Soft Swells was named for and inspired by Williams' beachy surroundings in California where he relocated after leaving NYC in 2009. Williams, who had released two very well-received albums under his name for Dovecote Records, met Welsh as he was gearing up to work on his third album. Welsh, who gained much acclaim with his own Brooklyn outift Phonograph, asked Williams if he needed a guitarist, and both gents knew it was a sure fit. Recently, Welsh also made the move from the East Coast to West Coast to join his new bandmate. “His band had done quite a bit of touring with Wilco so I knew Matt would be up for the challenge,” says Williams.
Now ready to release their ‘Soft Swells’ debut LP to the world, Williams is excited to showcase new songs that he and Welsh recorded under tight constraints. "I would say ‘control’ is the main theme for this record. Really, what you can and can't - and how that affects your life.” Soft Swells’ self-titled debut was recorded in the tiny town of Lewes, England, by longtime friend and producer Dave Lynch (Ed Harcourt, Clearlake, Liam Finn) at Bat Box Studios. “Matt and I spent a little over a week recording 13 songs as quick as we could before our return flights home. I think we nearly drove Dave mad during this process as we could have really used a solid month for a record this size. Dave had also just had his first baby boy - Monty Moog - and probably only had 5 hours of sleep the entire week. He is a true saint,” says Williams.
The band released a hot 7” late summer 2011 which featured new tracks "Every Little Thing" and “Lifeboats” which gained airplay at KCRW and KROQ and started a Soft Swells buzz on the West Coast. Both songs were remastered for inclusion on the crushingly perfect upcoming ‘Soft Swells’ full length which Austin-based Modern Outsider Records will release at the end of February. Stay tuned for new tour dates and new beginnings from Soft Swells in 2012.
Overrated
Soft Swells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hoping for a bigger plate
I’m not playing it cool
Just hoping that you lose your place
That’s not me,
That’s not me.
That’s not me
I’m not feeling you up,
Just to run home and tell my friends
I’m not peeling you off,
Just to see the sun on your skin
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
No point draining the pond when everything you need is here
No point calling the cops, you know your not really scared.
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
Yeah I’ll call you now,
I will call you now
I will call you now
I will call call call
The lyrics of Soft Swells' "Overrated" delve into the complexities of modern relationships and the often-unrealistic expectations that are placed on love. The song begins by stating that the singer isn't looking for perfection, but only hoping for a bigger plate. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for wanting more from life, without necessarily expecting everything to be perfect. Similarly, the line "I’m not playing it cool, just hoping that you lose your place" suggests that the singer is not interested in playing games and wants a genuine connection with their partner.
The chorus goes on to repeat the phrase "a love this cruel must be overrated," implying that the singer has experienced a love that was painful or difficult in some way. This can be seen in lines like "I’m not feeling you up, just to run home and tell my friends" and "No point draining the pond when everything you need is here." These lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of superficial relationships and is looking for something deeper and more meaningful.
Overall, "Overrated" is a powerful commentary on the state of modern relationships and the often-unrealistic expectations that are placed on love.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m not looking for perfection,
I am not searching for an ideal partner.
Hoping for a bigger plate
I am hoping for more in this relationship.
I’m not playing it cool
I am not pretending to not care about you.
Just hoping that you lose your place
I want you to fail so that I can surpass you.
That’s not me,
That is not my true character.
I’m not feeling you up,
I am not touching you for pleasure.
Just to run home and tell my friends
I do not want to boast to my friends about our intimacy.
I’m not peeling you off,
I am not undressing you without consent.
Just to see the sun on your skin
I do not want to see you naked just for the sake of it.
No point draining the pond when everything you need is here
There is no need to search elsewhere when everything you want is already with you.
No point calling the cops, you know your not really scared.
There is no need to call the authorities, you are not truly afraid.
Overrated, Overrated, a love this cruel must be overrated
This cruel love is not worth the hype.
Yeah I’ll call you now,
I will contact you at this moment.
I will call you now
I am going to contact you now.
I will call you now
I will reach out to you at this instant.
I will call call call
I am going to make three attempts to contact you.
Contributed by Scarlett F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.