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.
Whiner's Bio
Mates of State Lyrics
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I'll never stop complaining
As I look into those eyes, I can't behave
Cause this song's not right
It's the legend that you're after
I'm occluded 'round the clock a central shame
This is the writing of the whiner's bio
I can relate when everything stays the same
To achieve gall and orders first
We all join hands the whistle blows
What's with this competition though
Let's all join hands the whistle goes
No need for competition though
This jag it's a positive force that won't budge
These tastes of silver belong on a ship
And if I had any language it's yours
This jag it's a positive force that won't budge
I can relate when everything stays the same
The answers are beneath you, sweet
We all join hands the whistle blows
This jag it's a positive force that won't budge
This is the writing of the whiner's bio
What's with this competition though?
These tastes of silver belong on a ship
That was the writing of the whiner's bio
In "Whiner's Bio," Mates of State portrays the struggle of an individual who is plagued by feelings of inadequacy and the fear of not being able to measure up to the expectations of others. The singer, who is the whiner, is self-conscious and anxious about the art they create. They express their insecurities in their lyrics, saying that the song they wrote is not right, and they are occluded, around the clock, with central shame. The whiner comprehends that people often crave a legendary artist, but they cannot help but express their own emotions, even if their songs do not meet the standards of others.
Throughout the lyrics of "Whiner's Bio," the band provides some solutions for the whiner's frustration, including the idea that everyone should just join hands and blow a whistle. The whiner feels that there should be no competition, and everyone should be included in the art world. Mates of State expresses that art is not a competition, and instead, it should be enjoyed and appreciated by all.
Overall, "Whiner's Bio" is a powerful expression of self-doubt in the art world, highlighting how competition and expectations can impact artists, leading them to feel insufficient and anxious about their works. Mates of State suggests that there should be a community in the art world that supports and uplifts each other, rather than focusing on competition and standards.
Line by Line Meaning
You can wait all night
I will never stop complaining, no matter how long you wait
I'll never stop complaining
I am a chronic complainer and won't stop anytime soon
As I look into those eyes, I can't behave
I am captivated by your gaze and can't help but act out of character
Cause this song's not right
Something feels off about this song
It's the legend that you're after
You are chasing after fame and success
I'm occluded 'round the clock a central shame
I am constantly blocked and burdened with feelings of inadequacy
This is the writing of the whiner's bio
These lyrics are the product of a complainer's perspective
Who wants to win them over
I am trying to win people's approval with my words
I can relate when everything stays the same
I understand the frustration of being stuck in a stagnant situation
To achieve gall and orders first
The first step to success involves having the courage to take action
We all join hands the whistle blows
We come together as a group when it's time to take action
What's with this competition though
Why do we have to compete against each other instead of working together?
No need for competition though
We don't have to compete if we learn to work together
This jag it's a positive force that won't budge
This feeling of intensity is a powerful and unrelenting force
These tastes of silver belong on a ship
Material possessions should not determine our worth or success
And if I had any language it's yours
If I could express myself in any way, it would be through your language
The answers are beneath you, sweet
You already possess the solutions to your problems, my dear
That was the writing of the whiner's bio
These lyrics were inspired by a negative, complaining perspective
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner Hammel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind