Nothing But Thieves’ origins lie in schoolmates Conor, Joe and Dave’s efforts in a variety of bands in their hometown of Southend, Essex. They gained valuable experience on the local live circuit, even if they weren’t going to change the world. Then Dom joined their school in the sixth form and everything went up a notch. A classically trained guitarist from the age of six, Dom brought a musicality and learning to the table which made everyone sit up and take notice. Not that this puts him on a pedestal with his bandmates. They all agree that it’s the mix of his formal training with Joe’s self-taught chops which lies at the heart of the Nothing But Thieves sound.
They released their debut ep, "Graveyard Whistling" on July 18, 2014. The band's single "Itch" picked up Hottest Record and Track Of The Day accolades on Radio 1 and also made it onto the Radio 1 playlist, as well as being added in regular rotation of Sirius XM new hard-rock channel Octane. The same year they signed to RCA Records.
They released their self-titled debut album on October 16, 2015. Frontman Conor Mason said in an interview about the album: Since this record was our first album we especially wanted to make each song stand out in the best way possible. I guess there are tones, lyrics and themes that tie in throughout the album; however, we generally wanted each song to have its own space and world. Overall, I think we achieved the variety we were after and it’s nice that our fans feel the same way too.
They released their sophomore album, called "Broken Machine", on September 8, 2017. The concept for the album came alive soon after the band had written and demoed “Broken Machine,” the 4th track, which became the centerpiece of the album. Lead singer Conor Mason describes it as a metaphor for systems that seem perfect on the surface but cracked underneath, whether that’s mental health, love, religion, or even politics. The singles leading up to the album’s release are “Amsterdam,” released on May 2, 2017, “Sorry” released on August 14, 2017, “Broken Machine” released on August 21, 2017, “I’m Not Made By Design” released on August 26, 2017, and “Particles” released on January 11, 2018.
They released a new ep, titled "What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way?" on October 19, 2018. The lead single of the ep, "Forever & Ever More", was supported by a music video. On October 23, 2020, the band released Moral Panic. Which then followed with a tour in 2021 with Yonaka and Airways.
The band released three singles in 2023, "Welcome to the DCC" on March 15, "Overcome" on May 10 and "Keeping You Around" on June 23, before finally releasing their fourth studio album, "Dead Club City" on June 30, 2023, which peaked number 1 in the U.K Official Album Charts. They then released the single "Oh No :: He Said What?" on January 29, 2024 before dropping the deluxe edition of "Dead Club City" on March 15, 2024, this included the addition of new songs such as "Time :: Fate :: Karma :: God" and "Pure You" as well as the stripped edition of beloved songs from the original album.
Excuse Me
Nothing But Thieves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His space crowds out hers
Coffee breath and headphone hiss
But no one says a word
Eyes upon the paper headline
Refuge in your phone
Bumping shoulders
But no one says hello
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
My heart beats like yours does, hers does
My heart keeps good time
And every day I mind the gap between you and me
Here comes someone else to share the air we breathe
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Reach out for anyone
And they will tell you get outta here
I'm asking everyone
You gotta help me get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Meanwhile
Under the gun
Hey everyone
Our work here is done
We out
You gonna come?
Hey everyone
Our work here is done
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Reach out for anyone
And they will tell you get out of here
I'm asking everyone
You gotta help me get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
The song "Excuse Me" by Nothing But Thieves speaks about the feeling of being suffocated and trapped in a crowded space, surrounded by people but still feeling alone. The opening lyrics of "His space crowds out your space, your space, his space crowds out hers" show how the individual is feeling increasingly squeezed as more people join the already crowded space. The mention of "coffee breath and headphone hiss" creates a sense of isolation, as though everyone is blocking themselves off from each other.
The lyrics "But no one says a word" show how even though everyone is in such close proximity, no one is engaging with each other or making any attempt to connect. The line "My heart beats like yours does, hers does, My heart keeps good time" indicates that everyone in the room is human, and has the same basic feelings and emotions. However, the line "And every day I mind the gap between you and me" shows that this commonality doesn't seem to be enough to bridge the gap that separates people.
The song's repetitive chorus of "Excuse me while I run, I really gotta get out of here" echoes the feeling of claustrophobia and desperation to escape. The repeated plea of "You gotta help me get out of here" suggests that the only way to break free from the suffocating environment is through the support and assistance of others.
Line by Line Meaning
His space crowds out your space, your space
His presence overpowers yours and hers
Coffee breath and headphone hiss
The sound of coffee being sipped and headphones being worn
But no one says a word
Silence fills the air
Eyes upon the paper headline
People are reading the news
Refuge in your phone
People are using their phones as a distraction
Bumping shoulders
People are accidentally running into each other
Cough and sniff
People are dealing with bodily discomfort
But no one says hello
No one is acknowledging each other's presence
Excuse me while I run
I must leave now
I really gotta get out of here
I need to escape this situation
My heart beats like yours does, hers does
We are all human and experience the same emotions
And every day I mind the gap between you and me
I am aware of the distance between us
Here comes someone else to share the air we breathe
A new person has entered the scene
Reach out for anyone
I am seeking help from anyone
And they will tell you get outta here
They will advise me to leave
I'm asking everyone
I am reaching out to everyone for assistance
You gotta help me get out of here
I need your help to escape
Meanwhile
At the same time
Under the gun
Under pressure
Hey everyone
Attention everyone
Our work here is done
We have completed our task
We out
We are leaving now
You gonna come?
Are you going to join us?
Contributed by Caroline T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexia5692
His space crowds out your space, your space
His space crowds out hers
Bumping shoulders
Cough and sniff
But no one says hello
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
My heart beats like yours does, hers does
My heart keeps good time
And every day I mind the gap between you and me
Here comes someone else to share the air we breathe
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Reach out for anyone
And they will tell you get outta here
I'm asking everyone
You gotta help me get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Meanwhile
Under the gun
Hey everyone
Our work here is done
We out
You gonna come?
Hey everyone
Our work here is done
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
Reach out for anyone
And they will tell you get out of here
I'm asking everyone
You gotta help me get out of here
Excuse me while I run
I really gotta get out of here
@panicattheneighboorhoodthi9463
This band will be our little secret until it gets the fame it deserves
@dominiquesmith9851
ur name is lit
@Bambale178
I just found out about them, I feel like my whole life was a lie
@rainbows8731
@@Bambale178 same
@jhoonggi1252
Its sad.. its been 3 years... they still haven’t rose up top
@staleybuckleyhoonccweiland6880
Julie Legaspi They’re on my top list , as long as we don’t give up them ! They are climbing sometimes it takes some long than others!! Their fans have to help promote also!
@grandassassin24
That falsetto is one of the best in the world right now. What a song and band. Amazing.
@demetra1728
After matt bellamy😂
@grandassassin24
Each to their own, I prefer Connor personally
@demetra1728
I'm kidding