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.
now
Mates of State Lyrics
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You've been waiting for the night to take you far away from me
Now
Ooh
I've been waiting for a sign to tell me where I belong
You've been waiting for the night to take you far away from here
And as I'm waiting on your doorstep now
I notice patterns in the pane
Now
The lyrics to Mates of State's song Now speak to the feelings of uncertainty and unease in a relationship. The singer is waiting for a sign to indicate where they belong, indicating that they feel unsure about their place in the relationship. Meanwhile, the other person is waiting for the night to take them away, suggesting that they may be feeling trapped or restless. The repetition of "now" throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as the singer is grappling with these feelings in the present moment.
As the singer stands on the other person's doorstep, they notice patterns in the pane of glass. This imagery suggests the way that we often try to find meaning or patterns in everyday objects when we are feeling lost or searching for direction. The singer also seems to anticipate a negative reaction to whatever happens next, as they mention "turn[ing] and go[ing] in shame." This suggests that they may feel they have failed or made a mistake in the relationship, perhaps by not being able to find a sense of belonging or connection.
Overall, the lyrics to Now offer a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of trying to find one's place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been waiting for a sign to tell me where I belong
I am uncertain about my place in this world and I have been waiting for a clear indication to guide me.
You've been waiting for the night to take you far away from me
You have been wanting to escape our relationship and the darkness of night gives you the opportunity to leave unnoticed.
Now
At this exact moment, something significant is happening.
Ooh
An expression of emotion, likely indicating sorrow or pain.
I've been waiting for a sign to tell me where I belong
I am still feeling lost and unsure of my place in the world.
You've been waiting for the night to take you far away from here
You are still yearning for an escape from our relationship and our current location.
And as I'm waiting on your doorstep now
I am physically present outside your home, waiting to confront you.
I notice patterns in the pane
I am observing the window and its design, likely to distract myself from the impending confrontation.
I'm wondering how the glass will hit when I, as I turn and go in shame
I am imagining the sound and impact of the door closing as I leave, feeling embarrassed and defeated.
Now
Once again, emphasizing the importance of this moment and the significance of the impending confrontation.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jason Edward Hammel, Kori Gardner Hammel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind