In 2008, Miller was waiting tables at a neighborhood Brazilian restaurant, Miss Favela, where he encountered Alexis and her mother. When he mentioned he was looking for a female vocalist to work with on a musical project, Krauss' mother immediately volunteered her. After steadily gaining popularity throughout 2009, Sleigh Bells signed to M.I.A.'s label N.E.E.T. in Spring 2010.
The duo released the 7-track EP Sleigh Bells. The EP received much attention and all but the last two tracks were re-recorded for their debut album.
Sleigh Bells issued the single "Tell 'Em" as a free download in April 2010. On 11 May 2010, they released their debut full-length album entitled Treats. Amidst blown-out drum beats, fuzzed guitars and synth-pop sensibilities, Krauss balances each song with a voice that is both forceful and elegant. Four other singles supported the album: "Crown on the Ground", "Infinity Guitars", "Rill Rill" and "Riot Rhythm".
Sleigh Bells began recording songs for their second studio album in June 2011. Describing the sound of the new album, Krauss said, "It sounds really huge, so there's going to still be tons of volume".
On 15 December 2011, the band released the single "Born to Lose", followed in January 2012 by "Comeback Kid". The second album, Reign of Terror, was released on 21 February 2012. They made their network television debut on the 18 February 2012 episode of Saturday Night Live, performing the songs "Comeback Kid" and "End of the Line".
Only a few months after the release of Reign of Terror, Sleigh Bells began writing a third studio album for a possible 2013 release. Before the end of 2012, the album was said to feature more writing from Krauss and with a cleaner sound. The album, titled Bitter Rivals, was released on 8 October 2013, through Mom + Pop Music. According to Krauss, several tracks would feature dynamic acoustic riffs and R&B-ish vocals. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Krauss clarified the new style of the album, saying, "I was interested in doing something Beyoncé or Janet Jackson would do, these slow-winding, sparkling melodies."
On 7 December 2015, Sleigh Bells premiered a new song titled "Champions of Unrestricted Beauty", while announcing they were finishing up their fourth studio album. The duo released the single "Rule Number One" on 7 June 2016, followed by "Hyper Dark" on 19 July 2016. On 24 August 2016, Sleigh Bells released their fourth studio album Jessica Rabbit, marking the first release on the duo's own label, Torn Clean, in partnership with Sinderlyn. The mini-album Kid Kruschev followed on 10 November 2017.
Sleigh Bells released their sixth studio album, Texis, on 10 September 2021 through Mom + Pop Music. Music videos were released for album singles "Locust Laced" and "Justine Go Genesis".
Official site: https://tornclean.com/
Never Say Die
Sleigh Bells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know you wanna wanna
Because you're gonna gonna
Below the low tide
We never say die
I'd like to try to
Sit down beside you
I don't mean the shade
Well I'm prepared to
Fight and defend you
I'll never doubt you
A ribbon tied to
Above it's their time
Down here it's our time
Ah, ah never say die
Live on, or be gone, or live on, or be gone
Or wake up, or break up, or wake up, or break up
Never say die
96 power
You took the low road when you missed your window
You got it all wrong with the ah-ah inferno
Don't give up the ship
Or else the scale will tip
But when I say dark, I don't mean the shade
Well I'm prepared to
Fight and defend you
I'll never doubt you
A ribbon tied to
Above it's their time
Down here it's our time
Ah, ah never say die
Live on, or be gone, or live on, or be gone
Or wake up, or break up, or wake up, or break up
Never say die
The lyrics to Sleigh Bells's song Never Say Die are a call to never give up no matter how difficult things may seem. The line "96 power" suggests a notion of strength and persistence, with the number 96 possibly referencing the high level of energy required to push through tough times. The repeated phrases "you know you wanna wanna, because you're gonna gonna" could be an encouragement to trust in one's own determination and not let doubt or fear hold them back.
The lyrics go on to describe a desire to connect with someone, with the line "I'd like to try to sit down beside you" suggesting a need for companionship and support. However, the line "when I say dark, I don't mean the shade" hints at a darker, more complex emotional experience that cannot be easily expressed or understood.
The chorus repeats the phrase "never say die", emphasizing the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of adversity. The final lines of the song suggest that the choice to keep going is ultimately up to the individual, with the options presented as "live on or be gone, wake up or break up".
Overall, the lyrics to Never Say Die convey a sense of determination and perseverance, urging listeners to keep pushing forward through difficult times and to never lose sight of their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
You know you wanna wanna
You have a strong desire for something and are eager to obtain it.
Because you're gonna gonna
You are determined to achieve your goal.
Below the low tide
During the times of difficulty.
We never say die
We never give up, even in difficult situations.
I'd like to try to
I am willing to make an effort to achieve something.
Sit down beside you
To be close to someone and gain their trust.
But when I say dark
When I talk about difficult situations.
I don't mean the shade
I am not talking about something that is pleasant, it's tough.
Well I'm prepared to
I am ready to face challenges and overcome them.
Fight and defend you
I will protect and support you in any situation.
I'll never doubt you
I have complete faith in you and your abilities.
A ribbon tied to
A symbol of something valuable that requires protection.
Above it's their time
Others may be succeeding at the present moment.
Down here it's our time
Despite difficulties, we will succeed at some point.
Ah, ah never say die
Don't ever give up.
You took the low road when you missed your window
You failed to take advantage of an opportunity, and are now experiencing difficulty.
You got it all wrong with the ah-ah inferno
You made the wrong decision and are now suffering the consequences.
Don't give up the ship
Don't give up when things aren't going well.
Or else the scale will tip
If you give up, things might become worse for you.
Live on, or be gone, or live on, or be gone
You need to keep going and pushing, or else you might give up and lose it all.
Or wake up, or break up, or wake up, or break up
You'll either wake up and realize you're stronger than you think, or break up and give up.
Never say die
Never give up on what you believe in, even in difficult times.
96 power
A reference to the high level of energy and determination needed to overcome challenges.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DEREK MILLER, SYDNEY ALEXIS KRAUSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind