The band were originally signed to renowned Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground, but call a number of labels home, being distributed by different labels such as Matador in the United States and Play it again Sam Records in the United Kingdom. They have also developed their own label called Rock Action Records, named after guitarist Ron Asheton of The Stooges, who had his name changed to Rock Action.
Mogwai are named after the creatures from the film Gremlins (the word itself is Cantonese for 'ghost' or 'hunter' dependant on the semi or literal translation), although Braithwaite comments that "it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one [name], but like a lot of other things we never got round to it.".
Their style has been influenced by such bands as The Cure, Joy Division, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Pixies, My Bloody Valentine, and post-rock granddaddies Slint. During 2004 the band were handed support slots on the tours of two of their heroes, the Pixies and The Cure. It has easily identifiable connections to genres like shoegaze, math rock, art rock, and occasionally instrumental metal. While Mogwai's sound bears little resemblance to punk rock, the band seems to identify closely with the punk ethic.
Mogwai's influence on the indie rock scene can be heard in the work of Explosions in the Sky, Italians Giardini di Mirò, Qatsi, and most other contemporary post-rock.
The fifth Mogwai album, Mr. Beast, was released in March 2006 and returned to the heavier sounds of 1997's Mogwai Young Team. Mr. Beast saw Mogwai dropping most of their "post-rock" crescendoing with songs developing more like rock, with direct hooks and lyrics.
Mogwai produced the remix track of 'Plans' on the British group Bloc Party's 2005 album Silent Alarm Remixed.
In October 2006 Mogwai returned with a soundtrack to the documentary of global football star Zinedine Zidane called Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, released through their own label Rock Action. They have also released a soundtrack to Darren Aronofsky's 'The Fountain' in collaboration with Clint Mansell and the Kronos Quartet.
The Hawk is Howling was released in September 2008.
In February 2011 the band released their 7th Studio Album Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. And, in July 2013, Mogwai performed their soundtrack to Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait for the first time at a number of dates across the UK. Shortly afterwards, on 5 August, the band revealed via Twitter that they were recording a new studio album at Castle of Doom Studios, released in early 2014 called Rave Tapes.
Guitarist John Cummings left the band in 2015.
2016 saw the band take part in two soundtracks. Atomic was released in April for the documentary 'Atomic, Living in Dread and Promise', and was composed entirely by the band. They also contributed to Before the Flood (Music from the Motion Picture), which featured Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Gustavo Santaolalla.
In 2017, Mogwai released Every Country's Sun, their ninth studio album, which heralded a return to their earlier sound.
Mogwai appeared on another film soundtrack in 2018. Helicon 1, from their 1997 album Ten Rapid, was featured on the original motion picture soundtrack of ‘Beautiful Boy’.
Lineup:
Stuart Braithwaite (guitar, vocals)
Barry Burns (guitar, keyboards, vocals)
Dominic Aitchison (bass)
Martin Bulloch (drums)
Official website:
http://www.mogwai.co.uk/
What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
Mogwai Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
I'm thinking of friends that I used to know
Who lived and suffered in this world below
But they're gone off to heaven, but I want to know
What are they doing in heaven today
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
There's some whose hearts were burdened with care
They pay for their moment with fighting and tears
But they clung to the cross with trembling and fear
What are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
And there's some whose bodies were full of disease
Physicians and doctors couldn't give them much ease
But they suffered 'til death brought a final release
But what are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
There's some who were poor and often despised
They looked up toward heaven with tear-blinded eyes
While people heedless and deaf to their cries
What are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Peace abounds like a river they say
What are they doing there now?
The song "What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?" by Mogwai is an exploration of the afterlife and what happens to those who have passed away. The lyrics reflect on friends and loved ones who have left this world, wondering what they may be experiencing in a place where "sin and sorrow have all gone away." The song touches on the idea of finding peace "like a river" after a lifetime of struggle, pain, and hardship here on earth.
The song also considers those who experienced physical pain and suffering during their lives, as well as those who faced poverty and marginalization. It is a song that ponders the mysteries of life and death, questioning what comes next and how those who have ended their physical existence transcend to a place of eternal rest and contentment. Ultimately, the song conjures the idea that the afterlife is a place of healing and renewal, where the concerns of our lives on earth are left behind, and the painful experiences of this world fade away.
