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.
Some Written
Metronomy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So as I finish up your lemonade
I'll send a message, some written, one sung
You left a number that's eight numbers long
I though I did enough but that's my mistake
It's time to liven up your lemonade
I'll send a message, some written, one sung
There's no getting over so I'm done
I'll forget the number and I'm gone
There's no getting over so I'm done
I'll forget the number and I'm gone
The lyrics to Metronomy's "Some Written" appear to be about a failed attempt at catching up with someone. The singer is too late to meet this person for whatever reason, so instead they finish up their lemonade and decide to send a message. They mention that the message will be "some written, one sung," indicating that it will be a mix of written and musical communication. The person the singer is trying to contact left them a phone number that is eight digits long, which could indicate that this is someone they don't know very well or have only had limited communication with.
Later in the song, the singer admits that there is "no getting over" the missed opportunity to see this person. They decide to forget the phone number and move on. The repetition of this line at the end of the song underscores that the singer is really trying to convince themselves that they can move on, even though they seem to still be holding on to some hope that they will see this person again.
The lemonade motif in the lyrics feels like a clever way to underscore the feeling of missed opportunities and the bittersweet nature of the situation. Lemonade is a drink that is often associated with hot summer days and nostalgia for childhood. The singer finishes up the lemonade, symbolically finishing something they can't go back to. At the same time, the sweetness of the drink is contrasted with the bitterness of the situation--they are left feeling unsatisfied and unable to move on.
Some potential interpretations of the song could emphasize the theme of communication--the singer is trying to reach out to someone but struggles to do so effectively. The use of a "written" message and a "sung" message could feel like a commentary on the different ways we communicate with each other and the ways we can misunderstand each other.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried to catch you up but I'm too late
I attempted to reach you, but it seems I missed you.
So as I finish up your lemonade
While I complete your beverage, I will carry out my plan.
I'll send a message, some written, one sung
I shall dispatch a communication via multiple mediums.
You left a number that's eight numbers long
You provided me with a telephone number composed of eight digits.
There's no getting over so I'm done
It is futile to overcome this situation, therefore I am finished.
I'll forget the number and I'm gone
I shall erase the aforementioned digits from my memory and depart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOSEPH PATRICK MOUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yaredgalileamerinogarcia5591
I tried to catch you up but I'm too late
So as I finish up your lemonade
I'll send a message, some written, one sung
You left a number that's eight numbers long
I though I did enough but that's my mistake
It's time to liven up your lemonade
I'll send a message, some written, one sung
You left a number that's eight numbers long
There's no getting over so I'm done
I'll forget the number and I'm gone
There's no getting over so I'm done
I'll forget the number and I'm gone
@283vic
Every song on this album is good.
@BlaineBuchanan
Gold*
@dmitryeremin208
The English Riviera album, especially this song has affected the most sensuous part of my soul. Thanks to all members of metronomy!
@frankied9723
i have such a great feeling when im listening to this song while im driving on the highway at night...
@miguelalba6402
Fresh af
@BlaineBuchanan
Best song on the album hands down.
@camedelic1365
THIS SONG IS AWESOME!!!
I've listened to this album for years now.. Took a long break and I'm back and it's so fresh as ever.. I love this band 😂 🙌🏻🎶
@angelicaart8069
Hits a warm spot in my heart.
@Nyews
i love metronomy.
@ambulatiomortuus1916
Metronomy enfile les perles comme à la parade. Incroyable. The lateness of the hour d'Eric Matthews est demandé à la barre...