Birds of Tokyo formed in 2004 from a collaboration between members of another Perth act Tragic Delicate and Karnivool, from which Ian Kenny came.
In 2005, Birds of Tokyo released two EPs. The first was released in January as a demo and the songs received airplay on Triple J, 96fm, RTRFM, Base FM, FBi and PBS. The second, a double A side single recorded in Melbourne with acclaimed producer Forrester Savell (Helmet, Full Scale, Karnivool).
Ian Berney — bass (2011–present)
Anthony Jackson — bass (2004–2011)
Ian Kenny — vocals (2004–present)
Glenn Sarangapany — keys (2004–present)
Adam Spark — guitar (2004–present)
Adam Weston — drums (2004–present)
The Gap
The Birds Of Tokyo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The highest of highs got me nothing but stares
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
I'm licking my wounds I'll be resting my head
(So how were you to know)
That I was the one that let the devil exist
(I think you aught to know)
It started when your eyes rolled back in your head
See I
Can fool them all
With you there's no way
I got nothing at all
I strap up my boots and then I kick in the door
(So how were you to know)
I know what I've done but I?ll be coming for more
(I think you aught to know)
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
It started when your eyes rolled back in your head
Stay, the hell
Away from me
Cos I did you wrong
I'm begging you leave
Cos I've seen it play
I know how this ends
It's nothing I wanna see again
I'm begging you please
To let me go
Free yourself
The world you know
Is somewhere else
See I
Have seen it all
The rage in the bull
The white of his horns
And you know me better
Than I know myself
My greatest mistake was giving you up
For nothing at all
For nothing at all
The lyrics of The Birds of Tokyo's song "The Gap" convey the struggles and mistakes of the singer, who has hit rock bottom and lived through hell. The "highest of highs" didn't get him anywhere, and perhaps only brought him unwanted attention. He seeks refuge in darkness, hoping that with the lights out he could be "bad" and forget his troubles. He knows he has made wrong choices, and may have even let the devil in, but there's still a chance for him to redeem himself. He acknowledges that he can fool people, but not the person he's singing to. The bridge suggests that he's trapped in his own cycle of self-sabotage and is trying to break it by mustering the strength to go after what he wants, even if it means taking risks. He pleads with the person to stay away from him and leave him alone because he's seen how it ends and doesn't want to repeat his mistake. He admits that his greatest mistake was giving them up for nothing.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation and can be read as a metaphor for addiction, mental illness, heartbreak, or any personal struggle one may face. The chorus, "Maybe with the lights out we can be bad," seems to suggest a desire to escape from reality and indulge in temporary pleasures. However, the bridge offers a glimmer of hope and a realization that change is possible. The singer's vulnerability and honesty make the song relatable and poignant for anyone going through a tough time.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been at the bottom I've been living in hell
I have suffered and experienced rock bottom in my life.
The highest of highs got me nothing but stares
Even when I was doing well, I did not receive the recognition I deserved.
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
Perhaps we can let our inhibitions go and indulge in some reckless behavior in the dark.
I'm licking my wounds I'll be resting my head
I am taking time to heal and recover from my past actions.
(So how were you to know) That I was the one that let the devil exist
You were not aware that I was the one who allowed negativity to take over.
(I think you aught to know) Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
I believe it is important for you to understand that I am suggesting we engage in risky behavior in the dark.
It started when your eyes rolled back in your head
Things began to change when you lost control.
See I Can fool them all With you there's no way I got nothing at all
I may be able to deceive everyone else, but I cannot deceive you and I feel like I have nothing.
I strap up my boots and then I kick in the door
I am getting ready for a challenge and going in full force.
(So how were you to know) I know what I've done but I'll be coming for more
You may not have realized it, but I am aware of the mistakes I have made and I am willing to take more risks.
(I think you aught to know) Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
I think it is important that you understand my desire to engage in reckless behavior in the dark.
Stay, the hell Away from me Cos I did you wrong I'm begging you leave
You should stay away from me because I have hurt you and I am asking you to leave.
Cos I've seen it play I know how this ends It's nothing I wanna see again I'm begging you please
I have experienced these consequences before and I do not want to go through it again; I am begging for your cooperation in avoiding that outcome.
To let me go Free yourself The world you know Is somewhere else
Please release me and find a new and better world for yourself.
See I Have seen it all The rage in the bull The white of his horns
I have witnessed and experienced various intense and dangerous situations.
And you know me better Than I know myself
You have a better understanding of me than I do of myself.
My greatest mistake was giving you up For nothing at all For nothing at all
I regret losing you for no good reason.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, MUSHROOM MUSIC PTY LTD
Written by: ADAM JOHN SPARK, ADAM PETER WESTON, ANTHONY JOHN T JACKSON, IAN LEWIS KENNY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hastings
I've been at the bottom I've been living in hell
The highest of highs got me nothing but stares
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
I'm licking my wounds I'll be resting my head
(So how were you to know)
That I was the one that let the devil exist
(I think you aught to know)
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
It started when your eyes rolled back in your head
See I
Can fool them all
With you there's no way
I got nothing at all
I strap up my boots and then I kick in the door
(So how were you to know)
I know what I've done but I?ll be coming for more
(I think you aught to know)
Maybe with the lights out we can be bad
It started when your eyes rolled back in your head
Stay, the hell
Away from me
Cos I did you wrong
I'm begging you leave
Cos I've seen it play
I know how this ends
It's nothing I wanna see again
I'm begging you please
To let me go
Free yourself
The world you know
Is somewhere else
See I
Have seen it all
The rage in the bull
The white of his horns
And you know me better
Than I know myself
My greatest mistake was giving you up
For nothing at all
For nothing at all
HaylzNaylz
IAN KENNY! The only man in aussie music to have such a wonderous and amazing voice O.O Never will forget when I saw them play at Open Arms in Coffs last year. Amazing would be a major understatement!
Hastings
haylzRAWR i
Aric Severtson
Birds of Tokyo deserve the world. I've seen them twice and waiting for thrice. Great Aussie band.
SarahDempsey92
Ahhhh my favourite song off the new album :D i hate using this word to describe anything, but this song is truly epic!
Kris
Ian's voice is amazing
Tyler H
God damnit, these songs are so profound... I love these guys, and all bands associated. If only America wasn't burring itself in the sand.
Juls McCallum
Absolutely amazing live as usual!!!! :)
Drags Survives.
finally some good aussie music again. this video needs like a million more views.
M.W. Currey
Love this song! B.O.T are awesome!
TwisT2
cant freakin believe what im hearing, this is is SO amazingly good!