History
2005–2006: Origins and The Fratellis EP
The band's name came from the criminal family in The Goonies and received their first radio playing in 2005, on central Scotland's Beat 106 (later XFM Scotland, now Galaxy Scotland) Beatscene show hosted by Jim Gellatly. They were signed by Fallout Records.
They played their first show on 4 March 2005 in the O'Henry's bar in Glasgow across the road from the Horseshoe bar. The Fratellis EP was released on 3 April 2006, featuring the tracks "Stacie Anne" and "The Gutterati?". "Creepin' Up the Backstairs" was never a single released by the band, even though a video was made for it. The first single released by the band was Henrietta, which was released on 12 June 2006 and charted at number 19 on the UK Charts.
2006–2007: Costello Music and mainstream success
Costello Music was the debut album for the Fratellis and was released on 11 September 2006. It charted at number two in the UK album charts for three weeks. The success of the album led to the Fratellis winning the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, an award that was voted for by BBC Radio One listeners.
The Fratellis perform in Scotland.
The Fratellis supported Kasabian in December 2006 on their UK tour before playing 10 dates by themselves in February and March 2007. The tour of the UK festival circuit, playing at Glastonbury and headlining at festivals such as NME's Rock 'n' Riot tour, OXEGEN 2007 and T in the Park 2007, amongst others. They also opened for The Police Reunion Tour in the summer of 2007 in some of the North America dates. The Fratellis also recorded some cover songs during the year including "All Along the Watchtower" for Radio 1's 40th Anniversary Double Album, Radio 1: Established 1967, and "Solid Gold Easy Action" for the soundtrack of the film Hot Fuzz, which also included the single "Baby Fratelli".
The band released their first live DVD, Edgy In Brixton, in the UK on 1 October 2007, which was recorded at the Brixton Academy in London. The DVD contains a locations included Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Following the release of the album, the Fratellis embarked on a full live performance of the debut album Costello Music, B-sides from various singles and a new song called "Pretty Like a Girl". Extras on the DVD include the band being asked questions by members of the Fratellis' website, and on the deluxe edition, . It was released in the United States on 30 October 2007.
2007–2009: Here We Stand
The band's filmed on 18 June 2008 at the Fillmore, San Francisco; performances of "Milk and Money", "Flathead" and "Mistress Mabel" from Abbey Road Studios and the videos for second album, Here We Stand, was first mentioned in November 2007 on the Fratellis' official website, which stated that work had begun on the album in a rehearsal space in Glasgow. The band said that they were self-producing the album and had their own studio to record in. Recording finished on 13 January 2008.
On 22 February 2008, they played a highlights from the T in the Park 2007 festival small show for fans at Queen Margaret Union to debut new songs from the upcoming album. About eight new going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third single was "A Heady Tale", released on 22 December. The Fratellis released a deluxe edition of Here We Stand internationally songs from their new album were played, including "Mistress Mabel", "Acid Jazz Singer", and "Look Out Sunshine!". This performance introduced two new touring members, a guitarist, Robin Peringer and a keyboard player, Will Foster. However, after the Teenage Cancer Trust show in 2008, Robin departed the tour for unknown reasons. Will Foster subsequently played both keyboard and guitar during live performances.
The album, was released on 9 June 2008 in the UK and 10 June 2008 in the United States. The band marked the US release of the album with sold-out shows in New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. The first single from the album,"Mistress Mabel", was released on 26 May 2008. The next single, "Look Out Sunshine!", released on 18 August 2008 and with money on 8 December. The CD included a new song titled "Moriarty's Last Stand" and the accompanying DVD which features "The Year of the Thief" (a documentary of the band on the road in the US), a live show the singles "Mistress Mabel" and "Look Out Sunshine!".
During 2009, the band did a mini-tour of Australia and Japan during February and March. The Fratellis headlined the Island Records 50th anniversary show on 27 May 2009 where they debuted their new track to be included on the Island 50: 50 Years of Island Records which was Bob Marley's "Stir It Up". The band also headlined the Hop Farm Festival 2009 on 4 July, with a gig at the Middlesbrough Empire on 3 July to prepare for the upcoming headline slot.
2009–2012: 'Indefinite' hiatus and side projects
After the Hop Farm show in 2009, the band were going to take an extended break citing exhaustion and relationships within the band turning sour after a series of prolonged touring and working together. Jon went on to form a new band with singer/songwriter Lou Hickey called Codeine Velvet Club. He released an self-titled album with the band in December 2009 and toured during late 2009 and early 2010. The band came to a finish and he decided to become a solo artist. He released his debut solo album, Psycho Jukebox in 2010 and intended to release a second, titled Bright Night Flowers in 2012 but this was shelved due to the Fratellis reuniting. It would eventually be released in 2019, in a re-recorded form after the fifth Fratellis album In Your Own Sweet Time.
Barry initially stated that he was starting his own musical project and would let Fratellis fans know about it via the Fratellis website. He didn't let fans know his musical ventures until November 2011, where he revealed he had joined Birmingham band the Twang, who he played with until August 2012 when he rejoined the Fratellis. He is also a regular on the DJ circuit, and still DJs now when he can.
Mince initially joined a heavy metal band called Throne o' Diablo, before leaving the band for unknown reasons. He would go on to join Jon's solo band as a second drummer, backing vocalist and occasional guitarist during live shows for his Psycho Jukebox tour.
