The band initially existed as a trio consisting of Halstead, Goswell, and McCutcheon (hence the "3" in their name). After Slowdive were dropped by Creation Records, the trio decided to change musical direction to a country rock or folk music style, and were signed by 4AD. Rowe (formerly of Chapterhouse) and Forrester joined shortly after the release of their first album.
Both Halstead (the main songwriter for the band) and Goswell have released solo albums, also for 4AD. McCutcheon founded and is currently playing with his band called The Loose Salute who are signed to Heavenly Records.
The band went on hiatus in 2008, but returned to playing live gigs in 2011, including a handful of concerts supporting Band of Horses.
With Slowdive returning to live performances in 2014, Mojave 3 has been put on indefinite hiatus.
Billoddity
Mojave 3 Lyrics
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They split all the fun, it's good for the both of them
And when they get high, too much your good song
They sit on the stairs
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
So, why defy it?
This hard wind, makes you float above these things
So, why defy it?
What you gonna say?
What you gonna say?
What you gonna say?
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
Beauty and Bore are having a good time
They spit on the phone, it's good for the both of them
A stranger place, is where they get they're war torn year
It's hard to face, to make you feel it
Make you feel it, make you feel it
Make you feel it, make you feel it
Make you feel it
The lyrics to Mojave 3's "Billoddity" paint a picture of two individuals named "Beauty and Bore" who seem to have found solace in each other's company despite their contrasting personalities. They "split all the fun" and "hold hands and hold hearts" as they indulge in recreational activities such as getting high and sitting on the stairs. There appears to be a sense of unity between them that is unaffected by factors that may separate others.
The second half of the song introduces the idea of a "hard line" that stretches across one's life and the "hard wind" that makes them "float above these things." These lines suggest a sense of acceptance towards the unpredictability of life and the idea that one should not resist or defy it. The repetition of the question "What you gonna say?" may be interpreted as a message to the listener to consider what they will do when faced with the aforementioned hardships of life.
The song as a whole seems to convey an overall sense of unity, acceptance, and finding enjoyment in simplicity. The two characters in the song may represent different aspects of an individual's personality, the "Beauty" representing the more pleasant attributes while the "Bore" represents an individual's more mundane qualities. Together, they make up a whole and are able to find happiness despite their differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Beauty and Bore are having a good time
Two opposing forces, one captivating the other, are coexisting harmoniously
They split all the fun, it's good for the both of them
Their differences make it possible to share unique experiences together
And when they get high, too much your good song
Under the influence, they enjoy their shared experiences even more
They sit on the stairs
Their bond is so strong that they can sit without any external support
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
Their feelings and emotions are closely intertwined
This hard line, is stretching time across your life
The tough challenges and decisions that you face shape your life's trajectory
So, why defy it?
Why resist something that's a natural part of life
This hard wind, makes you float above these things
When life's obstacles and hardships push you around, use them to rise above them all
What you gonna say?
What response or action are you going to take next?
Holdin' hands and holdin' hearts
Their connection is deep and profound
Beauty and Bore are having a good time
Two seemingly opposite things can have fun together
They spit on the phone, it's good for the both of them
Even frustrating moments are transformed into bonding experiences
A stranger place, is where they get they're war torn year
The unknown and unfamiliar is where they confront and overcome their internal struggles
It's hard to face, to make you feel it
Confronting your personal demons is a painful process that requires courage and strength
Make you feel it, make you feel it
Confronting the tough moments in life makes you feel more alive and connected to yourself and others
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN FORRESTER, IAN MCCUTCHEON, NEIL HALSTEAD, NICK HOLTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind