Th… Read Full Bio ↴Constantines are an indie rock band from Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
The band was formed by Steve Lambke, Bryan Webb, Doug MacGregor, and Dallas Wehrle in 1999, following in the wake of the emotional hardcore band Shoulder.
Their style has been described as "art-punk," and they have been compared to a mixture of bands like The Clash, Fugazi, Bruce Springsteen, and Nick Cave. They relocated to London, Ontario and then to Toronto, where in 2001 they released their self-titled first album, which was extremely popular on campus radio and was nominated for a Juno Award for Best Alternative Album.
In 2002, the original members were joined by keyboardist Evan Gordon, after which they released The Modern Sinner Nervous Man EP in April 2002 on Suicide Squeeze. Gordon left soon afterwards, and was replaced by Will Kidman.
Despite signing an international deal with Sub Pop, the band ensured that their original home, Three Gut, would continue to release their albums in Canada. In 2003 they released the Nighttime Anytime EP, as well as their second full-length, Shine a Light.
In 2005, The Constantines embarked upon a cross-Canada tour with The Weakerthans, called The Rolling Tundra Revue, a feat which is set to be repeated by both acts in 2009.
2005 also saw the release of the band's third full-length release, Tournament of Hearts, which was to be the final Constantines release handled by Three Gut, which folded shortly afterwards. In early 2006, Blue Fog Records released a vinyl only split-album with The Constantines performing four Neil Young covers, while The Unintended did four Gordon Lightfoot songs.
In April 2008, The Constantines released their fourth album Kensington Heights on their new label, Arts & Crafts.
The Constantines' guitarist Steve Lambke has also recorded under the name Baby Eagle, whilst Will Kidman has recorded as Woolly Leaves.
Thieves
The Constantines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Barefoot and unbuttoned to the waist
The street car runs all night
And I can't wait
So meet me down behind the abattoir
With the last of the summer kings
Meet me down at the lake
I said, these waves come in from California
And summer is easy
living in the city downtown
Thieves in the city
Bees in the flowerbeds
Kissing downtown and then the sun come up
In your summer dress you said
A culture with shaking breath, I want it now
Well in my mouth the sun will sound
When that evening sun go down
Down to the lake, past the windmill like a fireball
Through your broken window
Down to the lake with shaking breath and the bloody owls
At the end of summer racket
You said, tonight we can't be held by fences or by chains
Down at the lake with a bad moon shining in the waves
The song "Thieves" by The Constantines is a melodic and introspective piece that explores the nuances of summer in the city. The first verse sets the scene, with the singer sweating it out alone in their room, feeling restless and eager to hit the streets. They arrange a meeting with someone they care about behind the abattoir, a gloomy and unsettling place. As they make their way to the lake, they talk about the waves that crash onto the shore and the ease of summer living in the city. They also mention the presence of thieves and bees, denoting both danger and beauty within an urban setting.
The chorus is where the emotions are most palpable, with the singer's desire for a fulfilling life revealed through their conversation with the other person. They talk about wanting to experience a culture with shaking breath, indicating a desire for a transformative experience. The line, "in my mouth the sun will sound," is evocative of a deep yearning for something beyond the ordinary. The final verse describes the journey to the lake, past the windmills and through the broken window, with the bloody owls signifying a sense of ominousness. Despite this, the singer suggests that they can't be held by fences or chains, showing a desire for freedom and autonomy.
In summary, "Thieves" showcases The Constantines' strength in crafting emotive, vivid songs that transcend genre boundaries. Their lyrics are filled with evocative imagery that speaks to the human experience, particularly in the context of modern urban life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweating it out in my room
Starting off the song by indicating that the person is spending their time in their room, suggesting that they might feel trapped or stuck.
Barefoot and unbuttoned to the waist
Describing the physical state of the person in the room, adding to the casual and carefree atmosphere of the song.
The street car runs all night
Commenting on the city atmosphere, implying a busy and lively environment that never sleeps.
And I can't wait
Indicating that the person is eager or excited about something that is going to happen.
So meet me down behind the abattoir
Inviting someone to come and meet them in a place that is unusual or unconventional, thereby adding to the sense of adventure.
With the last of the summer kings
Referring to a time of the year that is coming to an end, conveying a sense of nostalgia or wistfulness.
Meet me down at the lake
Repeating the invitation to meet in a specific location, reinforcing the sense of anticipation and excitement.
I said, these waves come in from California
Starting a conversation about the natural world, referring to the physical phenomenon of waves and the fact that they don't respect human borders or boundaries.
You said, these waves are all brand new
Continuing the conversation about the natural world, indicating a sense of wonder or curiosity about this particular topic.
And summer is easy
Making a general statement about the season of the year, suggesting that things are simple or carefree during this time.
living in the city downtown
Describing the urban environment in which the person is living, drawing attention to the contrast between the natural world and the built environment.
Thieves in the city
Using a metaphor to suggest that there are people in the city who are taking advantage of others or acting without integrity.
Bees in the flowerbeds
Using another metaphor to suggest that there are people in the city who are working hard and contributing to the community in positive ways.
Kissing downtown and then the sun come up
Creating an image of people experiencing the night life of the city, hinting at the hedonistic or wild nature of this experience.
In your summer dress you said
Praising the appearance of the person addressed in the song, focusing on the physical attraction between people in the city.
A culture with shaking breath, I want it now
Expressing a desire for a particular kind of experience or lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest.
Well in my mouth the sun will sound
Using poetic language to suggest that the person is feeling something deeply or having an emotional experience.
When that evening sun go down
Referencing the natural world again, indicating a sense of time passing and things changing.
Down to the lake, past the windmill like a fireball
Describing the physical journey to the location mentioned earlier, emphasizing the excitement and urgency of this experience.
Through your broken window
Describing the location where the person is going as somewhat rundown or decayed, conveying a sense of danger or risk.
Down to the lake with shaking breath and the bloody owls
Further emphasizing the danger or risk associated with the journey, drawing attention to the presence of wild animals and the physical impact this has on the person.
At the end of summer racket
Referencing the seasonal change again, this time indicating that things are coming to an end and a sense of melancholy or sadness is setting in.
You said, tonight we can't be held by fences or by chains
Repeating the emphasis on freedom and living life to the fullest, expressing a desire to be unencumbered and unrestrained in this experience.
Down at the lake with a bad moon shining in the waves
Ending the song with an evocative image of the natural world, suggesting the power and mystery of the world outside the city.
Lyrics © ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC INC DBA GALLERYAC MUSIC
Written by: BRYAN WEBB, DALLAS WEHRLE, DOUG MACGREGOR, STEVEN LAMBKE, WILL KIDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
benny
absolutely fantastic.
James Knott
thank you for uploading this.
Jason Boon
I said, "these waves come in from California."
You said, "these waves are all brand new,"
saw them live in Victoria @ Lucky Bar,,, cant remember the year...but great bar show. probably around 2006-07.
jkrycz
too realistic.