In mid-2011, Jordan White and Patrick Holcombe took to the Workers Club with a bunch of songs and friends to launch the newly formed project Playwrite. With nothing but some home-made recordings, handmade felt pendants and a heap of excitement they sold out 3 Monday nights. Playwrite immediately struck a chord with audiences and industry alike which earnt them the support slot for Wild Beasts (UK) within 2 weeks of the bands existence.
“They’ve only played a handful of gigs, but those in the know in Melbourne can’t help talking about them. They’re buzzing faster than a junkie on Smith Street. Think TV On The Radio, Yeasayer, Maps & Atlases. Soundscapes drifting off in to the ether, insistent choruses, waves of soothing white noise. Check ’em out.”
-Get Notorious Magazine
Playwrite create a live show that engulfs the audience and pulls them into their world. The band fill the stage with giant levitating orbs of light, live video projections and a forest that spills out into the room. With contagious physical energy and a boundless sense of joy, Playwrite will drag you head-first into their world of driving beats, ragged mountains, sweeping harmonies and lost boys.
They continue to pack out venues with word spreading about their captivating live shows and songs. Due to popular demand they were asked back to the Workers Club last November, where they launched their self-titled EP to five sold out shows. Playwrite ended 2011 with a packed Boxing Day show at the Toff in Town and returned in February for a hugely successful residency followed by a string of anticipated east coast dates. Playwrite released the single ‘Borderline’ in May and followed it up with the release of their second ep ‘Assembly’. Playwrite are currently doing pre-production for their debut album to be released in late 2013.
“Touches of folk, rock, electro and hip-hop came to a beautiful confluence to create accessible, albeit thought-provoking, pop… The crowd were left simply to look on in awe. Perhaps, this was the one hole in what was otherwise a perfect performance: the alienating brilliance.”
– Vulture Magazine
borderline
Playwrite Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's hanging on the Borderline
We got something that you can't deny
Everybody's thinking about the bottom line.
Everybody's talking and I don't know why
Everybody's hanging on the Borderline
We got something that you can't deny
Everybody's thinking about the bottom line.
You gave that back to me, you gave that back to me.
There, there's no stopping us, nothing strong enough to take you from me now.
Everybody's running and I don't know why,
Don't go running in the summertime
We got something that you can't deny
Everybody's thinking about the bottom line.
We been pushing against the wall, everybody told us that we'd be alright. There aint nothing that scares you more than when we go running on our own advice.
I am the happiest boy in the world,
You gave that back to me, you gave that back to me.
There, there's no stopping us, nothing strong enough to take you from me now.
I am the bird, the river, and all those talking in cirlcles in hope of finding the food in your fallow.
If you're so worried now, you haven't seen the ground we're now running on.
I am the happiest boy in the world,
You gave that back to me, you gave that back to me.
There, there's no stopping us, nothing strong enough to take you from me now.
The song "Borderline" by Playwrite speaks about a certain sense of uncertainty and apprehension among the people, while also acknowledging the presence of an indestructible something or someone that binds them all. The singer points out that everyone is talking and running, but they don't know why, and they hang on the "borderline" - the point of departure from their comfort zone. The reference to the "bottom line" brings in the notion of monetary gain or materialistic progress, which seems to be the priority of the people.
The song also conveys a sense of contentment and fulfillment as the singer states that he is the happiest boy in the world, and he attributes it to someone who has given it back to him. The love and support of this person has instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance in him, and he believes that nothing can stop them now. The lines, "I am the bird, the river, and all those talking in circles in hope of finding the food in your fallow" could symbolize the singer's identity, as he seems to identify himself with the natural flow and process of things, unlike those who only look for materialistic benefits.
Overall, the song seems to speak about the conflict between the human desire for progress and the need for emotional fulfillment and true happiness. It also touches upon the idea that love and support from someone can change one's perspective and give them the strength to face their fears.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talking and I don't know why
People are constantly talking about something, but I have no understanding of what the topic is.
Everybody's hanging on the Borderline
Everyone is balancing on the edge of something, unsure of whether to cross over or stay put.
We got something that you can't deny
There is an undeniable connection or bond between us.
Everybody's thinking about the bottom line.
People are only concerned with the end goal and the financial gain it will bring.
I am the happiest boy in the world, You gave that back to me, you gave that back to me.
You have brought immense joy and happiness into my life, and I cannot thank you enough for it.
There, there's no stopping us, nothing strong enough to take you from me now.
Our bond and connection is unbreakable, and nothing can come between us.
Everybody's running and I don't know why, Don't go running in the summertime
People are rushing and hurrying for unclear reasons, but it's important to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
We been pushing against the wall, everybody told us that we'd be alright. There aint nothing that scares you more than when we go running on our own advice.
We've been facing obstacles and challenges, but despite others telling us we'll be okay, it's frightening to rely solely on our own decisions.
I am the bird, the river, and all those talking in circles in hope of finding the food in your fallow.
I am a force of nature, freely flowing like a bird or river, while others search in circles for sustenance in your absence.
If you're so worried now, you haven't seen the ground we're now running on.
If you're concerned about our current situation, you don't understand the solid foundation we've built together to move forward.
Contributed by Harper S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.