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.
It's All for You
Scout Niblett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I tremble, but my course does not
Oh sweet lifer
Ripe with flesh and matter
I tremble, but my course does not
Give me magic!
Give me music!
Give me truck!
It's all for you
The lyrics to Scout Niblett's song It's All for You are very intriguing and open to interpretation. The song seems to be about a person who is apprehensive but determined to continue on the path they have chosen in life. The repeated phrase "Oh sweet lifer" seems to be a reference to life itself, and the idea that it is both beautiful and terrifying. The line "I tremble, but my course does not" suggests that the singer is feeling fear or uncertainty but is resolved to continue on regardless.
The singer then goes on to ask for different things - magic, music, love, and a truck. It is unclear what these things represent, but they could be interpreted as symbolic of different aspects of life. Magic could represent the unknown or unexpected, music could represent beauty or inspiration, love could represent connection or companionship, and a truck could represent stability or freedom. By asking for these things, the singer seems to be acknowledging both the challenges and rewards of living.
Overall, the lyrics to It's All for You suggest a deep appreciation for the complexities and contradictions of life. The singer acknowledges their own fears and uncertainties but is determined to keep moving forward and embracing the journey, whatever it may bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh sweet lifer
Oh wonderful existence, full of joy and opportunity
I tremble, but my course does not
Although I may feel fear, my path forward remains steady and true
Ripe with flesh and matter
Filled with the physical reality of life, including both beauty and pain
Give me magic!
I long for the enchantment and wonder of the world
Give me music!
I crave the emotional and soulful expression of art
Give me love!
I desire the deep and meaningful connection of relationships
Give me truck!
I want the freedom and independence of exploration and adventure
It's all for you
Everything I seek is dedicated to you, my beloved and cherished listener
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: EMMA 'SCOUT' NIBLETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind