He began experimenting with sound and four-track recording at the age of 11, eventually building an arsenal of instruments that included junk-shop organs and a home-built theremin. At the age of 14 he joined the pop-art collective Minty, a venture that caught the eyes and ears of Fat Cat Records, which went on to supply the youth with a computer and mixing tools for aid in his newfound audio experimentation. He left home at the age of 16 and formed Maison Crimineaux with his friend Fanny, which eventually found its way to France where the noisy duo played a show attended by electronic maestro Kristian Robinson (aka Capitol K), who went on to release Wolf's lauded 2003 debut. With Lycanthropy reaching number 39 in the NME's top LPs of the year, as well as receiving critical acclaim throughout Europe and America, Wolf decided to study composition at the Trinity College Music Conservatoire.
The results of that endeavor can be heard on his 2005 release Wind in the Wires, a dark collection of moody British folk and chamber pop with a chilly laptop sheen.
Wolf released his third album, and the first on a major label, The Magic Position, in February 2007. A concept album on the theme of love, the majority of it was written after the end of a long term intimate relationship. It featured collaborations with Marianne Faithfull and Edward Larrikin of Larrikin Love.
His fourth album, The Bachelor, was originally supposed to be part of a double album called Battle (the other disc was to be called The Conqueror). It was released on 1 June 2009. Guest musicians included Atari Teenage Riot's Alec Empire, actress Tilda Swinton, folk musician Eliza Carthy and avant-garde electronic pioneer Matthew Herbert.
Wolf's fifth album, Lupercalia, was released on 20 June 2011 by Hideout, a subsidiary of Mercury Records. Songfacts explains that the album title refers to the fertility and love festival which the ancient Romans celebrated between February 13-15 (the predecessor to Valentine's Day).
His latest release is a double album entitled Sundark and Riverlight, celebrating Wolf's 10 years as a recording artist. The album features acoustic re-recordings of songs from throughout his career, as well as previously unheard tracks.
Battle
Patrick Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Battle means victory
Back up, back up in New York
Back up for equal rights
Battle, battle, battle, battle
Back up all your liberties
Battle, battle, battle, battle
It's your time so join the tribe
It's our time for some victor
I lay here untied
Fight, ride
Lest they be certain of their heirloom ?
Then battle the conservative, battle for your
Battle, battle, battle, battle
Battle the homophobe, battle for that war
Battle, battle, battle, battle
It's your time to join the tribe
It's our time for some victor
Reigning victor, your victor
Fight, an activist
Drive, an optimism fight
Fight, battle, battle, battle, battle
Battle, battle, battle, battle
Drive, it's your time, victory
Since I was twelve and me versus the world
Got so sick of being told my identity was a minority
I would not try but you've got a battle
And it's our time
Did you know it's time to get some
Get some victory?
Yes, it's time for some victor
Yeah me, oh yeah me, yeah
Battle, battle, battle, battle
Victory, this is our battle
The song "Battle" by Patrick Wolf is a call to action for the listener to stand up and fight for their rights and freedoms. The lyrics urge the listener to back up their liberties and join a tribe fighting for victory. The repetition of the word "battle" emphasizes the need for action and conveys the idea that fighting for what you believe in is crucial.
The first verse begins by evoking the spirit of New York, a place known for its activism and progressiveness. The lyrics implore the listener to back up equal rights and to stay fighting all night. The second verse takes a more general approach, urging the listener to battle conservative and homophobic attitudes. The chorus is an invitation to join the fight, declaring that it's time to get some victory.
The final verse is more personal, with Patrick Wolf reflecting on his own journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with his identity. He acknowledges the difficulty of feeling like a minority, but encourages the listener to fight back and find their own victory.
Overall, "Battle" is a passionate and empowering anthem that inspires the listener to take action and fight for what they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
Drive
The song is a call to action, urging people to be proactive and drive towards their goals.
Back up, back up in New York
The song acknowledges the importance of the fight for equal rights, particularly in New York City, one of the epicenters for gay rights activism.
Back up all your liberties
The song urges people to defend their freedoms and not take them for granted.
It's your time so join the tribe
The song encourages people to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who share their values and are fighting for the same things.
Lest they be certain of their heirloom ?
This line is unclear and could be interpreted in different ways. It's possible that it refers to people who assume that their inheritance (whether it be material or cultural) is guaranteed and don't fight for it.
Then battle the conservative, battle for your
The song urges people to fight against conservatism and regressive attitudes, and to fight for their own rights and values.
Battle the homophobe, battle for that war
The song specifically calls out homophobia and encourages people to fight against it.
I lay here untied
This line is unclear and could have multiple interpretations. It may refer to feeling free and unencumbered, or it could be a reference to bondage and breaking free from it.
Fight, ride
This is a call to action, urging people to fight for what they believe in and persevere through adversity.
It's our time for some victor
The song calls out for victory over oppression and injustice.
Reigning victor, your victor
The line uses repetition for emphasis and encourages people to claim their own victories and take ownership of them.
Drive, an optimism fight
The song uses driving as a metaphor for optimism and encourages people to fight with positivity and hope.
Since I was twelve and me versus the world
This line reflects the personal experience of the artist, who has been fighting for equality since his teenage years.
Got so sick of being told my identity was a minority
The artist is frustrated with being marginalized and being made to feel like his identity is a disadvantage.
Did you know it's time to get some
The song is a call to action, urging people to take advantage of the moment and fight for what they believe in.
Yes, it's time for some victor
The song encourages people to fight for victory over oppression and injustice.
Battle, battle, battle, battle
Repetition for emphasis, urging people to keep fighting.
Victory, this is our battle
The song encourages people to see the fight for equality as a collective battle, and to work together towards victory.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALEC EMPIRE, ALEXANDER WILKE, PATRICK WOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind