After some EPs and an NME featured track (Alas Agnes), the band toured and released their debut album 'Making Dens' in 2006 to positive reviews. The band released their sophomore album, 'Twenty One' on March 24th, 2008.
Before the release of fourth album "Radlands", bassist Kai Fish left the band and was replaced by Peter Cochrane
Umbrellahead
Mystery Jets Lyrics
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Nestles into the hay and shuts it's eyes
Well I've dreamt of being that horse a hundred times
And I end up a pile of bones and a cloud of flies
And when you're nine years old you don't care
If your on your own or one of a pair
And when you get salt in your eyes, sand in your hair
Call for mum or daddy they'll be there
Please don't turn me into a man
'Cause I don't want to see my skin fold
Oh please wont you keep me as I am
Oh people look so lonely when they're old, when they're old
When you come of age it's not the same
No umbrella over your head when it rains
And your friends would rather get high than play a game
Oh it's such a shame the way they change
And Emily's hung over, Bill feels rough
Thinks his girlfriend might be up the duff... again
She threw up twice last night on the bus
And I never thought growing old could be so tough
Oh please don't turn me into a man
'Cause I don't want to see my skin fold
Oh please wont you keep me as I am
Oh people look so lonely when they're old, when they're old
The lyrics of Mystery Jets's song Umbrellahead revolve around the theme of growing up and the changes that come with it. The opening lines talk about the idea of a horse dying when left alone and how the singer has dreamt of being that horse many times. This metaphor conveys the fear of loneliness that the singer has as one grows up and may become isolated from people and loved ones. The following lines describe the feeling of being cared for as a child and how it contrasts with the independence that comes with growing up.
The second verse highlights the changes that come with growing up, with the absence of an umbrella symbolizing the lack of protection one has in the real world as an adult. The verse also mentions the loss of innocence and how the singer's friends would rather get high than play a game, indicating the shift towards indulging in vices.
The chorus repeats the plea of not wanting to turn into a man, as it would mean experiencing the physical and emotional changes that come with aging. The lyrics express a desire to stay youthful, as people often look lonely when they grow old.
Overall, the song conveys a message of the fear of change that comes with growing up and the desire to hold onto the carefree days of youth.
Line by Line Meaning
They say if you leave a horse alone it dies
Horses need companionship to stay alive and healthy.
Nestles into the hay and shuts it's eyes
Horses become lethargic and depressed when left alone.
Well I've dreamt of being that horse a hundred times
The singer yearns for a simpler, more peaceful life.
And I end up a pile of bones and a cloud of flies
The artist is aware of the inevitability of death.
And when you're nine years old you don't care
Children are innocent and carefree.
If your on your own or one of a pair
Children don't need much to be happy - just a friend or family member to spend time with.
And when you get salt in your eyes, sand in your hair
Children can find joy in even the most mundane activities.
Call for mum or daddy they'll be there
Children rely on their parents for comfort and support.
Please don't turn me into a man
The artist is fearful of growing up and losing their innocence.
'Cause I don't want to see my skin fold
The artist is afraid of aging and the physical changes that come with it.
Oh please wont you keep me as I am
The singer wants to remain young and carefree forever.
Oh people look so lonely when they're old, when they're old
The artist observes that old age can be a lonely and isolating experience.
When you come of age it's not the same
Growing up brings many changes and challenges.
No umbrella over your head when it rains
Life can be difficult and unpredictable.
And your friends would rather get high than play a game
The singer's peers are more interested in drugs than in having innocent fun.
Oh it's such a shame the way they change
The artist is disappointed by their friends' choices.
And Emily's hung over, Bill feels rough
The artist's friends are suffering the consequences of their actions.
Thinks his girlfriend might be up the duff... again
Bill is worried that his girlfriend might be pregnant.
She threw up twice last night on the bus
Bill's girlfriend is clearly unwell and possibly dealing with morning sickness.
And I never thought growing old could be so tough
The artist is realizing that aging is difficult and comes with many challenges.
Contributed by Madison B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.