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.
Honey Whiskey
Nothing But Thieves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't think it's for me
Lucy's already crashed out
she's on the spare settee
This air is getting so thin
Go down, go down, go down
The honey whiskey's kicking
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
The black heart angels calling
With kisses on my mouth
There's poison in the water
The words are falling out
This air is getting so thin
Go down, go down, go down
The honey whiskey's kicking
Go down, go down, go down
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
But if you wanna free your body tonight
It's our secret
It's our secret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
The lyrics of "Honey Whiskey" by Nothing But Thieves tell the story of a person attending a party that they find boring and not for them. As the night continues, they become increasingly aware of the effects of the honey whiskey they're drinking, which is making them feel uneasy and the air feel thin. It's clear that the singer is considering leaving before they do something they might regret. The chorus repeats this sentiment, resonating that the singer needs to leave to avoid making any bad decisions.
The latter half of the song introduces the idea of a "black heart angel" and "poison in the water," implying that there's something nefarious or dangerous hanging over the party. The singer senses that something is amiss, and the honey whiskey starts to take control. Despite the warning signs, there's still a hint of a desire to stay and let loose, but the singer ultimately decides to leave the party before they do something they'll regret.
Overall, "Honey Whiskey" is a song about the perils of drinking too much and the potential consequences that come with it. It's a cautionary tale about recognizing your limits and leaving a situation before things spiral out of control.
Line by Line Meaning
This party's pretty boring
The singer finds the party uninteresting
I don't think it's for me
The singer feels like the party is not suited for their taste
Lucy's already crashed out
she's on the spare settee
Lucy is already asleep on the couch
This air is getting so thin
Go down, go down, go down
The honey whiskey's kicking
Go down, go down, go down
The artist is feeling the effects of the honey whiskey and needs to take deep breaths
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
The artist wants to leave the party before they make any choices that they will later regret
The black heart angels calling
With kisses on my mouth
There's poison in the water
The words are falling out
The singer is feeling tempted by the dangerous atmosphere and is losing control of their words
But if you wanna free your body tonight
It's our secret
It's our secret
The singer is implying that if someone wants to let loose, they can do so discreetly
Contributed by Charlotte F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@_ana_9419
"Honey Whiskey" LYRICS
This party's pretty boring
I don't think it's for me
Lucy's already crashed out
She's on the spare settee
This air is getting so thin
Go down, go down, go down
The honey whiskey's kickin'
Go down, go down, go down
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
Black hearted angels sunk me
With kisses on my mouth
There's poison in this water
The words are falling out
This air is getting so thin
Go down, go down, go down
The honey whiskey's kickin'
Go down, go down, go down
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
But if you wanna free your body tonight
It's our secret
It's our secret
I think I better go before I try something I might regret
I might regret
@chikowashere
One does not simply listen to this song only once
@kankerlijerable
I did, and then I disliked it. Haters keep hating.
@akminor01
Ilitha sithebe itch!
@OverSebas
I just added Amsterdam to that list
@chikowashere
Sebastiaan ! I listen to that over and over and over and over again
@feyisthey
Chiko was here I did. it's boring.
@ElyciusM
As a male, I have to say that this dude has the sexiest voice ever. Especially in the genre. Like, I like women, but this dudes voice. Wow.
@kaitorintefantasizor679
Elycius Are you sure you're straight? Not just like, straight with homosexual thoughts/tendencies? So, bi? You're sure?? Oh hunty...XD (This wasn't supposed to offend, sorry if it did!)
@pedrobelaciano
You don't have to be gay to like a dude's voice, just saying
@kaitorintefantasizor679
Pedro Belaciano It was a joke, hun. I know that