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.
Spooky Kabuki
Momus Lyrics
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We sail in silence
On frigates, through darkness
Some fear us, our violence
Others admire us
Come to our islands
The sea is still calm
Bring all your diamonds
These waves herald a storm
We'll do you no harm
You have no choice
Lucky our hearts are warm
Trust me, you're lost
The lyrics of Momus's song "Spooky Kabuki" tell a story of pirates sailing through dark waters, with some fearing them for their violence and others admiring them. The pirates are inviting outsiders to visit their islands and offering safety without harm. The lyrics convey a sense of danger and unease, with a potential storm brewing in the near future. However, the pirates are portrayed as warm-hearted and lucky, offering a safe harbor to those who come to their shores.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a metaphor for the dangers and risks of exploring the unknown. The pirates represent the unknown dangers and uncertainties that come with exploring new territories, while the outsiders represent those who venture into unfamiliar waters. Despite the dangers, the pirates offer a sense of safety and warmth, highlighting the potential rewards of taking risks.
Line by Line Meaning
We are the pirates
We are the daring crew who roam the seas unabashedly
We sail in silence
We move swiftly, with the winds as our voice and the waves as our melody
On frigates, through darkness
We travel on sturdy ships, braving the black shroud of night and the looming shadows of danger
Some fear us, our violence
Our might and power make some tremble in terror
Others admire us
But to others, we are a marvel and a force to be reckoned with
Come to our islands
Come and see our treasures and the hidden beauty within our realm
The sea is still calm
The waters are still and peaceful, a prelude to the tumultuous tempest that is yet to come
Bring all your diamonds
Bring all that you value and cherish, for they could be ours for the taking
Our caves are warm
We have carved out our own sanctuary, where we can bask in the warmth and comfort of our spoils
These waves herald a storm
The current state of affairs is a harbinger of something ominous and foreboding
We'll do you no harm
But fear not, we have no intention of causing you any harm or malice
You have no choice
You have no say in the matter, for we are the masters of our own fate
Lucky our hearts are warm
But fear not, for beneath our outwardly brazen demeanour lies a heart that is full of warmth and compassion
Trust me, you're lost
Trust me, you may be lost, but if you follow us, we will lead you to adventure and riches beyond your wildest dreams
Contributed by Zoe L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aldo Charles
on Morality Is Vanity
I’ve been listening to this song last two weeks.