Metronomy began in the tiny, bohemian market town of Totnes, Devon, when Joseph’s Dad sold his son a computer so he could sit in his bedroom and make electronic music. He was inspired by the likes of Autechre, LFO and Aphex Twin, more as a creative hobby than a pop masterplan.
After decamping to Brighton for Uni, Metronomy released their debut album in June 2006. It was called Pip Paine (Pay The £5000 You Owe), and its obtuse but fascinating, largely instrumental electro-pop reflected the eccentricity of its title, and the enduring influence of Totnes.
Joseph admits that he only, finally, saw the commercial possibilities of Metronomy when DJ, producer, Trash founder and electro-punk avatar Erol Alkan began to feature the single You Could Easily Have Me in his sets, and asked Metronomy to play at his club. Cue the need for a proper live show, and the additions of Gabriel Stebbing, Oscar Cash, dance routines and clothes that blink.
Move on 2 years and Nights Out a wonky love-child of Giorgio Moroder, New Order, Pet Shop Boys and Unfinished Sympathy is a second album that feels like a debut. The first to be vocal-led, with the self-effacing Joseph stepping up and grabbing the mic for most of the tracks; and, crucially, the first to introduce Metronomy as a fully live propsition, rather than a pseudonym for Joseph‘s solo work.
As Metronomy’s busy touring schedule built a buzz amongst kids who instinctively get the dance/art crossover, In April 2009 the Metronomy show took another leap in its evolution, with the addition for the first time of a live drummer in Anna Prior, and bassist Gbenga Adelekan. The new Metronomy was completely live, proving it is possible for electronic bands to put on show as authentic as any rock band.
Meanwhile Joseph has embarked on a series of prestigious remixes for the likes of Klaxons, Franz Ferdinand, Gorillaz and collaborations with Kate Nash and Florence and The Machine. Metronomy produced part of the highly acclaimed Roots Manuva album Slime and Reason.
Loving Arm
Metronomy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never get too close
I like to get results
Her baby's got the loving arm
I never get too close
I'm flying down the coast
To love
Her baby's got the loving arm
I never get too close
I like to get results
Her baby's got the loving arm
I never get too close
I'm gunning down the coast
To love
To love
To love
To love
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Her baby's got the
Loving arm
At first glance, the lyrics to Metronomy's song Loving Arm may seem somewhat nonsensical or difficult to interpret. However, upon closer inspection, the song appears to be about the singer's desire for intimacy and closeness with someone, but their inability to achieve these things due to a feeling of inadequacy or fear.
The phrase "Her baby's got the loving arm" seems to refer to a person who is able to give love and affection freely and openly. The singer acknowledges the presence of this person, but says they "never get too close," indicating a fear or reluctance to let themselves become vulnerable. Instead, the singer focuses on getting "results," perhaps indicating a desire for success or achievement as a substitute for human connection.
Despite this fear, the singer is drawn to the idea of love and connection, and even sings about "flying down the coast" and "gunning down the coast" in pursuit of it. The repeated phrase "To love" seems to indicate a yearning for this kind of closeness and intimacy, while also acknowledging the difficulty and fear that comes with it. Ultimately, the song seems to grapple with the universal human desire for love and connection, but also the ways in which we sometimes struggle to achieve these things due to our own fears and insecurities.
Line by Line Meaning
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject's partner is physically affectionate and intimate in a way that the subject cannot replicate
I never get too close
The subject avoids deep emotional connections with others
I like to get results
The subject values productivity and efficiency over indulging in emotions
I'm flying down the coast
The subject is moving quickly and without pause, likely running away from something
To love
Despite their tendency to avoid vulnerability, the subject still desires love and connection
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject compares their own lack of intimacy to their partner's seemingly effortless affection and closeness
I never get too close
The subject repeats their detachment and emotional reservation
I'm gunning down the coast
The subject is now moving faster than before, driven by a sense of urgency and purpose
To love
The subject still seeks love, but may be hesitant or unsure of how to attain it
To love
The subject repeats their desire for love and connection
To love
The subject repeats their desire for love and connection
To love
The subject repeats their desire for love and connection
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject once again acknowledges their partner's intimacy, perhaps in a way that is yearning or wistful
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject repeats their partner's presence of physical affection and emotional closeness
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject repeats their partner's presence of physical affection and emotional closeness
Her baby's got the loving arm
The subject repeats their partner's presence of physical affection and emotional closeness
Loving arm
The subject once again sums up their partner's intimate nature
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH PATRICK MOUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mrmuffinlol
their best album
@lodestone69
Music is obviously personal. I beg to differ. Yes The British Riviera is more refined, more main stream, therefore has had most exposure. I know Joseph Mount has, or had single handedly just about written and composed all of their music, and it may be coincidence, and they were heading in the direction they have ended up in, but the raw intense electronica appeared to fizzle out when Gabriel Stebbing left. Based on this, I believe Nights out is their greatest work, followed by Pip Paine (Pay the £5000 you owe)
@Datpleb
amazing synth work
@tiagojoset.7249
This is fire!!🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
@kauamarques5756
this album saved my 2020
@mmambokatsande2005
Can't believe somebody else felt that way too. Me for 2022
@mmambokatsande2005
2021*
@ER_MAGO11_D_D10S
2918,trabajando fuera de casa
@nogallen
Always been my favourite of the album
@genera28
woke up this morning, this song was running 'round my head