After a concert in 2005, the group was spotted by Jérôme Deschamps and Macha Makeïeff, who would later co-produced their first album with Naïve Records. At the same time, they won the Prix Paris Jeunes Talents.
The group was noticed during a concert at the Printemps de Bourges in 2006 and 2007. Jimmy, the first single from their first album Gee Whiz But This is A Lonesome Town (2007), was a success which allowed Moriarty to play at La Cigale. The album sold more than 50,000 copies in a few months and was certified gold a year after its release. The group went on a long tour that took them to Canada, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and England.
In 2008, Moriarty performed at the Soliday festival, Eurockéennes de Belfort, Francofolies de La Rochelle, and Fête de l'Humanité.
The group takes its inspiration from traditional Celtic music, country, and blues.
The group plays around one microphone during their concerts.
En 2008, Moriarty was one of 10 artists nominated for the Constantin prize.
https://moriartyland.net/
Clementine
Moriarty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lust dust on the cusp of the crust
I must, I must, I must not
Fluxus
Shyness, penniless, mindless, coward
You ain't, you ain't nothing good
You ain't, you ain't, no you ain't
Clementine
Won't you give me a sign
Made of twine
It's the end of the line
Well I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm lying
I'm falling, I'm drowning, drowning
Well I should, I should
I should plot against you
You blissful, kissful, pitiful, coward
You ain't, you ain't nothing good
You ain't, you ain't, no you ain't
No you ain't
Well I should, I should
I should plot against you
You blissful, kissful, pitiful, coward
You ain't, you ain't nothing good
You ain't, you ain't, no you ain't
Oh won't you let me be
Won't you let me be
Let me, let me be
Let me be what I want to be
Move away, become clay
And let me say
Don't you play with me
With me, now don't you play with me
I warn you
The song "Clementine" by Moriarty is a melancholic tune that speaks about unrequited love and the frustration that ensues. The first verse is a surreal and abstract expression of confusion in the face of romantic feelings. The lines "lust dust on the cusp of the crust/I must, I must, I must not/Fluxus" convey the urge to give in to lust but also the struggle to resist it. The second verse is more direct, as the singer addresses the object of their affection. The repetition of "you ain't, you ain't nothing good/you ain't, you ain't, no you ain't" reveals the bitterness and disappointment felt towards this person. The chorus, addressed to Clementine, embodies the yearning for a response, any indication of reciprocated feelings. The line "let me be what I want to be/move away, become clay" suggests that the singer desires to escape the situation entirely, to become malleable and free.
Overall, the lyrics to "Clementine" are poetic and cryptic, leaving much open to interpretation. However, the emotions they convey are universal and relatable. The song captures the essence of unattainable love, the pain of rejection, and the struggle to let go.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the fuss, puss
Asking what's the problem or the issue at hand, casually
Lust dust on the cusp of the crust
Sexual attraction is present on the edge of the unknown
I must, I must, I must not Fluxus
Feeling obligated to do something while also being compelled not to act
Shyness, penniless, mindless, coward
Being without confidence, money, intelligence or bravery
You ain't, you ain't nothing good You ain't, you ain't, no you ain't
Stating that the listener is not worthy or valuable in any way
Clementine
Addressing someone named Clementine
Won't you give me a sign
Asking for a clear indication or signal from them
Made of twine It's the end of the line
The relationship or interaction is at its final stage
Well I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm lying I'm falling, I'm drowning, drowning
Saying that they appear to be alright but in fact, they are struggling a lot
Well I should, I should I should plot against you
Contemplating revenge against the addressed person
You blissful, kissful, pitiful, coward
The other person is being called out. They seem to be happy, romantic yet weak and pathetic
Oh won't you let me be Won't you let me be
Asking for space or distance from them
Let me, let me be Let me be what I want to be Move away, become clay And let me say
Asking if it's possible to let go and allow them to be free 'Become clay' hints at molding or shaping one's own identity
Don't you play with me With me, now don't you play with me I warn you
Warning the addressed person to avoid playing with their emotions or actions
Contributed by Ruby V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.