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.
You're So Vain
Pale Waves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, I'm gonna bring, I'm gonna bring you down
I tried my best to bite my tongue
But I listened to your shit for far too long
Your ignorance makes me wanna vomit
You'll get what you deserve, baby, I promise
Everybody knows and they can all tell
You're so vain, yeah
I'm in pain
When you open up your narcissistic mouth
All you do is let me down
'Cause you're so vain, yeah
You think you're always right and you think that you're perfect
But putting up with you was never ever worth it
I think you're mistaken 'cause you can't see
You're blinded by your own vanity
You take what you need and you don't give back
'Cause I guess your mother never really taught you that
The world it doesn't spin with you on top
You think it's all about you when it's really not
You're so vain, yeah
I'm in pain
When you open up your narcissistic mouth
All you do is let me down
'Cause you're so vain, yeah
You're so vain, yeah
I'm in pain
When you open up your narcissistic mouth
All you do is let me down
'Cause you're so vain, yeah
The lyrics of Pale Waves' song "You're So Vain" convey a sense of frustration and disappointment towards a self-absorbed and narcissistic individual. The singer asserts their own worth and superiority, labeling themselves as a princess who deserves their crown. They express a desire to bring this person down after enduring their toxic behavior for too long.
The opening lines of the song, "I'm a princess, so gimme my crown, Yeah, I'm gonna bring, I'm gonna bring you down," establish the singer's confidence and determination to confront this vain individual. They have made an effort to restrain themselves and avoid confrontation, but now they can no longer tolerate listening to this person's lies and self-centeredness.
The singer describes how the individual's ignorance and self-importance make them nauseous. They promise that this person will get what they deserve, insinuating some kind of comeuppance for their behavior. The lyrics reveal that others are aware of their vanity and self-absorption, leading to the suggestion that this person would even marry themselves if they could.
The chorus repeats the refrain "You're so vain, yeah, I'm in pain" which emphasizes the emotional toll this person's actions have taken on the singer. The self-absorbed individual always believes they are right and perfect, but the singer firmly believes that dealing with them was never worth it. The final lines convey the message that the world doesn't revolve around this person, although they seem to think otherwise.
Overall, "You're So Vain" serves as an anthem for those who have dealt with and are fed up with individuals who exhibit extreme self-centeredness and a lack of empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a princess, so gimme my crown
I believe I am entitled to be treated like royalty, so I expect to be recognized as such.
Yeah, I'm gonna bring, I'm gonna bring you down
I am determined to expose your faults and bring you to a lower status.
I tried my best to bite my tongue
I made an effort to restrain myself from speaking up or expressing my true thoughts.
But I listened to your shit for far too long
I endured listening to your nonsense and negativity for an extended period of time.
Your ignorance makes me wanna vomit
Your lack of knowledge and understanding disgusts me to the point of feeling physically ill.
You'll get what you deserve, baby, I promise
You will eventually receive the consequences or outcome that you rightfully deserve, I assure you.
Everybody knows and they can all tell
It is widely recognized and evident to everyone.
That if you could you'd go and marry yourself
If it were possible, you would marry yourself due to your extreme self-centeredness.
You think you're always right and you think that you're perfect
You have the belief that you are never wrong and that you possess flawless qualities.
But putting up with you was never ever worth it
Enduring and tolerating your presence was never justified or beneficial in any way.
I think you're mistaken 'cause you can't see
In my opinion, you are mistaken because you fail to perceive and understand the reality of the situation.
You're blinded by your own vanity
Your excessive pride and self-admiration prevent you from seeing the truth.
You take what you need and you don't give back
You selfishly only take what benefits you without showing any willingness to reciprocate or give in return.
'Cause I guess your mother never really taught you that
I assume that your upbringing lacked proper teaching from your mother regarding the importance of generosity and consideration for others.
The world it doesn't spin with you on top
The world does not revolve around you or cater to your desires and needs.
You think it's all about you when it's really not
You mistakenly believe that everything revolves around you, when in reality, it does not.
You're so vain, yeah
You are excessively self-centered and narcissistic.
I'm in pain
Your behavior and attitude cause me emotional distress and suffering.
When you open up your narcissistic mouth
Whenever you speak with your self-absorbed nature and mindset.
All you do is let me down
Your words and actions consistently disappoint and betray my expectations.
'Cause you're so vain, yeah
It is due to your excessive self-centeredness and ego.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Fulk, Heather Baron-Gracie, Kelsi Luck, Zachary Cervini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Geof Currie
This band is so fricken underrated it’s absolutely amazing!!!!
Moonlight At Midnight
this deserves to be in a movie or tv soundtrack
Julias Cesar
I remember back in 2015 when Pale Waves released a Demo tape with a chiller version of Heavenly. Then they went quiet for a few years until one day I opened Instagram after the C19 pandemic and BAM they were back and ready in full blast. Honestly gives me true punk girl rock vibes like Avril Lavigne! Can’t wait to see Pale Waves in 🇨🇦 Canada someday!
Hyper Demise
Perfect song to listen to while going on a power trip
HALLVCAS
vampire cheerleaders vibes 🖤⚰️
Michael Pout
Deffo
Ryan Cole
Oooo... This song is interesting. It seems to lead you down certain roads of style before jerking you back and down a whole nother road. Very crunchy, nice hook. Love it.
Jonathan Finnegan
So special and fun can't wait to see you pale waves
lady afros
I really love thiiiiis bannnnd
They are so special 🤧
Maxi Ardolino
woowww!!! amazing!!!!!! love these new sounds