Line by Line Meaning
What are they doing in heaven today
Wondering about the activities of those who have gone to heaven
Where sin and sorrow have all gone away
Pondering on the fact that there is no more suffering in heaven
Peace abounds like a river they say
Reflecting on the abundant peace that exists in heaven
What are they doing there now?
Repeating the question of what those who have gone to heaven are currently doing
I'm thinking of friends that I used to know
Recalling memories of friends who have passed away
Who lived and suffered in this world below
Remembering the hardships that these friends faced in their earthly lives
But they're gone off to heaven, but I want to know
Acknowledging that these friends are in heaven, but still curious about their current state
There's some whose hearts were burdened with care
Considering those who struggled with emotional pain and difficulties
They pay for their moment with fighting and tears
Noting the emotional toll that these struggles took on the individuals
But they clung to the cross with trembling and fear
Recognizing that despite their struggles, these individuals held onto their faith in God
And there's some whose bodies were full of disease
Thinking about those who suffered from physical illnesses
Physicians and doctors couldn't give them much ease
Acknowledging that healthcare providers were not always able to provide relief for these individuals
But they suffered 'til death brought a final release
Noting that death was ultimately the only end to these individuals' physical suffering
There's some who were poor and often despised
Mentioning those who were socially marginalized and mistreated
They looked up toward heaven with tear-blinded eyes
Recognizing that these individuals had hope in something beyond this world
While people heedless and deaf to their cries
Commenting on the lack of empathy and understanding from those around them
Contributed by William F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gambit The Exiled
"What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?"
I'm thinking of friends whom I used to know,
Who lived and suffered in this world below
But they've gone off to heaven, but I want to know
What are they doing there now?
Oh, what are they doing in heaven today,
Where sin and sorrow are all done away?
Peace abounds like a river, they say.
But what are they doing there now?
There's some whose hearts
Were burdened with care
They paid for their moment with fighting and tears
But they clung to the cross trembling in fear
But what are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today,
Where sin and sorrow are all done away?
Peace abounds like a river, they say.
What are they doing there now?
And there's some whose bodies were full of disease
Physicians and doctors couldn't give them much ease
But they suffered 'til death brought a final release
But what are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today,
Where sin and sorrow are all done away?
Peace abounds like a river, they say.
What are they doing there now?
There's some who were poor and often despised
They looked up to heaven with tear-blinded eyes
While people were heedless and deaf to their cries
But what are they doing there now?
What are they doing in heaven today,
Where sin and sorrow are all done away?
Peace abounds like a river, they say.
What are they doing there now?
[Organ solo]
What are they doing in heaven today,
Where sin and sorrow are all done away?
Peace abounds like a river, they say.
What are they doing there now?
Emmanuel Gapud
I tried to sing along to this and I couldn't stop crying. I don't even know why, no one close to me recently died. I'm shaking and I don't understand. This song has moved me so much more than I can take.
borntobebroken
that'd called being a weirdo bud
Youyou
@borntobebrokenI think you're just saying that 'cause you're broken
bendy
This song reminds me of my brother who was a huge Mogwai fan, who died 18 years ago❤❤❤
GanGanTheFatMan
Fuck... coming back to this all these years later takes me back to those days when I discovered Mogwai and other artists for the first time. Shortly after discovering all these great artists I met someone who’d change my life forever. What a time those days were.
Claire Army
I'm sitting outside my balcony, listening to this and thinking of my grandpa who passed 6 months ago. He died on my watch (he had cancer) and there are days like this one where I can't do anything but think of him. I wonder what's he doing, if he's okay, if he can see me, if we will ever reunite.. I miss you.
pierre moi
Claire Army misss U too
Manbug Franknbeans
Claire Army you will reunite
Nobody Noone
A good cover of this old song.
Written in 1901, first (and maybe best) recorded in the late 20's by Washington Phillips.
Roy Batty
Chanson absolument sublime pour une des meilleures scènes de la saison 1 de cette excellente série. Un vrai moment de grâce avec deux merveilleux acteurs. Merci Mogwai !