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.
Shake it off
Soft Swells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it slipped out of my hand,
Everything I saved for
Will go straight back to the man
Shake it off, Turn it up
Shake it off, Turn it up
I live inside the feeling that says work until you die
Heard a lot of stories that will never quantify
The less and less you owe son, the more you feel alive
Shake it off, Turn it up
Shake it off, Turn it up
It’s time to save until you get enough
It’s time to save until you get enough
It’s time to save, to save your life
It’s time to save until you get enough
It’s time to save until you get enough
It’s time to save, to save your life.
Shake it off, Turn it up
Shake it off, Turn it up
In this song, Soft Swells seem to be singing about the pressures and anxieties of pursuing the American dream of working hard to achieve success and financial stability. The opening lines suggest a sense of loss and disappointment as the singer laments losing something they worked hard for to "the man." This could refer to taxes, debt or other obstacles that prevent them from achieving their goals. However, the chorus encourages listeners to "shake it off" and "turn it up," indicating a need to persevere and maintain a positive outlook despite setbacks.
The second verse seems to explore the toll of this relentless pursuit of wealth and success. The singer feels trapped in a cycle of work and sleep, and despite their efforts, they are doubtful if they will ever truly "get ahead." However, they acknowledge that the freedom that comes with financial independence is worth working towards. The repeated refrain of "it's time to save until you get enough" is a reminder to not give up and to continue striving towards their goals.
Overall, "Shake It Off" is a song that speaks to the universal experience of struggling to achieve success while also acknowledging the mental and emotional toll that this pursuit can take. It encourages listeners to persevere despite setbacks and to maintain a positive outlook towards the future.
Line by Line Meaning
It happened like the lotto
Something desirable was obtained or had, but then lost unexpectedly or accidentally.
And it slipped out of my hand
This desirable thing was lost due to an error, mistake or bad timing, despite one's efforts.
Everything I saved for
All the work, time, money and energy invested in that thing is now gone or useless.
Will go straight back to the man
The authority, the system, or the person who controls the situation will benefit from one's loss or failure.
Shake it off, Turn it up
Despite the setback, one should not dwell on the past but rather move forward and regain confidence.
I live inside the feeling that says work until you die
The constant pressure to work, achieve, and produce has become a defining aspect of one's identity, to the point of sacrificing personal needs and goals.
Everything you ask for, will be what you see at night
Aspirations and desires are intertwined with anxiety, fear, and stress, making it hard to sleep or rest.
Heard a lot of stories that will never quantify
Despite hearing other people's success or progress, it does not necessarily reflect one's own situation, struggles or potential.
The less and less you owe son, the more you feel alive
By reducing debts, obligations or duties, one can regain a sense of freedom, independence, and joy in life.
It’s time to save until you get enough
Instead of spending or wasting resources, one should accumulate and invest in something beneficial, rewarding or fulfilling.
It’s time to save, to save your life
The act of saving, planning or preparing for the future is not just about financial stability, but also about personal growth, well-being, and resilience.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.