Their neo-psychedelia sound has often been compared by the media to acts such as The Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Serena Maneesh. Although, in a tongue-in-cheek statement, the band's frontman Henrik Björnsson defines it as "a cross between Simon and Garfunkel".
As of 2016 they have released eight studio albums and a best of compilation. Singapore Sling have supported The Brian Jonestown Massacre on their North American tours and covered "Dirty Water", a 1966 garage rock hit by The Standells in their debut album. They have also covered The Monks' "I Hate You" in the 2006 compilation Silver Monk Time: A Tribute to the Monks.
Singapore Sling was formed in Spring of 2000 in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland, with the reunion of Björnsson and Kristjánsson. Björnsson had some 8-track demos and wanted to create a band. One of these demos surfaced online in the Iceland Airwaves 2001 official website and later became "Overdriver", the opening track of their debut LP.
While Björnsson is the sole official member, as well as the primary musician on the band's recordings, the live and studio lineup has changed from its original incarnation, and as of November 2015, consists of:
* Henrik Björnsson: vocals / guitar / keyboard
* Einar Þór Kristjánsson: lead guitar
* Ester Bíbí Ásgeirsdóttir: bass guitar
* Björn Viktorsson: drums
Beginning in 2008, Björnsson participated in the band Dead Skeletons. He also formed a side project called The Go-Go Darkness as a duo with his wife, Elsa María Blöndal. Björn Viktorsson was previously the drummer of Dean Sean and also worked with Glasgow-based electro/psyche act The Cheesemongers.
midnight
Singapore Sling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
I don't know what I want to do, I don't know what I want to do
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
I don't know what I want to do, I don't know what I want to do
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
I don't know what I want to do, I don't know what I want to do
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
Lucy sees me, Lucy sees me, Lucy sees me, Lucy sees me
The lyrics of Singapore Sling's song Midnight evoke a sense of confusion and aimlessness. The repetition of the line "I don't know what I want to do" emphasizes this feeling of uncertainty. However, despite this sense of uncertainty, Lucy is present throughout the song, a constant observer. The repetition of her name at the end of the song suggests a sense of comfort or familiarity with her presence.
The lyrics also reference dancing under a silver moon and a liquid sky. This imagery reflects a dreamlike state, perhaps a state induced by drugs or alcohol. The surreal nature of the lyrics and the dreamy imagery evoke a sense of escapism, a desire to escape reality and enter a world of fantasy.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what I want to do, I don't know what I want to do
The singer is unsure of their purpose and lacks direction in life.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
The singer is aware that Lucy is watching them and judging their indecisiveness.
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
The singer feels that they must take action and experience life to the fullest.
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
The artist wants to engage with life in a way that is free and unrestricted.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
The artist is still feeling judged and pressured by Lucy's presence.
I don't know what I want to do, I don't know what I want to do
The singer is again expressing their confusion and lack of direction.
Do and I got to dance under a silver moon
The singer is emphasizing their desire to live in the moment and not worry about the consequences.
Do and I got to dance under a liquid sky
The artist is once again expressing their desire for freedom and spontaneity in their actions.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
Lucy's judgment continues to affect the artist's mindset.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
The artist is still focused on Lucy's presence and its impact on their life choices.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
The singer is repeating this line to emphasize Lucy's hold on their mindset.
I don't know what I want to do, Lucy sees me
The artist is still feeling insecure and scrutinized by Lucy's gaze.
Contributed by Eli P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.