Glenn Mercer and Bill Million formed the band as The Outkids in 1976, and changed their name to The Feelies later that year. The band moved to New York and began receiving critical acclaim for their performances. By the 1978, the band consisted of Mercer, Million, basist Keith DeNunzio and drummer Anton Fier. The band released their debut single "Fa Cé-La", on Rough Trade Records in 1979.
In 1980, the band released their debut album, "Crazy Rhythms" on Stiff Records. Fier and DeNunzio left the band shortly after the release of the album, and the band was put on hiatus as Mercer and Million pursued other projects. The two continued to occasionally perform with other musicians as The Feelies throughout the early 1980's.
The band reformed in 1985 with a lineup consisting of Million, Mercer, Dave Wackerman, Brenda Sauter and Stan Demeski and released "The Good Earth" in 1986. The album was co-produced by R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck. The Feelies toured with Lou Reed and R.E.M. during 1986.
In 1988, the band released "Only Life" on A&M Records, and in 1991, released "Time for a Witness" on the same label. The band disbanded in 1992.
The band reunited in 2008 and toured with Sonic Youth, before beginning a schedule of festival dates throughout 2009 and 2010. The band released their fifth album, "Here Before", on Bar/None Records in 2011.
later on
The Feelies Lyrics
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In the yard
When it's dark
In the park
Later on
And we're gone
Move on
Stay behind
Don't even try
To make me smile
For a little while
Later on
And we're gone
Move on
Later on
And we're gone
Move on
The Feelies' song Later On is a cryptic representation of a particular point in time. It alludes to the moment after a break-up, where the two parties involved are still in close proximity to each other, but the relationships have already fallen apart. The lyrics talk about the two people existing in the same space, but disconnected and indifferent to each other's presence. In the opening lines, the singer describes the environment where they are, in the yard, in the park, and how the darkness sets them apart. The chorus of the song states 'Later on, we're gone, move on' - the inevitability of the separation and how both parties have to reconcile with the fact that they must move on from each other.
However, the song is not about a bitter, resentful ending of a relationship. Instead, it conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance that everything must come to an end. The lyrics suggest that it has been a slow decline to this moment, where the relationship has already unsalvageable. The singer requests the other party not to attempt to make amends, knowing deep down that it's already too late. The last verse reiterates the message of the chorus, 'Later on, we're gone, move on.' It may appear unemotional, but the song portrays the quiet yet acute pain of separating from someone and walking away with a sense of apprehension and practicality.
Line by Line Meaning
Where they are
The location of those individuals is not important
In the yard
They might be standing outside in a small grassy area
When it's dark
The time of day is during the evening when sunlight has faded
In the park
They might be hanging out in a public area with trees and benches
Later on
At some point in the future, but the specific time is not important
And we're gone
The individuals have left the previous location
Move on
Let go of the past and continue forward
Stay behind
One person decides to remain in a location while everyone else moves on
Don't even try
Do not attempt to make me happy or intervene in my decision
To make me smile
To provoke or induce a smile on my face
For a little while
For a short period of time, but not permanently
Later on
Repeated from earlier, at some point in the future
And we're gone
Repeated from earlier, the individuals have left the previous location
Move on
Repeated from earlier, let go of the past and continue forward
Later on
Repeated for the third time, emphasizing the uncertainty of the future
And we're gone
Repeated for the third time, repeating the concept of moving on
Move on
Repeated for the third time, as a reminder to not dwell on the past
Contributed by Max K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.