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.
What It Means
Mates of State Lyrics
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It's a king on his feet with a cavalier face
Such a funny place
He's exhausted and shrewd
Not a man on the move
Just give him a pen
[Chorus]
As he can honestly fight
And I know what it means
And I know what it means
And this red ink ain't dry
'Cause this cloth it's not right
Where are you coming from?
But this day it will end
Gather up all his friends and show off a smile
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Mates of State's song "What It Means" are both cryptic and open to interpretation. The song seems to follow the inner thoughts of an observer watching some kind of power struggle. The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song: "I know what it means." The singer sees a "king" figure who is "exhausted and shrewd" but also has a "cavalier face." This "funny place" doesn't seem to be where the king should be or maybe it's exactly where the singer expected the king would be. The singer notes that the king just needs a pen, implying that his words or signature holds some weight.
In the chorus, the singer repeats, "And I can honestly say no / As he can honestly fight / And I know what it means / And I know what it means." It's unclear who the "he" is and what he's fighting for, but it's clear that the singer has a sense of the stakes of battle. The second verse brings more confusion, with mentions of "red ink" not drying and "this cloth" not being right. The singer seems to be trying to piece together the story or trying to make sense of a larger event.
The final line of the song might provide some insight into the central theme: "Gather up all his friends and show off a smile." Even in the midst of uncertainty or conflict, there's still time for camaraderie and a sense of community. The song resists easy answers, but the power dynamics and stakes of the situation make for a tense, intriguing listen.
Line by Line Meaning
I know what it means
I understand the situation at hand.
It's a king on his feet with a cavalier face
He appears confident and regal despite standing on his own two feet.
Such a funny place
The situation is unexpected or ironic.
He's exhausted and shrewd
He is tired but still clever and calculating.
Not a man on the move
He is not actively progressing or making changes in his life.
Just give him a pen
He only needs a writing instrument to achieve his goals.
And I can honestly say no
I can confidently refuse to comply with his requests.
As he can honestly fight
He is capable of putting up a genuine fight in response.
And this red ink ain't dry
The situation is still in progress and there may be further change.
'Cause this cloth it's not right
Something is wrong with the current situation or circumstances.
Where are you coming from?
Asking for an explanation of someone's perspective or actions.
But this day it will end
The situation will be resolved soon.
Gather up all his friends and show off a smile
He will gather a group of supporters and remain optimistic despite the circumstances.
[Chorus]
Repeating the refrain that she understands the situation and can handle it appropriately.
And I know what it means
Reinforcing her earlier statement that she understands the situation thoroughly.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner Hammel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind