Before the band, front girl Lele tasted success as a solo artist; touring the UK and Europe as support for big headliners including Crystal Castles, with the help from her sister and backing vocalist Kelly Jackson. Before putting together the current line-up, she wrote songs for SPEAKS with help from friends Larry Hibbitt (Hundred Reasons) and Radio 1 Rock DJ Dan P. Carter (A, Hexes).
Drummer, Kirk Budden, has played for Brighton hardcore outfit Trippinβ Violet and, more recently, has played drums for Brighton band The Black Rash and dubstep DJ Tek One. He is joined by guitarist Jake Tyler, formerly of post-hardcore outfit This City, and bassist Dan Palmer (formerly of Belisha, Zen Motel and Cousin Joey). Completing the line-up is synth player/guitarist/backing vocalist Liam Dowling, who is also still an active member of Brighton avant-garde legends Vile Imbeciles and The Black Rash.
Together, the band infuses the creativity and raw energy of alternative and heavy music, with the tightness and lyrical finesse of hip hop.
High
Speaks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Are you still afraid?
Just close your eyes and dream, and feel it fade away.
Time won't flow, everyone knows
When the pain fades away
And dreams won't die, with tears in our eyes
It's taken some time,
And I've given up the will to change your state of mind
Try and understand,
It's not so hard to see that I am just a man.
Time won't flow, everyone knows
When the pain fades away
And dreams won't die, with tears in our eyes
You've got to hold your head up high..
Will it ever be?
I've tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Try and understand,
It's not so hard to see that I am just a man.
Time won't flow, everyone knows
When the pain fades away
And dreams won't die, with tears in our eyes
You've got to hold your head up high..
The lyrics to Speak's song "High" explore themes of searching for serenity, overcoming pain, and embracing one's imperfections. In the opening lines, the singer wonders if they will ever find peace and tranquility, despite their efforts to do so. They urge the listener to close their eyes and imagine a better future, letting go of their fears and anxieties. The chorus repeats the idea that time heals all wounds if we hold our heads up high and keep our dreams alive.
The second half of the song takes a more reflective tone, as the singer comes to terms with their limitations and accepts themselves as they are. They acknowledge that they cannot change the state of mind of those around them, but they can change their own perspective and learn to appreciate their humanity. The final chorus reinforces the message of hope and resilience, encouraging the listener to keep striving for a brighter future even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Will it ever be?
Questioning whether the current state of affairs can ever change
I've tried so hard to find sweet serenity
Expressing the effort put in to find peace and calm
Are you still afraid?
Asking if fear is still preventing progress
Just close your eyes and dream, and feel it fade away.
Encouraging visualization and positive thoughts to overcome negativity
Time won't flow, everyone knows
Acknowledging the feeling of time standing still in difficult situations
When the pain fades away
Suggesting that pain is temporary and will eventually subside
And dreams won't die, with tears in our eyes
Believing that even in the face of hardship, hope and aspirations persist
You've got to hold your head up high..
Encouragement to maintain strength and dignity
It's taken some time,
Acknowledging a long process or journey
And I've given up the will to change your state of mind
Accepting that others have agency over their own thoughts and emotions
Try and understand,
Asking for empathy and comprehension
It's not so hard to see that I am just a man.
Humanizing oneself and emphasizing fallibility
Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.