After the release of some EPs and singles, the group signed with Merge Records who released their second album, Long Goodbye, in 2003. After a world tour, they headed back to the studio in fall of 2005 to begin work on their third album, Cannibal Sea, which was released in March of 2006.
Uniform
The Essex Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You cast your lot with the self-abused
But you were honest, for once
You take ten steps futher, everyone, oh
You better speed up
Did I mention reverse?
Why get ahead when you can be third worst?
In a uniform
Of all that can hurt in a uniform
Why do yourself when you could do worse?
In a uniform
Of all that can hurt in a uniform
Why do yourself when you could be, yeah, when you could be runnin'... ( la la la la)
Do you like my dress? Oh, it's from '74
Ripped in the arms from the girl before
Like everything I've owned or had
Like a charity gone bad...
Lying to my phone (lying to my phone)
Cheating lines just to be alone
In a uniform
Of all that can hurt in a uniform
Why do yourself when you could do worse?
In a uniform
Of all that can hurt in a uniform
Why do yourself when you could be, yeah when you could be, oh...
Runnin', all the time
Runnin', all the time
You're thinkin' like you're drunk but you're not, you're not
You're just stone-cold blind to what you've got
And you keep takin' all your cues from Iscariot, but you keep runnin'
You're thinkin' like you're drunk but you're not, you're not
You're just stone-cold blind to what you've got
And you keep takin' all your cues from Iscariot, but you keep runnin'...
The lyrics of The Essex Green's song Uniform speak about the struggle of living in a society that values conformity and fitting in over individuality and self-expression. The opening lines suggest that the singer is willing to take risks and not afraid of being accused of stepping outside of the norm. However, they soon discover that even though they are being honest with themselves for once, they are still part of a group of people who have been self-abused. Then, they question the need to constantly strive to be better when it is easier to just settle for being "third worst."
The chorus "In a uniform of all that can hurt in a uniform, why do yourself when you could do worse?" seems to be a rhetorical question aimed at those who insist on fitting in rather than being true to themselves. The lines "Do you like my dress? Oh, it's from '74. Ripped in the arms from the girl before" and "Like everything I've owned or had. Like a charity gone bad" suggest that the singer is wearing a "uniform" made up of second-hand or discarded items that do not necessarily represent their true self, but are used to fit in and feel accepted.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics hint at self-destructive behavior such as lying and cheating to be alone. The repeated lines of "runnin', all the time" suggest that the singer is constantly on the move, possibly trying to escape their internal struggle of wanting to be true to themselves but feeling the pressure of fitting in with society's expectations.
Overall, Uniform can be interpreted as a commentary on the societal pressure to conform and the difficulties of maintaining individuality in a world that values sameness.
Line by Line Meaning
Run the risk of being accused
You are willing to face potential criticism
You cast your lot with the self-abused
You align yourself with those who have suffered and been mistreated
But you were honest, for once
You were truthful in a way that you rarely are
You take ten steps futher, everyone, oh
You go further than others in your actions and decisions
You better speed up
You need to move quickly and efficiently
Did I mention reverse?
Have you considered taking a different approach or reversing course?
Why get ahead when you can be third worst?
Why strive for success when it might be easier to settle for mediocrity?
In a uniform
You conform to societal expectations
Of all that can hurt in a uniform
Following norms can cause pain and discomfort
Why do yourself when you could do worse?
Why limit yourself to societal norms when you could try something different, even if it's not ideal?
Do you like my dress? Oh, it's from '74
You cling to outdated and retro styles
Ripped in the arms from the girl before
Your clothing is secondhand and damaged
Like everything I've owned or had
You struggle to hold onto anything or make it last
Like a charity gone bad...
Your attempts to help others or be kind often backfire
Lying to my phone (lying to my phone)
You deceive others through technology or social media
Cheating lines just to be alone
You manipulate situations to avoid social interaction
Runnin', all the time
You are constantly on the move, both physically and emotionally
You're thinkin' like you're drunk but you're not, you're not
Your thoughts and decisions are impaired, but not by alcohol
You're just stone-cold blind to what you've got
You are unaware of the good things in your life and only focus on the negative
And you keep takin' all your cues from Iscariot, but you keep runnin'
You continue to follow a path that leads to betrayal and ruin, even though you know it's not right
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@family_jules
I'm calling it already - song of the year.
@nickstory5141
This album rules
@josephvengen9989
Great to see Essex Green playing and recording again... been a fan of Sasha Bell and the various projects shes been a part of since Ladybug Transistor.... and of course the great tunes on her solo effort Finishing School. Awaiting the new LP this Friday!
@brightoutside
I think the last time I listened to them was 10 years ago, but now they are releasing a new album! beautiful!
@scott_71
Great song!
@andressolispalos2750
Hagase la luz!!Melodía perfecta(o casi),y discazo
@jahunnypot
Hunnypot Approved!
@camitheunicorn9717
this was the most random way I found a song i liked. I accidentally typed "710youtube" into google. lmao
@countrystoreMN
710 = OIL