The band originated in 2011 as Sadie Dupuis' solo project while she was teaching songwriting at a summer camp, recording her own material using her laptop.
"Resurrects the floppy-stringed guitar dissonance of old-school Boston bands like Kudgel and Swirlies, or Rob Crow from Pinback's predecessor Thingy, who forged similar anti-anthems out of the grimiest chords." - Boston Globe. TL;DR. DTF. 10" EP, 'Sports,' out on Exploding in Sound Records. 'Major Arcana' out on Carpark Records; 'Real Hair' EP followed in February 2014.
No Below
Speedy Ortiz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In trouble at school, alone at lunch again
I didn't know you, when I broke my knee
Spent the summer on crutches, and everybody teased
Except for this one friend I almost forgot
You didn't know me, but he knew me best
The weight of my brain, the fear of my cold head
My friend tried to melt, but he couldn't thaw me out right
So I got ditched freezing, alone with my thoughts
And though I was sad, I was better off just being dead
Better off just being dead, without my old friend
True, I once said, I was better off just being dead
But I didn't know you yet
You didn't know me, but you got cold, too
And your mind was heavy, and you thought you might use it
Well everything fucked up, we both felt before
I'm glad for it all if it got us where we are
With you in the boat there, I almost forgot
How I once said, I was better off just being dead
Better off just being dead, I didn't know you yet
And you might've said, you were better off just being dead
But looking out for you, my friend, look out
I didn't know you when you were a kid
But swimming with you, it sure feels like I did
The song "No Below" by Speedy Ortiz is a poetic ode to friendship and the power of true connection to uplift and heal us. The lyrics describe the meeting of two people who didn't know each other when they were younger, but who have found common ground in their struggles and pain. They both faced isolation and alienation from others, but they find solace in each other's company. The first verse describes how the singer didn't know their friend until they broke their knee and spent a summer on crutches. It is implied that this friend helped them through this tough time and provided much-needed support. The second verse focuses on the friend's own struggles with depression and feeling "interred in the ice". The singer wishes they could have been there for their friend during this time, but the two didn't meet until later in life. The chorus reflects on the fact that they both had once thought they were better off dead, but that they are grateful to have found each other now.
The bridge of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer reflects on the feeling of familiarity and comfort that comes with true friendship. Even though they didn't know each other when they were younger, the connection they have now feels like they have known each other for a long time. The song ends on a hopeful note, with the singer expressing their gratitude for their friend and their commitment to looking out for each other.
The song's themes of isolation, depression, and the redemptive power of friendship have resonated with many fans. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of the struggles of mental health, and for its uplifting message of hope and connection. Additionally, the song's instrumentation has been noted for its intricate guitar work and catchy melodies.
Line by Line Meaning
You didn't know me, when you were a kid
We didn't know each other when we were young
In trouble at school, alone at lunch again
We both experienced being isolated and picked on at school
I didn't know you, when I broke my knee
Spent the summer on crutches, and everybody teased
Except for this one friend I almost forgot
When I had a physical injury and was bullied, I had one friend who stood by me
You didn't know me, but he knew me best
The weight of my brain, the fear of my cold head
That one friend knew my deepest insecurities and thoughts
You never saw me, interred in the ice
My friend tried to melt, but he couldn't thaw me out right
So I got ditched freezing, alone with my thoughts
I felt trapped and isolated in my own mind, and even my friend couldn't help me
And though I was sad, I was better off just being dead
Better off just being dead, without my old friend
I felt like dying was preferable to living without that one friend
True, I once said, I was better off just being dead
But I didn't know you yet
I thought dying was better before I met you
You didn't know me, but you got cold, too
And your mind was heavy, and you thought you might use it
You also experienced feeling emotionally and mentally burdened and considered self-harm
Well everything fucked up, we both felt before
I'm glad for it all if it got us where we are
With you in the boat there, I almost forgot
Our shared struggles and pain brought us together, and I appreciate where we are now
And you might've said, you were better off just being dead
But looking out for you, my friend, look out
You also considered dying, but I'm here for you
I didn't know you when you were a kid
But swimming with you, it sure feels like I did
Even though we didn't know each other when we were young, our shared experiences make me feel close to you now
Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.