Heather and Ciara met at BIMM Institute and formed the band Creek in 2013 with guitarist Ben Bateman and bassist Ryan Marsden. Their song “Lust” gained local popularity and received radio airplay, leading to a number of local gigs. In 2014, band changed its name to Pale Waves and Hugo and Charlie joined soon after, in 2015. Heather has said that the band name comes from the title of a painting owned by her grandmother.
They were signed to record label Dirty Hit in 2016 and their first two singles, 2017's "There's a Honey" and "Television Romance", were produced by Matthew Healy of labelmates The 1975. Their first EP, All the Things I Never Said, was released in February 2018. In September 2018, they released their debut album My Mind Makes Noises.
Early in 2019, the band shared plans to release an EP that year, but decided later to focus on their second album. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—as well as the decision to approach the new album with a different stylistic direction inspired by the music of the 1990s and 2000s—delayed the production and release of new music until late 2020.
The band’s second album, Who Am I?, was released on February 12, 2021, preceded by the single "Change”, which was released on November 10, 2020. It debuted at #3 on the UK Albums Chart.
Unwanted, Pale Waves' third album, was released on August 12, 2022. The album represents yet another stylistic leap for the band, this time adding pop punk influences to their evolving sound.
Karl
Pale Waves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When my dad sat me down, and told me you'd left me
I never listened when they called you crazy
I see so much of you in me lately
I wrote a song for you
And it's called "Hide + Seek"
You never heard it but I, I got it tattooed on me
Smoking away, beautifully unaware
I wonder what it's like to die?
Sometimes you cross my mind
Well that's a fucking lie
'Cause you're on my mind all of the time
I wonder what it's like to die?
Got in the taxi after my London show
And your favourite song came on the radio
I cried a little, then I stopped
Oh, you know I can't hide it
I miss you so much
It was Christmas day when my mum found you
She puts on a brave face, but I can see right through
But your mind was beautiful, unusual, so loveable
But you were beautiful, unusual, so loveable
I wonder what it's like to die?
Sometimes you cross my mind
Well that's a fucking lie
'Cause you're on my mind all of the time
I wonder, what it's like to die?
The lyrics of Pale Waves’ song “Karl” are a heartfelt tribute to a loved one who has passed away. The song tells the story of the singer’s brother, who died when she was just fourteen years old. The pain and grief of losing someone close are felt strongly in the lines “I wonder what it's like to die? Sometimes you cross my mind. Well that's a fucking lie. 'Cause you're on my mind all of the time”. The song's title, “Karl,” is the name of the late brother.
The lyrics also explore the aftermath of losing someone and how it affects the people left behind. The singer acknowledges that her brother struggled with mental health issues and how this affected their relationship. However, despite this struggle, she sees parts of herself reflected in him, which creates a sense of connection between the two. The line “And I'd love to see you sitting in your chair, smoking away, beautifully unaware” conjures up an image of the brother living free of the pain and struggles that haunted him in life. The song ends on a note of love and acceptance, as the singer acknowledges her brother's beauty, uniqueness, and lovability, even in the face of his difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
I was fourteen, my brother was twenty
When I was a teenager and my brother was a young adult, our father told me that you had passed away.
I never listened when they called you crazy
I disregarded others' opinions when they said you were unstable.
I see so much of you in me lately
Lately, I am recognizing many of your traits in my own personality.
I wrote a song for you
I created a piece of music in your memory.
And it's called "Hide + Seek"
It is titled "Hide and Seek".
You never heard it but I, I got it tattooed on me
You never had the chance to listen to it, but I tattooed the title on my body as a tribute to you.
And I'd love to see you sitting in your chair
I imagine what it would be like to have you with me again, smoking in your favorite chair.
Smoking away, beautifully unaware
I picture you smoking and totally oblivious to the world around you, and it's a beautiful image to me.
I wonder what it's like to die?
I often think about what it would be like to experience the end of life.
Sometimes you cross my mind
Occasionally you come to my thoughts.
Well that's a fucking lie
Actually, that's not true at all.
'Cause you're on my mind all of the time
In reality, you are always at the forefront of my mind.
Got in the taxi after my London show
After performing in London, I took a taxi somewhere.
And your favourite song came on the radio
During the ride, I heard a song that you particularly enjoyed.
I cried a little, then I stopped
I felt emotional and teared up a bit, but then I composed myself.
Oh, you know I can't hide it
But I cannot completely conceal my feelings.
I miss you so much
I yearn for your presence and wish you were still with us.
It was Christmas day when my mum found you
You were discovered by my mother on Christmas Day.
She puts on a brave face, but I can see right through
My mother tries to appear resilient, but I know how much she is hurting.
But your mind was beautiful, unusual, so loveable
Your mind was remarkable, unique, and absolutely endearing to me.
But you were beautiful, unusual, so loveable
You as a whole were stunning, remarkable, and incredibly endearing to me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ciara Louise Doran, Heather Patricia Baron-Gracie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind