Starman" originally recorded by David Bowie is an evocative and spiritual song dealing with the communication between humans and potential visitors from other planets. The song starts with the singer sitting alone in the dark, listening to the radio when a voice breaks through this stillness, from another realm via cosmic radio waves. The voice invites humans to speak with him without fear, he would like to come to Earth and make it better, but he is not sure that humans are ready for the "shock of the newness" and the "difference in cultures." Bowie's use of the word "starman" suggests that the visitor is an extraterrestrial from another planet that has more advanced technology and language.
As the song progresses, Bowie urges kids to take risks and not to be afraid to be themselves. He reminds them that life is short and that we must make the most of it. This message was particularly poignant for Bowie, as he felt a deep connection to this otherworldly figure, so much so that the song became his alter ego, and he often cited the song as his favorite. The song's final line, "Let all the children boogie," represents a final plea to people of all different races, nationalities, and ages, to come together in unity and dance, regardless of their differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Didn't know what time it was the lights were low
I was unaware of the time, and the lights were dim
I leaned back on my radio
I relaxed back onto my radio
Some cat was layin' down some rock 'n' roll
Someone was playing some rock music
Then the loud sound did seem to fade
The volume of the music seemed to decrease
Came back like a slow voice on a wave of phase
The music gradually returned, like a voice on a wave of phase
That weren't no DJ that was hazy cosmic jive
That wasn't a DJ, it was psychedelic space music
There's a starman waiting in the sky
There is an extraterrestrial being waiting in space
He'd like to come and meet us
The starman wants to meet humans
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
However, he fears that his presence would be overwhelming
He's told us not to blow it
The starman has instructed us not to ruin this opportunity
'Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He believes that the meeting would be meaningful and valuable
And he told me:
The starman spoke directly to me
Let the children lose it
He encourages us to embrace our inner child and be carefree
Let the children use it
He wants us to use our imaginations
Let all the children boogie
He wants everyone to dance and have fun
I had to phone someone so I picked on you
I needed to tell someone, and you were the first person I chose
Hey, that's far out so you heard him too
You found what I said unusual and exciting because you had also heard about the starman
Switch on the TV we may pick him up on channel two
Turn on the television, we might be able to see the starman on channel two
Look out your window I can see his light
Look outside, I can see the light from the starman's ship
If we can sparkle he may land tonight
If we can show our potential and shine, he might choose to visit us tonight
Don't tell your poppa or he'll get us locked up in fright
Don't tell your father or he might get scared and prevent us from pursuing this opportunity
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind