The other is a rock/pop band from Richmond, VA who released their self-titled debut album on August 20th 2013.
The third is a Mod Revival band from Bristol, England from the late 70s/early 80s:
http://bristolarchiverecords.com/bands/Mayfair.html
The fourth is essentially an alias for the band Gidea Park formed in 1984, consisting of Adrian Baker, Dave Walker, Martin Lawford, Alec Duncan, Roger Whatling and Jerry Chapman. Only one single was relased under this name - Summertime City / American Girls.
The fifth is a multifaceted band from Memphis, Tennessee. The band members are Jon Clark, Franklin Wallace, Sam Kernodle, and Gavin Powers. In 2013, they released an EP titled Things That Don't Last which had a sound reminiscent of midwest emo. After that, in 2015, they went on to release their debut album, The Ability To Dream, which consists of a heavy shoegaze sound similar to that of Whirr.
Swell
Mayfair Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
don't have anything to say
an empty bed
can't be that bad
in my arms
a sleepless night
a guilty morning light
i wish i could spill my guts but I'm too dead inside
some thing just don't work out
The lyrics to Mayfair's song "Swell" reflect the inner turmoil of a person who is unable to be honest with themselves or with their partner. The first two lines - "can't be honest / don't have anything to say" - suggest a feeling of emotional emptiness, perhaps stemming from a lack of connection or communication with others.
The subsequent lines paint a picture of physical intimacy without emotional engagement; the singer acknowledges that being in bed with someone isn't the worst thing, but also acknowledges that it doesn't necessarily bring satisfaction or fulfillment. The mention of "a sleepless night / a guilty morning light" further emphasizes a sense of dissatisfaction or regret.
The final lines of the song - "i wish i could spill my guts but I'm too dead inside / to feel more than the swell of your back against my chest / some thing just don't work out" - suggest that the singer feels trapped in their own emotional limitations. They want to be more open and vulnerable with their partner, but they are unable to do so due to their own emotional numbing. The line "some things just don't work out" could be interpreted as a resigned acknowledgement that sometimes relationships simply fail, despite one's best efforts.
Overall, "Swell" is a melancholy reflection on the difficulties of emotional connection and honesty.
Line by Line Meaning
can't be honest
I am unable to express my truth
don't have anything to say
I am devoid of words
an empty bed
I feel lonely
can't be that bad
Perhaps my situation is not as bad as it seems.
in my arms
Affectionately holding someone.
a sleepless night
I am unable to fall asleep.
a guilty morning light
I awaken feeling remorseful.
i wish i could spill my guts but I'm too dead inside
I yearn to speak my truth, but I am emotionally numb.
to feel more than the swell of your back against my chest
Emotionally detached, I only register physical touch.
some things just don't work out
Sometimes, no matter how much we hope, things do not come to fruition.
Contributed by Landon I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.