For more than twenty years he has been releasing, to only marginal commercial and critical success, playful and transgressive albums on labels in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. In his lyrics and his other writing he makes seemingly random use of decontextualized pieces of continental (mostly French) philosophy, and has built up a personal world he says is "dominated by values like diversity, orientalism, and a respect for otherness." He is also known in certain circles outside the U.S. as a producer. He is fascinated by identity, Japan, the avant-garde, time travel and sex. Live Momus shows are rare but when he does perform he often sings the crowd favourite 'maf' from the Stars Forever LP.
He wears a patch over his right eye because he lost the use of it after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis from a contact lens case washed with Greek tap water.
Nick Currie currently resides in Osaka, Japan.
Breathless
Momus Lyrics
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Only because you're near
Though there are tears on the way
Over the moon for now
Soft is the flesh I cling to
Warm the caress of your mouth
Silk is my touch as I swing you
Your starring role is forever
If only you'll stay as you are
Breathless at the threshold of pleasure
Soon we must fall but it's okay so far
If there's a method in madness
If there's a heaven above
Feel my caress as it lingers
Over the moon for now
Though there are no happy endings
Though hope disappeared long ago
There are clouds at the end of the rainbows
Over the moon for now
This is my one consolation
To work for the sweat on your brow
It's the sweetest, most fleeting sensation
Over the moon for now
If there's a method in madness
If there's a heaven above
Feel my caress as it lingers
Over the moon for love
Your starring role is forever
If only you'll stay as you are
Breathless at the threshold of pleasure
Soon we must fall, but it's okay so far
Your starring role is forever
If only you'll stay as you are
Breathless at the threshold of pleasure
Over the moon for now
The lyrics of Momus's song "Breathless" present a paradoxical experience of a joyful, yet sorrowful love affair. The singer is over the moon, elated at the immediate presence of their beloved, even though they acknowledge that tears will follow. The physical sensations of the encounter are described in soft and warm terms, evoking the sense of being cocooned in a comfortable and sensuous embrace. The lines "Your starring role is forever/ If only you'll stay as you are/ Breathless at the threshold of pleasure/ Soon we must fall but it's okay so far" could suggest that the lovers are aware that their encounter is fleeting, but they are content with living in the moment and savoring each other's presence for as long as they can.
The singer reflects on the transience of their joy and the inevitability of sadness, yet they find consolation in the act of working for the sweat on their beloved's brow. They seem to cherish the moments of bliss, even if they will eventually disappear. The song's closing lines, "Your starring role is forever/ If only you'll stay as you are/ Breathless at the threshold of pleasure/ Over the moon for now" reinforce the idea that the singer is willing to live in the moment and celebrate the present, even if the future is uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Over the moon for now
Being extremely happy for the current moment, but acknowledging that it may not last forever.
Only because you're near
The presence of someone special in their life is what's bringing them happiness.
Though there are tears on the way
Despite being happy now, there are still challenges ahead that may bring sadness.
Soft is the flesh I cling to
A physical description of the person they are with, highlighting the tenderness of their touch.
Warm the caress of your mouth
Describes the sensation of being kissed by someone they love and the warmth it brings.
Silk is my touch as I swing you
Describes the delicacy and smoothness of their movements as they dance with their partner.
Your starring role is forever
The significance of the person they are with, seeing them as the main character in their life story.
If only you'll stay as you are
A desire for their partner to remain unchanged and a fear of losing them.
Breathless at the threshold of pleasure
The excitement and anticipation of experiencing something pleasurable, yet nervousness about it as well.
Soon we must fall but it's okay so far
Acknowledgment that things may not work out in the end, but being content with how things are currently going.
If there's a method in madness
A hope for order and reason in the chaotic nature of life.
If there's a heaven above
A nod to the possibility of an afterlife and a hope for a better future beyond this life.
Feel my caress as it lingers
The lingering physical touch of the person they love and the desire to hold onto that feeling.
Though there are no happy endings
Bracing for the possibility that things may not end happily, but still enjoying the moment.
Though hope disappeared long ago
Having lost faith in a positive outcome, but still trying to find happiness where they can.
There are clouds at the end of the rainbows
Acknowledging that even happy moments can be fleeting and lead to something more difficult.
This is my one consolation
Taking comfort in the knowledge that they are doing things to make their partner's life better.
To work for the sweat on your brow
Valuing hard work and effort in a relationship and being willing to put in the work for their partner.
It's the sweetest, most fleeting sensation
Describing how happiness can be a fleeting feeling but still being grateful for it.
Over the moon for love
Being extremely happy and grateful for the love they have in their life.
Contributed by Oliver A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aldo Charles
on Morality Is Vanity
I’ve been listening to this song last two weeks.