1. The Cinematics were an indi… Read Full Bio ↴There are two artists with this name:
1. The Cinematics were an indie band which formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 2003. The band consisted of Scott Rinning (vocals, guitar), Larry Reid (guitar), Adam Goemans (bass) and Ross Bonney (drums). Ramsay Miller (guitar) left the band in 2008 and was replaced by Reid. The band has released two albums, "A Strange Education" (2007) and "Love and Terror" (2009). The band began recording their third album in Berlin in 2010. On July 25th 2011 it was reported that the band had split for good.
The band signed with TVT Records in 2005, and the label released "A Strange Education" in March 2007. The single "Keep Forgetting" was released from the album the previous month, and the album included the band's previous singles, "Chase" and "Break". In 2008, TVT Records announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and The Cinematics were one of a small handful of TVT artists whose contracts were retained by The Orchard, who purchased TVT's assets and back catalog. The Orchard released the band's second album, "Love and Terror" in September 2009. Two singles, "Love and Terror" and "New Mexico", were released from the album.
2. The Cinematics were a pre-Razorcuts Gregory Webster and Tim Vass, who put out one 7" EP 'Farewell To The Playground' on Pulsebeat Records (of Luton!) in 1982. One of the songs from the EP 'Puffa Train' would later appear on the Messthetics # 7: UK '78-82 "D.I.Y." Bands: "C" compilation and on The Sun Shines Here (The Roots Of Indie-Pop 1980-1984) box set. The Cinematics sound somewhat like the Razorcuts but in heavy overcoats rather than anoraks.
Race To The City
The Cinematics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've got to keep it moving
You have to be rich
Or richer than your father
Money matters always seem to get you down
But money doesn't matter when you're dead
Everything will be alright
Oh, race to the city
Race to the city, now
Race to the city
You can race, you can race, you can race, you can race
You can race
Progress feels so good
But everything has limits
And if you keep this up
You'll be back where you started
'Cos money matters never seem to give you time
Someday you'll just have to stop
You try to leave it all behind
But you can't get enough
So, race to the city
Race to the city, now
Come on, race to the city
Race to the city, now
Oh, come on
City life is a lie
Oh, come on
Come on
City life is a lie
You can race, you can race, you can race, you can race
You can race to the city
Race to the city, now
Come on, race to the city
Race to the city, now
Oh, come on
City life is a lie
Oh, come on
Oh, come on
City life is a lie
The Cinematics's song "Race to the City" is a commentary on the hustle and bustle of city life and the never-ending search for progress and success. The lyrics caution against becoming too caught up in the pursuit of money and material wealth, as ultimately, these things do not hold true value in life. The song begins by acknowledging that progress can feel good, but it must be balanced with limits, otherwise one can find themselves right back where they started. The idea of "keeping up with the Joneses" and striving to be richer than one's father is highlighted as a common pressure, but ultimately, the lyrics suggest that having fun is what really matters in life.
As the song progresses, the tension between the desire for progress and the pitfalls of city life become more apparent. Money matters often bring people down, yet the lyrics point out that ultimately, "money doesn't matter when you're dead." The suggestion is that life should be more about enjoying the moment and embracing spontaneity rather than striving for material success. The repeated refrain to "race to the city, race to the city" is perhaps an invitation to embrace the rush of urban life, but it's countered by the claim that "city life is a lie." The warning here is that the city may seem enticing, but it's important to acknowledge its downsides and not get too caught up in the thrill of the chase.
Overall, The Cinematics's "Race to the City" suggests that the pursuit of progress and material wealth can be alluring, but ultimately, these things do not provide true happiness. Instead, the song suggests that life should be enjoyed in the moment, and that the rush of city life may be enticing, but it's important to remember its pitfalls.
Line by Line Meaning
Progress is so good
Advancement can feel fulfilling and positive
You've got to keep it moving
One must continuously strive to achieve success
You have to be rich
Wealth is often seen as necessary for success
Or richer than your father
Outdoing one's parents can be seen as a marker of success
Money matters always seem to get you down
Financial worries can cause stress and anxiety
But money doesn't matter when you're dead
In the end, material possessions are meaningless
Everything will be alright
Life can be enjoyable and fulfilling
If you just have some fun
Enjoying life's pleasures can bring happiness
Oh, race to the city
The desire for success and fulfillment can drive people to urban areas
Race to the city, now
Urging listeners to take action towards their goals
Progress feels so good
Achievements can boost one's sense of self-worth
But everything has limits
There are always boundaries and obstacles to progress
And if you keep this up
Continuing on the same path can have negative consequences
You'll be back where you started
Without careful consideration, one's efforts can be wasted
'Cos money matters never seem to give you time
Financial pursuits can take away from other priorities
Someday you'll just have to stop
The pursuit of success cannot go on indefinitely
You try to leave it all behind
Attempting to break away from the rat race can be difficult
But you can't get enough
The desire for success can be insatiable
City life is a lie
Urban living can embody a superficial, materialistic lifestyle
You can race, you can race, you can race, you can race
The pursuit of success can become an addiction
Oh, come on
An expression of encouragement or challenge
City life is a lie
The city appeals to many but can represent falsity and disappointment
Contributed by Arianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.