Niblett grew up in Nottingham, England and chose her stage name in honour of Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, the protagonist in Harper Lee's 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. She studied music and performance art at college, and also expresses an interest in astrology—explaining the title of her 2005 LP Kidnapped by Neptune, she says, "Neptune is this planet that everyone has in their chart. But for me, where Neptune is right now and has been for the past two years has been affecting my chart in a huge way. Neptune is kind of the musicians’ planet, it rules music."
Niblett has released three LPs, through the Secretly Canadian record company in North America and through Too Pure in the United Kingdom. Her first release was a split 7" single with Songs: Ohia in 2001. Shortly after this she released her first LP Sweet Heart Fever, recorded in Glasgow with drummer Kristian Goddard. Her follow-up release was a one-sided 10" EP, I Conjure Series, recorded live, where Niblett plays all the instruments herself. For the next two albums—2003's I Am and 2005's Kidnapped by Neptune—Niblett enlisted the help of producer Steve Albini. She is also featured in Peoria Lunch Box Blues on Magnolia Electric Co. (2003). 2007 saw the release of Niblett's fourth long player This Fool Can Die Now again featuring a rhythm section of Kristian Goddard & Chris Saligoe as well as Bonnie "Prince" Billy as guest vocalist on four of the albums duets. Her 5th LP The Calcination of Scout Niblett was released in 2010 through the Drag City label.
Niblett cites among her influences a number of grunge period bands, including Mudhoney, Sonic Youth and Nirvana, and in particular the guitar of Kurt Cobain. Her drumming technique, however, is inspired, she says, by a man who played at an open-mic night in Nottingham and would accompany himself on the drums while playing Beatles covers. This drumming technique has been a particularly distinctive feature of Niblett's records with Steve Albini, whose method is to place the drums centrally in the mix. A good example of Niblett's minimalist approach to songwriting is "Your Beat Kicks Back Like Death", included on I Am and as the B-side to "I'll Be a Prince". It consists solely of a drumbeat with a cheerfully delivered repeating lyric, "We're all gonna die!", eventually concluding, "We don't know when, We don't know how." Niblett names the song as a favourite. Also of note is her downbeat cover of the 1978 reggae hit Uptown Top Ranking, which Niblett released as a single after it became popular at live performances.
Boy
Scout Niblett Lyrics
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That you know
The lyrics of Scout Niblett's song "Boy" are a simple plea from the singer to her lover to show her all the love he knows. The opening line, "Boy, show me all the love," suggests that there may be some doubt in the singer's mind about the depth of her lover's feelings for her. She wants him to demonstrate his love to her in a way that will leave no doubt in her mind.
The simplicity of the lyrics belies the emotional complexity of the song. The singer is not just asking for love, she is asking for reassurance. She wants to be sure that her lover is as invested in the relationship as she is. This is a common theme in love songs, but in "Boy," it is expressed with a rawness and vulnerability that is rare.
In many ways, "Boy" is a quintessential Scout Niblett song. Her music is known for its emotional intensity and raw, unfiltered lyrics. "Boy" is no exception. It is a powerful expression of the need for love and reassurance that is felt by so many people in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, show me all the love
Hey boy, express all of the affection you possess towards me
Make me know what you're made of
Demonstrate your true character and nature to me
I'm just a girl, but I know
Even though I am a female, I still possess knowledge and understanding
That you're the one that I want
You are the individual that I truly desire
And every time you hold me close
Every instance you embrace me intimately
I feel your power and your soul
I sense your strength and your inner being
Boy, let me in your dreams
Permit me to enter and be a part of your subconscious thoughts
I don't wanna leave
I have no desire to depart from your presence
I wanna stay forever
I yearn to remain with you eternally
Only you and me together
Just you and I united as one
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES SPAULDING GLADFELTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind