The trio originated in Austin, Texas, writing, recording, and performing under the name shiFt. Their debut six song CD-EP on Austin's ND label, 1995's A Folding Sieve, was a product of the 1990's American shoegazer scene.
After a 7" on ND in 1997, Words On Music released Should's first full length CD, Feed Like Fishes, in late 1998. Falling somewhere between shoegazer, indie, and postrock, the album garnered comparisons to Yo La Tengo, Slowdive, Galaxie 500, and Brian Eno.
In 2002 Words On Music re-released A Folding Sieve, doubling the number of tracks of the original EP. Added to the original seven songs are both tracks from a 1997 7" single that featured a version of Jean Paul Sartre Experience's "Own Two Feet," a cover of 18th Dye's "Merger," and four unreleased songs recorded in 1995 and 1996.
In December 2010 Should finished recording their third album, Like a Fire Without Sound, which was released in April 2011 on Words On Music.
In November 2011, Captured Tracks kicked off its Shoegaze Archive series with a reissue of A Folding Sieve – both on vinyl and CD. The reissue is different than the 2002 edition on Words On Music. This edition is an essentially complete collection of songs recorded in Austin from 1992-1995 and, as such, contains several previously unreleased tracks.
The beginning of 2014 saw the release of a new album, The Great Pretend, which was preceded by the three-song digital single, Down A Notch.
Official Website
Everybody Knows
Should Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No questions ever asked
With the colors of our past
We lack skills to make it last
Find a flight that hasn’t flown
And a path not set in stone
And we think it’s what we own
Oh we’re on fire
Oh we’re on fire
Come on watch us burn
Oh we’re on fire
Yes we’re on fire
(We’re) burning in the sun
Oh let us burn
Oh let us burn
Burning in the sun
Oh let us burn
Burn like the sun
Every night (alone)
Pull the strings to animate
Play the game as if it’s straight
Up all night but not awake
We all make the same mistake
Seen so many times before
Abandoned on the floor
Independence we adore
But it’s too much of a chore
And you think it’s final
And you think it’s final
The lyrics to Should's song Everybody Knows explore themes of disillusionment and disconnection within modern society. The opening lines, "Stay on point but not on task, no questions ever asked," suggest a sense of complacency and routine, where individuals are going through the motions without engaging in critical thinking or meaningful action. The reference to "the colors of our past" convey a sense of nostalgia, a longing for something that may have been lost or forgotten.
The second verse continues to develop this sense of disillusionment, describing individuals who are searching for something that has not yet been discovered: "Find a flight that hasn't flown, and a path not set in stone." Despite this search, there is a sense of futility, and a recognition that "everybody knows" the truth about the difficulties and challenges of modern life.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "we're on fire," can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it may suggest a passionate and energetic approach to life, a willingness to take risks and embrace challenges. On another level, however, it could be seen as a reference to the destructive aspects of modern society, with individuals engaging in self-destructive behavior that ultimately leads to their downfall.
Overall, the lyrics to Should's Everybody Knows convey a powerful sense of frustration and disillusionment, touching on themes that may resonate with many people in contemporary society.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay on point but not on task
Focus on the goal but don't limit yourself to a single approach
No questions ever asked
We don't challenge the status quo and blindly follow the norm
With the colors of our past
Our memories and experiences shape who we are today
We lack skills to make it last
We struggle to maintain what we have because we lack the necessary abilities
Find a flight that hasn’t flown
Discover uncharted territories and explore the unknown
And a path not set in stone
Be open to change and willing to take risks
And we think it’s what we own
We believe we have control over our lives when in reality, we don't
But everybody knows
The truth is clear and obvious to everyone
Oh we’re on fire
We're passionate and determined
Come on watch us burn
See us succeed despite the odds
Yes we’re on fire
Our drive and ambition are undeniable
(We’re) burning in the sun
We're willing to face adversity and overcome obstacles
Oh let us burn
Don't resist our progress and success
Burn like the sun
Shine bright and inspire others
Every night (alone)
Despite our accomplishments, we still feel isolated and alone at times
Pull the strings to animate
Exert control and influence to move forward
Play the game as if it’s straight
Follow the rules even if they seem limiting
Up all night but not awake
We're constantly working but not truly living
We all make the same mistake
We repeat our errors and never learn from them
Seen so many times before
We're not unique and face the same problems as others
Abandoned on the floor
We give up and lose hope when facing challenges
Independence we adore
We value our autonomy and freedom
But it’s too much of a chore
Maintaining our independence is difficult and requires effort
And you think it’s final
You believe your decision is permanent and unchangeable
And you think it’s final
You believe your decision is permanent and unchangeable
Contributed by Vivian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.