1. An Aus… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three artists with the name The Basics:
1. An Australian rock band (active from 2002 to present)
2. A US blues-roots rock band (active from 1999 to present)
3. An acoustic act from Adelaide Australia 2003-2007
1. The Basics were formed in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia in 2002 by Kris Schroeder and Wally de Backer (AKA Gotye). Their musical style can loosely be described as heavily referencing 60s pop and rock (eg The Beatles, The Beach Boys) with elements of reggae and rhythm & blues. Tim Heath joined the group in June 2004, while Dave Bramble joins the band on tour, playing keys, often while sporting a large moustache. Their live performances are well known for their sense of humour and energy.
Wally de Backer: Drums, Vocals
Tim Heath: Guitar, Vocals
Kris Schroeder: Bass, Vocals
Dave Bramble (live shows): Keyboards, Vocals
Official website
2. The Basics (or Dave Cowen and the Basics) were initially formed by Dave Cowen in 1982 in South Bend, Indiana, USA, and after disbanding in 1983, reformed in 1999 with the current line-up. A Michiana based roots rock band, they have released three albums and a single:
Guilty / Baby Blue (Single) 2001
Bitter/Sweet 2003
Private Drive 2006
Rockin' Town 2011
Dave Cowen: Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
Ben Hahaj: Drums
Charley Neises: Bass
Official website
This version of The Basics have two other profiles on Last.fm:
DOUG COWEN AND THE BASICS
Doug Cowen & the Basics
Wait For You
The Basics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Misleading anthems
Rich family, kingdoms, virgins, peace, yeah
Then they replace them,
Another lad full of ignorance
Stir up the poor's dreams for their games
They'll never see heaven nor hell,
Only this world you'll have to change
What do you stand for?
What is worth my blood or yours to be spilled?
No reason for the dumb
What do you stand for?
Stay away from my own selfish ideals!
Reason, let it go
Don't take your voices to your grave
Someone will need them
There's also something such as faith
A scream, a protest,
Another hit to useless violence
Spill everyone's dreams with your ink, say!
What do you stand for?
What is worth my blood or yours to be spilled?
No reason for the dumb
What do you stand for?
Stay away from my own selfish ideals!
Reason, let it go
Say, are you coming for more?
Say, are you coming for more?
What are you dying for?
Say what are you killing for?
The lyrics to The Basics's song "Wait For You" tackle the theme of societal disillusionment and the questioning of one's values and beliefs. The opening lines criticize those in power who espouse misleading messages through their anthems, promising riches, peace, and prosperity, only to replace them with ignorance and manipulation. The "lads" referred to here symbolize the privileged few who exploit the dreams and aspirations of the less fortunate for their own gain. The lyrics suggest that these individuals will never truly understand the hells and heavens they speak of because they misunderstand the core principles they claim to represent. The song challenges the listener to consider what they stand for and what is truly worth fighting for, while urging them to reject selfish ideals and embrace reason.
The chorus reinforces the message of introspection and calls for a departure from mindlessness. It questions what is worth sacrificing blood for and emphasizes the absence of a valid reason for participating in ignorance or violence. The lyrics caution against clinging to personal biases and urges the listener to let go of self-centered ideals in order to find true meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
They'll never see this world they sang,
They will never truly understand the world they sang about
Misleading anthems
Songs that give false impressions or ideas
Rich family, kingdoms, virgins, peace, yeah
Promises of wealth, power, purity, and harmony
Then they replace them,
But those promises are eventually discarded or substituted
Another lad full of ignorance
Another person who lacks knowledge or understanding
Stir up the poor's dreams for their games
To manipulate the dreams and aspirations of the less fortunate for their own amusement
They'll never see heaven nor hell,
They won't experience the rewards or consequences of their actions
Misunderstood them
Others failed to comprehend their intentions or messages
Only this world you'll have to change
The only reality you can make a difference in is the one you exist in
What do you stand for?
What principles or beliefs do you uphold?
What is worth my blood or yours to be spilled?
What cause or purpose justifies the sacrifice of lives?
No reason for the dumb
There is no justification for mindless ignorance or stupidity
Stay away from my own selfish ideals!
Keep your self-centered and self-serving beliefs away from me
Reason, let it go
Abandon irrationality and embrace logical thinking
Don't take your voices to your grave
Do not silence your opinions or perspectives before dying
Someone will need them
There will always be someone who can benefit from your words
There's also something such as faith
The belief in something beyond what can be seen or proven
A scream, a protest,
Express your dissatisfaction or disagreement loudly
Another hit to useless violence
Another blow against unnecessary aggression
Spill everyone's dreams with your ink, say!
Express your thoughts and ideas boldly, impacting the dreams and aspirations of others
Say, are you coming for more?
Are you ready for further challenges or struggles?
What are you dying for?
What cause or purpose are you willing to sacrifice your life for?
Say, what are you killing for?
What motive or reason justifies taking someone else's life?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Chris Michaux
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jake Rush
this song should be a huge hit
Sonia Leal
I love this song! the music, the lyrics, Wally's voice, the rythm, amazing!
mashkindt
heard this lovely song so many times - and now, finally, have watched the video. guys, it's adorable! with b/w and colour cuts and those paint drops intercepts and stuff - creation as a whole, music-and-video.. have enjoyed it a lot!
Khadi I
Nice one guys, catchy and yet so elaborate
Victória Julia
Que máximo... Da hora
HocoRuco
And I read that Kris is in Kenya for two years working with the Red Cross while The Basics are on sabbatical. So cool!
johnno
The Basics at Woodford , So cool, great gig guy's
HocoRuco
Sledgehammer. Not big surprise that Wally's vocals get compared to Peter Gabriel. Some of his/their work reminds me a bit of Men at Work too (in the best way possible of course)
azzad10
@trilbysmurf yeah that came to mind straight away when i heard this too, its one thing to be influenced by a genre but this is bordering on being too similar
Liverino
Nobody has forgot about you guys. Here to stay