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.
Sway
Mates of State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It reminds me when I could not bear
To live an inside life, I need escape from
A grown-up world
Lying in a grassy parade
Barefoot dances always the same
When the emcee calls your name
Please sway with me,
I take comfort in what used to be
Testing armies
Many lifeforms in the dirt, breaking out in bravery
Watching clouds turn into black light
Birthing out excited first light
You sit there long enough and still enough
You'll see a hole punch in the sky
Comets in a beautiful hue
Flicker in and out of our view
Forming patterns in the sky
You know a paper moon don't lie
Please sway with me,
I take comfort in what used to be
Testing armies,
Many lifeforms in the dirt, breaking out in bravery
Oh, oho, oh, oho.
The lyrics to Mates of State's "Sway" seem to paint a picture of nostalgia and the longing for the carefree days of youth. The opening lines suggest a sense of liberation during the summer months, something that the singer misses as they are now living an "inside life," likely meaning that they're trapped in a routine, adult world. They seek escape and comfort in what used to be, where they could dance barefoot in grassy parades and be prepared for the emcee's call. The idea of testing armies and lifeforms in the dirt breaking out in bravery is perhaps a metaphor for the singer's own desire to break free and embrace their former adventurous nature.
The second verse continues with the theme of finding beauty in nature, with clouds turning into black light and excited first light birthing out. The idea of sitting and waiting long enough for a hole to punch through the sky also speaks to the singer's patience and willingness to wait for something magical to happen. Comets flicker in and out of view, forming patterns in the sky that remind the singer of the artifice of paper moons. Throughout the song, the singer longs for someone to sway with them, perhaps a partner who will share in their nostalgia and memories of childhood freedom.
Overall, "Sway" is a wistful and dreamy song about longing for the past, the beauty of nature, and the desire for connection with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I kinder as the summer beats around me
As the summer heat intensifies, I become more nostalgic.
It reminds me when I could not bear
The temperature triggers memories of a time when I was unhappy.
To live an inside life, I need escape from
I require a break from the monotony of indoor living.
A grown-up world
The adult responsibilities that accompany being grown up are overwhelming.
Lying in a grassy parade
Reclining and relaxing in a meadow.
Barefoot dances always the same
Engaging in a familiar, carefree activity.
When the emcee calls your name
When it's my turn to participate in the activity.
You know you're gonna be prepared
I am confident in my ability to perform.
Please sway with me,
I request that you share in my nostalgia and memories.
I take comfort in what used to be
Recalling past experiences brings me tranquility.
Testing armies
Overcoming challenges and obstacles that arise.
Many lifeforms in the dirt, breaking out in bravery
Organisms triumphantly emerging from the soil.
Watching clouds turn into black light
Watching the sky transform into a dark, mysterious shade.
Birthing out excited first light
The sun's first rays emerging from the horizon full of energy.
You sit there long enough and still enough
Being patient and still allows for observation of otherwise unnoticed phenomena.
You'll see a hole punch in the sky
A clear, bright patch amidst a cloudy sky.
Comets in a beautiful hue
Streaks of glowing dust in a captivating color.
Flicker in and out of our view
Appear and disappear in a fleeting manner.
Forming patterns in the sky
Arranging themselves into stunning designs and shapes.
You know a paper moon don't lie
Despite its illusion, even a fake moon cannot mislead you.
Oh, oho, oh, oho.
Vocals without specific meaning or interpretation.
Contributed by Sebastian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.