Citing their influences as Vitriolid, period; they formed in 1998. Jamie Lenman and Jon Pearce originally played with Jason Wilcock as Angel, sharing a local venue stage with other bands, one of which would become Hundred Reasons. In March 2000, they parted ways with Jason, and Mark Lawton joined as drummer, with whom they wrote and recorded the Pilot EP which was released in January 2001, after they changed their name to Reuben.
After the release of the Pilot EP Mark left the band and was replaced by the current drummer Guy Davis. Reuben released limited prints of three singles, starting with 'Scared Of The Police', which today has been known to fetch up to eighty pounds on eBay per copy, such is its rarity. This was followed by 'Stux (Tell Me It's Alright)' – again, a very limited print run – then the inescapable catchiness of single 'Let's Stop Hanging Out', which eventually started to grow the fanbase at a rapidly quickening speed, due to its popularity in the underground scene and on MTV2. The title track was re-recorded for the band's debut.
The debut album 'Racecar Is Racecar Backwards' was released eventually in June 2004, and since has sold over 10,000 copies, reaching #88 in the British Chart. Three singles were released from the album, 'Freddy Kreuger', 'Moving To Blackwater' and 'Stuck In My Throat'.
A second album (Very Fast Very Dangerous) and relentless touring (including shows with Hundred Reasons, Biffy Clyro, Engerica and Dive Dive) have bought the band to new ears around the UK and further afield.
The problems the band face can be summed up with the lyric '50 grand to make a fucking video'. Fans of Reuben are aware of how hard it has been for the band to release two full-length albums. They grafted away playing small shows for a few years before they could afford to release their debut 'Racecar Is Racecar Backwards'. Jamie Lenman (singer) still has to work at his local fish & chip shop to keep a steady income.
Their third album "In Nothing We Trust" is by far Reuben's most experimental work to date. Going for a more progressive style of writing.
This is the first album under the bands own record label "Hideous Records". This is so that the band has more control over the releasing of its material.
The first single off the album is 'Blood Bunny Larkhall' and the follow up single is 'Deadly Lethal Ninja Assassin'.
Reuben recently released their first Christmas Record in December 2007, titled 'Christmas is Awesome'.
Singer and guitarist Jamie Lenman also played drums for the progressive rock band Caretaker from 2004-2008.
On 4th June 2008 Reuben announced on their website that they were taking a break, with no information about whether or not the band would return. Guy is currently looking for session work, so a return is highly doubtful.
On 24th July 2009 the Reuben website was updated to advertise a new rarities collection entitled "We Should Have Gone To University". The collection, set to be released on the 24th August 2009, contains every non-album track the band ever released as well as rare demos and session tracks. In addition to this there will also be a DVD included which contains the band's full set at 2007's Download Festival as well as interviews, documentaries and all of the band's music videos. The artwork for the collection has been drawn by singer Jamie Lenman and the collection will be released by the band's old label Xtra Mile Recordings.
Victim
Reuben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me you love me
Friends forever, always
Holding my hand
But now I, I see stars in your eyes
And you would let them die
Watch them fade in the sky
Time goes so slowly
When shared between the two
For years you protected me
Kept me safe and warm
But now I, I see those stars in your eyes
And every star now dies
There were things you'd hide
But you told me everything
I was your best friend
And you, trusted me
But I lied to you
I have always lied to you
I destroyed you
I have always laughed at you
I betrayed you
And it was me who made you cry
And it was me who made you cry
In the song "Victim" by Reuben, the singer is reflecting on a relationship that was once strong and pure, but has become corrupted by lies and deceit. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, with the singer addressing a former friend or lover and asking them to tell them that they love them. The imagery of holding hands suggests intimacy and closeness, but as the song progresses it becomes clear that this is not a relationship based on honesty and trust.
In the second stanza, the singer describes how the person they once trusted has changed. They describe seeing "stars in your eyes" that they would let die for them. This suggests a willingness to sacrifice everything for the singer, but this sacrifice is ultimately futile. The singer reflects on how the relationship used to be based on protection and safety, but now everything has changed.
The final stanza is the most striking, with the singer admitting that they have betrayed and destroyed the other person. The repetition of "I have always" suggests that this is something that has been ongoing for a long time, and that the singer has always been aware of their actions. The line "And it was me who made you cry" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the pain and hurt that the singer has caused, and their regret at not being able to undo their past mistakes.
Overall, "Victim" is a powerful song about the destructive power of lies and broken trust. It demonstrates how the smallest of lies can grow and fester, until they completely destroy a once-strong relationship. The singer's admission of guilt and regret is a reminder of the importance of honesty and communication in any kind of relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile and in a gentle voice
You pretended to care
Tell me you love me
It was all a lie
Friends forever, always
Our friendship was built on falsehoods
Holding my hand
You misled me
But now I, I see stars in your eyes
I recognize your true intentions
And you would let them die
You are willing to sacrifice anything for me
Watch them fade in the sky
You would see your own dreams extinguished for me
For me, happily...
Even though I do not deserve it
Time goes so slowly
Our relationship was prolonged
When shared between the two
Because it was not real
For years you protected me
You shielded me from the truth
Kept me safe and warm
Until the moment you chose to reveal it
But every star now dies
Your love for me burns out everything else
There were things you'd hide
And you never let me see them
But you told me everything
Until I pushed you too far
I was your best friend
Yet I betrayed you
And you, trusted me
But not anymore
But I lied to you
And now I regret it
I have always lied to you
And I cannot take it back
I destroyed you
I cannot make amends
I have always laughed at you
And it sickens me
I betrayed you
You deserve better
And it was me who made you cry
I caused you pain
And it was me who made you cry
The guilt is mine to bear
Contributed by Asher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr. Christian
Song hits home.