He sent "The Mixtape" to various record companies and in response Drew McConnell (bassist for Babyshambles) arranged for Rat Boy to have a meeting with him, Cardy was subsequently signed to Parlophone in early 2015. In addition to this "The Mixtape" was featured in NME Magazine and played by radio stations including BBC Radio 1, Radio X and BBC Radio 6.
Rat Boy was added to the BBC Sound Of 2016 Longlist, an annual poll in which over 100 Music Specialists select artists they believe will be successful within the next 12 months. In December 2015, MTV released its Brand New for 2016, an annually released article and webseries containing artists to watch out for during the upcoming year. Rat Boy was shortlisted along with 10 other artists including Bonkaz, Jack Garratt and Rationale. He was also nominated for the Best New Artist 2016 by NME magazine, which he subsequently won, along with performing his single "Move" at the awards ceremony.
In April 2017, Cardy's song "Knock Knock" was sampled on Kendrick Lamar's song "Lust", taken from his fourth studio album, Damn. When he found out about the sample, he tweeted his appreciation for it.
On 11 August 2017 Rat Boy released his long-awaited debut album Scum. The album was initially released with 13 tracks, however a deluxe 25-track version was also released. The deluxe version included more than 15 minutes of skits, samples and interludes, as well as an extra song "Sad Sad" featuring fellow indie musician Mallory Merk. The album reached 15 in the uk album chart.
In December 2017, Cardy supported Liam Gallagher on his UK solo tour.
On 25 January 2019 Rat Boy released the studio album Internationally Unknown which was recorded in 2018.
Rat Boy featured on McFly's 2020 album, "Young Dumb Thrills" under a song of the same name.
DON'T HESITATE
Rat boy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're here right now so choose your fate
Dull, sparkin' chains around the neck
Next time keep your homie in check
It's a lesson, don't fuck around
You know it bodied but it won't be found
Young gun hustler made his moves
I ain't lying when I said I wasn't trying
Fucked up youth, said he wasn't dying
Snatch shotgun, I'm on the run
But you know I did it all for the fun
Slipped disk 'til my back goes stiff
Well, you know I did it just for the hell of it
Murder, murder on the news
Well, you know that much is true
Murder, murder on the news
Well, you know that much is
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
It's like that, bam, ratatattat
Kid got shot point blank in the back
All the homies said, "Well, he had it coming"
And only 14, that's a life for nothing
Bunch of roaches running through gutter
They're living longer lives than most of us fuckers
I hear shackles dumping in the back room
I hear the tackles coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Educated from the school of hard knocks
Snitches get stitches when you come from my block
Educated from the school of hard knocks
Snitches get stitches when you come from my block
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate, don't hesitate
The lyrics to RAT BOY's song Don't Hesitate are about living in a rough neighborhood where violence and crime are a part of life. The chorus tells the listener to not hesitate and to choose their fate as they are present at that moment. The first verse describes a scene of someone wearing chains around their neck and getting into trouble with their friend. It is a warning to not mess around or bad things will happen, and to keep your homies in check. The second verse tells the story of a young gun hustler who ended up dying while trying to rob someone. The singer admits that they were not trying to stop the violence and were attracted to the fun and excitement of it. The third verse talks about the reality of living in a rough neighborhood and how snitches will get in trouble, and violence is a part of life.
Overall, the message of the song is that violence and crime are not the answer, but it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and succumb to the brutality of the environment. The chorus reminds the listener that they have a choice in life, and they need to be aware of the path they are choosing.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
Make decisions without delay, don't hesitate to act.
We're here right now so choose your fate
The present moment is an opportunity to make a choice that will impact the future.
Dull, sparkin' chains around the neck
Symbolizes the oppressive forces that limit one's freedom and creativity.
Next time keep your homie in check
Take responsibility for the actions of those close to you and prevent them from making bad decisions.
It's a lesson, don't fuck around
Mistakes have consequences, and it's important to take life seriously.
You know it bodied but it won't be found
Although someone may have committed a crime, they may not be held accountable for it.
Young gun hustler made his moves
Describes a young person who is trying to succeed in life through any means necessary, even if it involves illegal activities.
Glock against the clock, have you heard the news?
Refers to the use of firearms as a symbol of power and control, and suggests that one's time is limited.
I ain't lying when I said I wasn't trying
Acknowledges that the artist may have made mistakes in the past, but is being truthful about not trying to deceive anyone in the present moment.
Fucked up youth, said he wasn't dying
Young people who may be struggling with challenges and difficulties in life, but are also resilient and refuse to give up.
Snatch shotgun, I'm on the run
Implies that the singer may have committed a crime and is now trying to escape punishment and avoid arrest.
But you know I did it all for the fun
People may engage in risky or dangerous behaviors because they find it thrilling or exciting.
Slipped disk 'til my back goes stiff
Physical pain and injury can have long-lasting effects on a person's quality of life.
Well, you know I did it just for the hell of it
People may do things that have no real benefit, but simply because they can or because it makes them feel good in the moment.
Murder, murder on the news
Society is often fixated on violent crimes and sensationalized news stories.
Well, you know that much is true
Acknowledges that the media is often biased and focuses on stories that will generate the most attention and revenue.
It's like that, bam, ratatattat
Describes a sudden and violent event, such as a shooting or other crime.
Kid got shot point blank in the back
Tells the story of a young person who was killed in a violent manner, likely by someone they knew or had contact with.
All the homies said, "Well, he had it coming"
Reflects the mindset of certain groups or individuals who justify violence or blame the victim for their own misfortunes.
And only 14, that's a life for nothing
Tragic loss of a young life, and questions the value and worth of a human being.
Bunch of roaches running through gutter
Dehumanizing language and imagery that suggests a lack of empathy and compassion for those who are struggling.
They're living longer lives than most of us fuckers
People who are living in adverse conditions may have a different perspective on life and may find meaning and purpose in ways that others may not understand or appreciate.
I hear shackles dumping in the back room
Oppressive forces and systems that seek to control and restrict individual freedom and autonomy.
I hear the tackles coming from the boys in blue
The police represent an authority that can be both protective and oppressive, and may be viewed differently depending on one's experiences and circumstances.
Educated from the school of hard knocks
Learning from life's challenges and obstacles, and gaining wisdom through adversity and hardship.
Snitches get stitches when you come from my block
Cultures and communities may have their own norms and values, which may differ from those in mainstream society.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARRY TODD, JOHN KING, JORDAN CARDY, LIAM HAYGARTH, NOAH BOOTH, TIM ARMSTRONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Not Official
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Judge by those chains around the neck
Next time keep your homie in check
It's a lesson, don't fuck around
You know a body where they won't be found
Young gun hustler made his moves
Glock against the clock, have you heard the news?
I ain't lying when I said I wasn't trying
Shotgun, I'm on the run
But you know I did it all for the fun
Slipped disk 'til my neck goes stiff
Well, you know I did it just for the hell of it
Murder, murder on the news
You know that much is true
Murder, murder on the news
You know that much is
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
It's like that
Bam, ratatattat
Kid got shot point blank in the back
All the homies said, "well they had it coming"
Only 14, that's a life for nothing
Roaches running through gutter
They're living longer lives than most of us fuckers
I hear shackles dumping in the back room
I hear the tackles coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Coming from the boys in blue
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Educated from the school of hard knocks
Snitches get stitches when you come from my block
Educated from the school of hard knocks
Snitches get stitches when you come from my block
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Don't hesitate, don't hesitate, don't hesitate
We're here right now so choose your fate
Nick Nannar
damn this new album is looking to be as great as the last one! all they need is a better marketing team and they could really be huge.
Jacob Casey
rat bopy was huge in 2015/16, dunno what happened, he was proper idol for all indie kids in my college
tom hudson
Meh kinda
Pablo Parma
Yes, but they are on Hellcat now, think about interrupters and how they grow the last years. I they are going to be huge, they are young jajjaa
jillian frances
ratboy is literally the definition of skater music hahah
bzd6988
Legit this just reminds me of playing Tony hawke
Xploding-Turtle
Ikr
Xcez Z
No one gets it and hope they'll do it for industrial haha
New Alternative 40 Chart
"Don't Hesitate" debuted at #35 on the New Alternative 40 Chart this week!
SwissMericanGuy
Early 2000s vibes... I dig it