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.
SCUM
Rat boy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tryna express themselves with no real plans
Segways in alleyways, suffering in my own mind
S-C-U-M, the used and abused
Cold comes in through your smashed windows
Leaving damp on the walls next to your pillows
Never had much but you appreciate things better
Ripping roaches out of the eviction letter
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scum
Well, there's fear when you drive off with a tear
Leaving gravel scattered near
Like you might disappear
Leaving things left unclear
I wish you'd really hear me out
Instead of storming about
Grabbing keys
Baby, please don't leave
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me again
We always say the most hurtful things
But never, never know why
And I'm not sure that it's true, but
It can't be no lie
You want the last word
And so do I
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me again
Dange
Dange
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me
S-C-U-M
Stealing cars under masks
S-C-U-M
Scummy cunts are using me again
In the song "SCUM" by RAT BOY, the lyrics paint a picture of a gritty and underground world filled with rebellious young kids looking for ways to express themselves. The opening lines depict these kids hopping gates in public parks, trying to find their own identity and purpose without any clear direction. The use of a Segway in alleyways suggests a sense of alienation and feeling trapped in their own minds. The acronym "S-C-U-M" represents the used and abused, reflecting the sense of being marginalized and taken advantage of.
The lyrics also touch upon the hardships faced by those living in challenging circumstances. The reference to smashed windows and damp walls next to pillows suggests a run-down living situation. Despite not having much, the singer appreciates the little they have. The line about ripping roaches out of the eviction letter indicates a struggle to survive and make ends meet.
The repeated chorus emphasizes the theme of stealing cars under masks, which could symbolize rebellion and an attempt to escape from the constraints of society. The term "scummy c*nts" might refer to those who manipulate and take advantage of the singer. The plea for a loved one not to leave suggests a desire for connection and stability in an unstable environment.
Overall, "SCUM" delves into the struggles of youth trying to find their place in a harsh world and the resilience they demonstrate in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Kids hopping gates in public park gangs
Youngsters rebelliously trespassing in groups in public parks
Tryna express themselves with no real plans
Attempting to convey their emotions without any clear direction
Segways in alleyways, suffering in my own mind
Navigating through dark paths, enduring internal torment
S-C-U-M, the used and abused
Identifying oneself as an individual oppressed and mistreated
Cold comes in through your smashed windows
Chill seeps in from broken windows
Leaving damp on the walls next to your pillows
Causing moisture on the walls near your sleeping area
Never had much but you appreciate things better
Despite lacking material possessions, you have a deeper appreciation for what you do have
Ripping roaches out of the eviction letter
Removing cockroaches from a notice of eviction
Stealing cars under masks
Committing vehicle theft while concealing identities
Scummy cunts are using me
Untrustworthy individuals are manipulating and taking advantage of me
Well, there's fear when you drive off with a tear
There is anxiety when you leave with sadness
Leaving gravel scattered near
Leaving a trail of scattered stones
Like you might disappear
As if you could vanish
Leaving things left unclear
Leaving matters unresolved
I wish you'd really hear me out
I desire for you to truly listen to me
Instead of storming about
Rather than angrily storming around
Grabbing keys
Taking hold of car keys
Baby, please don't leave
Darling, I beg you not to go
We always say the most hurtful things
We consistently utter the most painful words
But never, never know why
Yet, we never truly understand why
And I'm not sure that it's true, but
Although I'm uncertain if it is accurate, but
It can't be no lie
It surely cannot be a falsehood
You want the last word
You desire to have the final say
And so do I
And so do I
Dange
Danger
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JORDAN CARDY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind