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.
Monstrous
Metronomy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold your hair back if you feel unwell, do you?
Every night's the mark of a new day
and every day's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
This wasn't meant for me and you
So hold on tight to everything you love
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly it's all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this might be the last time we dance
Didn't say you couldn't do it well
Only said perhaps to try again
I could never stop from listening in
And someone's left the car engine running
Every night's the mark of a new day
And everyday's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
I couldn't stand to be alone
And it could wait
Wait for the after show
I've got four more so why you bawling for?
I've got to hold back to then
And I couldn't have never swam better
But you could've turned the blind eye
But I've gone over the road
And I'm gonna go this time
So hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I care about
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this might be the last time we dance here
The song "Monstrous" by Metronomy is a reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of holding onto the things and people we love. The opening lines, "Everything and nothing matters now, with you, Hold your hair back if you feel unwell, do you?", set the tone for the rest of the song. It's a moment of intense intimacy shared between two people who know the time they have is limited. It's an acknowledgement that although everything might seem pointless and insignificant, the presence of the other person makes it all worthwhile.
The chorus ("Hold on tight to everything you love, Honestly it's all I care about") reinforces this idea of the importance of cherishing the things and people we hold dear. The repetition of this line underscores its significance in the context of the song. The lyrics that follow further emphasize this point while also acknowledging the inevitability of change ("Every night's the mark of a new day, and every day's the mark of something new"). The second verse continues along the same lines, with the singer admitting that they couldn't stand to be alone and that they need the other person to follow them.
Overall, "Monstrous" is a poignant reflection on what truly matters in life and a reminder to hold onto those things tightly, as if it might be the last time we have them.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything and nothing matters now, with you
The presence of the person is both overwhelming and insignificant, commanding all attention and rendering all else meaningless.
Hold your hair back if you feel unwell, do you?
Asking if the person needs help, acknowledging a deep level of intimacy and care for their well-being.
Every night's the mark of a new day
A poetic expression of the cyclical nature of time passing and new beginnings.
and every day's the mark of something new
Further emphasizing the constant cycle of repetition and renewal.
Promise that you'll follow me
An appeal for loyalty and devotion, perhaps in the face of uncertainty or danger.
This wasn't meant for me and you
Acknowledging that the situation is not ideal or intended, possibly a forbidden love or an illicit affair.
Hold on tight to everything you love
Urging the person to hold onto what is most precious and important to them, possibly as a reminder of their mortality.
Honestly it's all I care about
Stressing the importance of love and relationships over material possessions or ambitions.
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Continuing to emphasize the need for emotional connection and preservation of that which is meaningful.
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Expressing the depth of longing and desire for that which is loved and cherished.
Hold on tight cause this might be the last time we dance
A bittersweet reminder to savor the present moment and appreciate the fleeting nature of life.
Didn't say you couldn't do it well
Acknowledging the person's abilities and insinuating that they could be even better with effort or practice.
Only said perhaps to try again
Encouraging the person to persevere and not give up after initial failure or disappointment.
I could never stop from listening in
Admitting to voyeuristic tendencies or simply being highly attuned to the person's presence and actions.
And someone's left the car engine running
A random detail that could symbolize various things, such as carelessness or anxiety about leaving suddenly.
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Repeating the previous line as a refrain, underscoring the deep longing for connection and love.
And it could wait
Suggesting that other obligations or desires could be put aside for the sake of being with the person, highlighting their importance.
Wait for the after show
Referring to a specific context or situation, possibly a concert or performance.
I've got four more so why you bawling for?
Implying that there is more to come and no need to despair or mourn prematurely, reassuring the person.
I've got to hold back to then
Recognizing that restraint is necessary in order to achieve a desired outcome, such as waiting or practicing.
And I couldn't have never swam better
Praising the person's abilities or actions, perhaps in a metaphorical sense.
But you could've turned the blind eye
Suggesting that the person had a chance to ignore or overlook something, but did not take it.
But I've gone over the road
Making a bold move or taking a risk, possibly leaving behind something or someone.
And I'm gonna go this time
Asserting that the current path or decision is final and committed to.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH PATRICK MOUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alejandro Rivera
Everything and nothing matters now, with you
Hold your hair back if you feel unwell, do you?
Every nights the mark of a new day
And every day's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
This wasn't meant for me and you
So hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I care about
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this may be the last time we dance
Didn't say you couldn't do it well
Only said I have to try again
I could never stop from listening in
Someones left the car engine running
Every nights the mark of a new day
And everyday's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
I couldn't stand to be alone
And it could wait
Wait for the after show
I've got four more so why you bawling for?
I've got to hold back to then
And I couldn't have ever swam better
But you could have turned a blind eye
But I've gone over the road
And I'm gonna go this time
So hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I care about
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this may be the last time we dance yeah
Stephanie Buhmann
This melody is addictive. A perfect song.
Alejandro Rivera
Everything and nothing matters now, with you
Hold your hair back if you feel unwell, do you?
Every nights the mark of a new day
And every day's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
This wasn't meant for me and you
So hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I care about
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this may be the last time we dance
Didn't say you couldn't do it well
Only said I have to try again
I could never stop from listening in
Someones left the car engine running
Every nights the mark of a new day
And everyday's the mark of something new
Promise that you'll follow me
I couldn't stand to be alone
And it could wait
Wait for the after show
I've got four more so why you bawling for?
I've got to hold back to then
And I couldn't have ever swam better
But you could have turned a blind eye
But I've gone over the road
And I'm gonna go this time
So hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I care about
Hold on tight to everything you love
Honestly its all I'm thinking of
Hold on tight to everything you care about
Hopelessly it's all I dream about
Hold on tight cause this may be the last time we dance yeah
Aye Ready
Thank you.
julia molloy
There's really not enough sauce on my pasta, but this song is making it bearable
bubblelina c
Idk why I love this comment so much. Hope you get some superior pasta soon😌 edit: this comment was from four years ago I’m genuinely stupid
perenijsje666
This whole album is incredible!
Gamaterian 01
boringe
Dawson Wohler
@Stéphane Dupuis You're so clever, I am truly blessed to have read such a well composed comment. I will treasure this moment until the day of my demise.
Stéphane Dupuis
Yes incredibli boringe. Buy fur now.
Bopflix
I love this. The opening reminds me of a Mega Drive rpg I had in the early 90s called 'The Faery Tale Adventure'. It was a really strange game, you played 3 brothers, but only 1 at a time and if you died you then controlled the next brother.