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.
Wet Road
Scout Niblett Lyrics
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Move the way you do, do
Move the way you do
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Can't take her for the only one to believe in
Wet road, paradise, wet roads today
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Can't take her for the only one to believe in
You were already captured, you were already loved
I just wanted to stand with you in our space again
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
Can't take her for the only one to believe in
It's only for a little while
It's only for a little while
Fierce play gets you everywhere
Fierce play gets you everywhere
Fierce play gets you everywhere
The lyrics of Scout Niblett's song "Wet Road" depict a person who is completely enamored with another person. The singer admits to following this person, simply to watch them move. The first few lines of the song set up this dynamic, with the singer saying, "I walked behind you, so I could see you move the way you do." But the song quickly becomes about more than just physical attraction or admiration. The singer is also offering advice, telling this person to "play with what you're given" and not "take her for the only one to believe in."
In the chorus, the lyrics take on a more ominous tone, referencing "wet roads" and "paradise." This suggests that perhaps there is some danger or turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Despite this, the singer wants to be with this person, saying, "I just wanted to stand with you in our space again." The song ends on a note of encouragement, with the repeated mantra of "fierce play gets you everywhere."
Line by Line Meaning
I walked behind you, so I could see you
Scout wanted to follow the person closely to observe how they moved and carried themselves
Don't you know just to play with what you're given?
This line could mean to be content with what one has, but in the context of the song, it seems to suggest that the person should make the most of their talents and abilities
Can't take her for the only one to believe in
The person should not rely solely on one thing or person for happiness and fulfillment
Wet road, paradise, wet roads today
The environment may not be ideal or comfortable, but one can still find joy and beauty in it
Wet roads on the way to your house again
The journey to the person's house may be tough or unpleasant, but Scout is willing to make the effort to see them
You were already captured, you were already loved
The person may already have someone in their life who cares for them deeply
I just wanted to stand with you in our space again
Scout wants to be close to the person and share a special moment or place with them
It's only for a little while
The moment or experience with the person may only last a short time
Fierce play gets you everywhere
One should go all out and take risks to achieve their goals and dreams
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: Emma Louise Niblett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind