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.
These Days
Mates of State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't do too much talking these days
These days -
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do
And all the times I've had the chance to
I stopped my rambling
These days -
These days I seem to think about
How all the changes came about my way
And I wonder if I'll see another hide-a-way
I had a lover
I don't think I'll risk another these days
These days -
And if I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song
It's just that I've been losing so long
Then I'd stop my dreaming
I don't do too much scheming these days
These days -
These days I sit on corner stones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten
Please don't confront me with my failures
'Cos I have not forgotten them
The song "These Days" by Mates of State is a cover of the song originally written by Jackson Browne in 1967. The lyrics of the song are about someone who is reflecting on their life and the choices that they've made. The first verse talks about how the singer doesn't talk as much anymore and tends to think about the things they've missed out on. The second verse talks about how the singer has stopped taking risks and is reflecting on how their life has changed. The third verse describes the singer's fear of starting a new relationship, and in the final verse, the singer is reflecting on their past mistakes and regrets.
The song expresses a sense of regret and longing for what could have been. The singer seems to be at a point in their life where they are looking back on their choices, and perhaps feeling a sense of disappointment. The line "please don't confront me with my failures" shows that the singer is aware of their faults, but doesn't want to have them pointed out by others.
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including Nico and St. Vincent. It has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including The Royal Tenenbaums and The Walking Dead. The song's popularity has endured over time, perhaps because the lyrics continue to resonate with people who are reflecting on their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been out walking
I've been spending time wandering around outdoors
I don't do too much talking these days
I'm not very chatty these days
These days -
Lately -
These days I seem to think a lot
Recently, I've been doing a lot of thinking
About the things that I forgot to do
Specifically, I've been thinking about things I neglected to accomplish
And all the times I've had the chance to
And the opportunities I let slip away
I stopped my rambling
I stopped aimlessly wandering
I don't do too much gambling these days
I'm not taking many risks lately
These days -
Recently -
These days I seem to think about
I've been contemplating
How all the changes came about my way
How my life has transformed so significantly
And I wonder if I'll see another hide-a-way
I'm wondering if I will have another chance to escape somewhere
I had a lover
I was in a romantic relationship
I don't think I'll risk another these days
I don't think I'm willing to take another chance on love
These days -
Recently -
And if I seem to be afraid
And if it appears that I'm scared
To live the life that I have made in song
To live the life that is depicted in my music
It's just that I've been losing so long
It's because I've been losing for such a long time
Then I'd stop my dreaming
In response, I would stop fantasizing
I don't do too much scheming these days
I'm not making many plans lately
These days -
Lately -
These days I sit on corner stones
These days I find myself sitting on street corners
And count the time in quarter tones to ten
And counting the seconds one-by-one until I reach ten
Please don't confront me with my failures
Please don't make me revisit my shortcomings
'Cos I have not forgotten them
Because I vividly remember them
Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
talkrite
One of my all time favorite Jackson songs... many have covered it, and that it is because it is such a great song and relatable to most everyone. Jackson Browne is one of the greatest song writers of the past. Good job/nice harmonies. Love this band...
ohxduffmanxyeah
this is an amazing cover. I have no idea why i ever stopped listening to these guys
AndrewJBargh
This is my favorite version of this song
Matthew Bean
Great song, love mates of state.
Brooke
LOVE this song so much. this is my favorite version of these days.
Brooke
my 3 fav lines:
i had a lover. i don't think i'll risk another these days.
and if i seem to be afraid to live the life that i have made in song. it's just that i've been losing so long.
please don't confront me with my failures because i have not forgotten them.
FearlesslyLovedOne
They are so perfect. I love the part where Kori runs up and kisses Jason and then runs away. Too cute.
Shelbi
@blueiniti8er You're not the only one that thinks so. I love this version so much better than the original. Nico's guitar is nice, but her voice just kills it for me.
favoritanton
Have you heard Jackson Browne's original? It's stunning!
rahbro
my wife and I were at this show when we were dating. This version of the song is on thier 2003 european tour EP