In 1990, Coomes, Weiss, and Brad Pedinov formed the band Motorgoat. The band released two self-released cassettes and one 7" single before dissolving in 1993. Quasi started recording as a duo in 1993. They played with various additional musicians in early live appearances, but eventually settled on playing live as a duo as well. They self-recorded and self-released a cassette and a CD in 1993. They recorded R&B Transmogrification in the Portland band Pond's basement recording studio and released it on Up Records in 1997. They released two more albums with Up: Featuring "Birds" in 1998 and Field Studies in 1999; both albums were recorded at Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon.
In 1998 and 1999 they toured the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan opening for and serving as the backup band for Elliott Smith (who Coomes had played with in Heatmiser) as well as touring on their own in the U.S. and Europe. In 2001 They home-recorded The Sword of God and released it on Touch & Go. Quasi had been somewhat political since its inception, but their opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq showed through in a straight-forward way with the release of Hot Shit! in 2003, particularly in the songs "White Devil's Dream" and "Master and Dog." When the Going Gets Dark followed in 2006, released on Touch & Go in the U.S. and Domino Records in Europe, as with Hot Shit!.
In Spring 2009, the band announced that they had signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, and were due to release their already recorded next album in the latter half of the year. That album, entitled American Gong, was released February 23, 2010 to generally favorable reviews. It was their first and only album to feature third member Joanna Bolme. Following a tour of Japan, Europe, and the United States in support of the full length, Bolme left the band. A duo again, Sam and Janet are recording material for a new album.
Little Lord Fontleroy
Quasi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know it's never quite right.
We bend over backwards for you;
& that's the least we could do
For the spoiled little boy -
Little Lord Fontleroy.
& the tea is on the silver tray;
Wolfhounds in the sculpture garden
The butler begs your pardon.
& you're all alone on your velvet throne - ohhh...
But me & me & me -
That's as far as you see.
I know what it's like to be like you,
Because I'm a lot like that, too.
A spoiled little boy -
Little Lord Fontleroy.
The lyrics to Quasi's "Little Lord Fontleroy" revolve around the idea of being privileged and entitled. The song speaks of a person who is treated like a prince or a princess, but who is never happy or satisfied, always finding something to complain about. The opening question, "how is His Highness tonight?", is a sarcastic statement of how much attention and pampering is given to this person. The song's narrator suggests that they bend over backwards to please this individual, but it is never enough.
The song's title, "Little Lord Fontleroy", is a nod to the 1886 children's novel of the same name, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The novel tells the story of a young boy named Cedric who discovers he is the heir to an English earldom, and who is subsequently thrust into the upper echelons of society. The name "Fontleroy" became a shorthand for an entitled or pampered child, and Quasi's use of the name in the song plays into that idea.
Overall, the song is a commentary on privilege and entitlement, and how having everything you want doesn't necessarily make you happy. The singer suggests that they understand what it's like to be in this person's shoes, because they too are "spoiled little boys" and can relate to the feeling of never being satisfied.
Line by Line Meaning
& how is His Highness tonight?
Asking about the well-being of the person who thinks they're royalty.
You know it's never quite right.
Regardless of how hard we try, we can never satisfy your highness.
We bend over backwards for you;
We continuously strive to cater to your every whim.
& that's the least we could do
Our efforts to please you, however, are still not enough.
For the spoiled little boy -
A reference to the arrogant, entitled behavior of the person being addressed.
Little Lord Fontleroy.
A nickname for the self-proclaimed royalty being mocked.
& the tea is on the silver tray;
An example of the luxurious treatment given to the entitled person, such as having tea served in an ornate manner.
Wolfhounds in the sculpture garden
The presence of vicious guard dogs indicates the heightened security measures taken to protect the important person.
The maid has gone away,
Even the maid has fled from the demanding attitude of the entitled person.
The butler begs your pardon.
The butler attempts to apologize for any mistakes or shortcomings in his service to the important person.
& you're all alone on your velvet throne - ohhh...
Although surrounded by high-class amenities, the important person is ultimately lonely.
But me & me & me -
The artist is emphasizing the obsession with self-centeredness held by the entitled person.
That's as far as you see.
The entitled person lacks empathy for others and is only concerned with their own needs and wants.
I know what it's like to be like you,
The singer has had similar experiences with being entitled and self-centered.
Because I'm a lot like that, too.
The singer is acknowledging their own privileged behavior in the past or present.
A spoiled little boy -
Another reference to the childish behavior of the entitled person being addressed.
Little Lord Fontleroy.
Repeating the mocking nickname for the entitled person.
Contributed by Hailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.