They are often associated with Australian labelmates The Lucksmiths and twee pop band Tullycraft, and Pitchfork Media described their work as "music to hold hands to."
Both Charles and James were raised in Olympia, Washington, home of K Records and Kill Rock Stars, and they soaked up a thriving indie music scene. Before convening Math and Physics Club they were in a band called Drive Car Girl (named after a Beat Happening song). Kevin played in a number of bands in Connecticut and Massachusetts before moving to Seattle, including a stint with a soul band called Soulwork. Kevin is the singer and co-leader of the band Central Services. Violinist Saundrah Humphrey left Math and Physics Club in December 2007, though it is reported on the band's unofficial myspace site that she may record with the band in the future.
Math and Physics Club can be seen as musical descendants of C86 and Sarah Records although no formal connection exists.
I Know What I Want
Math and Physics Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you should be more careful with your allegory
You think it's clever that I can read between the lines
Baby, you still love me
Now I'm back here at your door
To apologize once more
We can end this pointless war
I never realized when we were together
I would be such a wreck without you forever
If you put down your poison pen
Then I promise to act like a gentleman
Now I'm back here at your door
To apologize once more
So we can end this pointless war
How did you know me so well?
You smile but you won't ever tell
It's you
I know what I want
It's you
I know what I want
It's you
I know what I want
It's you
The lyrics to Math and Physics Club's "I Know What I Want" paint a picture of a complicated relationship, where one person is using their writing as a way to communicate their feelings towards the other person. The singer is flattered to be included in the story, but warns the other person to be careful with their allegory. The other person seems to be using their writing as a way to indirectly express their love for the singer, but the singer sees right through it.
Despite this, the singer still loves the other person and is willing to apologize and end their pointless war. The lyrics are full of juxtapositions that represent the complexity of the relationship - the mention of a "poison pen" contrasts with the promise to act like a gentleman, and the singer's feelings are both flattered and cautious. The repetition of "It's you, I know what I want" emphasizes the strong feelings of the singer towards the other person.
Overall, the song portrays a relationship that is full of complications but still has a strong undercurrent of love. The lyrics demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm flattered you could work me into your story
I'm pleased you mentioned me in your work of imagination
But you should be more careful with your allegory
However, you must choose your symbolic representation wisely
You think it's clever that I can read between the lines
You believe it to be cunning that I understand implicit meanings
Baby, you still love me
Darling, you still have feelings for me
Now I'm back here at your door
At this moment, I have arrived at your residence once again
To apologize once more
To ask for forgiveness once more
We can end this pointless war
We can finalize this meaningless disagreement
I never realized when we were together
I did not appreciate while we had each other
I would be such a wreck without you forever
I would be in shambles if you weren't with me for a long time
If you put down your poison pen
If you stopped writing maliciously
Then I promise to act like a gentleman
I assure you that I will behave respectfully
How did you know me so well?
How did you become so familiar with me?
You smile but you won't ever tell
You grin, but you refuse to share
It's you, I know what I want
It's you. I am certain about my fondness for you.
Contributed by Aubrey A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.