2012–2014: We Need Medicine
The Fratellis played their first show since 2009 to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund on 15 June 2012, marking nearly 3 years since they last shared a stage together. They then performed at O2 ABC Glasgow on 26 September 2012 and announced a UK tour in April 2013. During the UK tour, 3 more songs were debuted live; "She's Not Gone Yet But She's Leaving", "Seven Nights Seven Days" and "Whiskey Saga". The band went on to perform dates in Oxford, Leicester and Sheffield with another date at Loopallu festival, forming a small September tour. During the tour, the band debuted 2 new tracks, "This Old Ghost Town" (previously played by and mainland Europe. With 2014, the band played festivals across the world, returning to the US, UK and Europe and also headed over to Japan before finishing the We Jon in a solo show) and "Rock n Roll Will Break Your Heart".
On 4 February 2013, the Fratellis finished recording their third album, which was to be called We Need Medicine with a release date of 7 October 2013. "Seven Nights Seven Days" was released as a single on 29 September. The album was recorded in Glasgow with Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie on production duties.
The band saw out 2013 with a highly successful tour of the US, UK Need Medicine album campaign with two shows in Russia in September 2014. The band released a brand new EP in September 2014 called The Soul Crush EP, which was released for free on their website.
2014–2016: Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
During Christmas break 2013, the band started writing new material, and two of the songs debuted live in 2014. "Too Much Wine" was played on the early 2014 US tour, with "All the Live Long Day" (later to be known as "Impostors (Little By Little)") turning up later on. Upon releasing The Soul Crush EP in 2014, the band stated they would be heading to LA to record their fourth album, with Barry confirming on Twitter it was once again with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air), producer-architect of both their debut album and of Jon's solo album Psycho Jukebox.
News stayed quiet until 1 June 2015, when the band announced their new album would be called Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied and would be released through Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2015. The band revealed the first song from the album "Me and the Devil" through their website, and later announced the first single "Baby Don't You Lie To Me" on 29 June. Both tracks were made available as instant downloads with your pre-order of the album. The band shared a new video for "Baby Don't You Lie To Me!" on 24 July 2015.
In late 2016, the Fratellis launched a UK-wide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary of Costello Music, playing 16 shows through November and December.
2017–2019: In Your Own Sweet Time and Bright Night Flowers
In 2017, the band headlined posts since 30 April, the band confirmed on Instagram that they were in Los Angeles to record their fifth album with Tony Hoffer once again producing.
On 29 September 2017 the band announced their the Vicar's Picnic music festival 14–15 July, as well as the Lindisfarne Festival, which ran 31 August to 3 September.
On 8 May, after hinting through several fifth studio album, In Your Own Sweet Time which was released on 16 March 2018 and followed by with a UK concert tour in March 2018. The album was released on CD, LP, limited edition orange LP and cassette. They also toured the U.S. in late Spring 2018 and early Summer.
After the recording of In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon had quietly re-recorded his shelved 2012 solo album Bright Night Flowers and after the main bulk of touring was finished for In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon announced his solo album would be released in February 2019, supported with two shows in London and Glasgow. His first solo shows in 6 years featured nearly the entirety of Bright Night Flowers with only one song from his previous solo album showing up along with Fratellis' favourites "Whistle for the Choir" and "Laughing Gas" in rearranged forms and a series of covers.
Lazybones
The Fratellis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should I get up, or stay in bed?
No I believe I've got it wrong
Stay right here, where I belong
'Cause I've got the brains, they're there in my head
Well all that remains, is just to get out of bed.
I'm missing the best, part of the day,
Just an ordinary guy,
Shoes have got holes and my hopes are high.
I've got to say, though I'm confused,
Well everyone that I pass seems so amused.
'Cause I've got the wheels, but I don't got the time,
I know how it feels, stuck at the back of the line.
I've don't got the words, it's not easy to say,
Stealing' tomorrow to help me get over today.
'Cause I've got the brains, they're there my head,
All that remains, is just to get out of bed,
I'm missing the best, part of the day,
Stealing tomorrow just to help me get over today
The Fratellis's song Lazybones is a reflection on the struggles of everyday life and the desire to escape it. The opening lines "Screen is blue, and the fire is red/Should I get up, or stay in bed?" set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer questioning whether it's worth getting up and facing the day or staying in bed and avoiding it altogether. However, he decides to stay put, because "I believe I've got it wrong/Stay right here, where I belong."
The rest of the lyrics touch on the feeling of being stuck in a mundane routine and the desire to break free from it. The singer feels like he's missing out on the best part of the day and is only able to steal tomorrow to help him get over today. He feels like an ordinary guy with worn-out shoes and high hopes but is constantly confused by the amusement of those around him. The chorus repeats the idea that he has the brains to overcome his situation, but all he needs to do is get out of bed and start living.
The song's upbeat tempo juxtaposes the somewhat melancholic lyrics, creating a somewhat bittersweet effect that is both relatable and electric.
Line by Line Meaning
Screen is blue, and the fire is red
The room is calm and chilly but there's a blaze in the fireplace.
Should I get up, or stay in bed?
Wondering whether to start the day or lay in bed a little longer.
No I believe I've got it wrong
Realizing that staying in bed is the right choice for the moment.
Stay right here, where I belong
Understanding that staying in bed is a place of comfort and happiness.
'Cause I've got the brains, they're there in my head
Knowing that intelligence is within oneself.
Well all that remains, is just to get out of bed.
Only one thing left to do: get up.
I'm missing the best, part of the day,
Realizing that mornings hold promise and potential.
Stealing tomorrow to help me get over today.
Planning for the future in order to cope with the present.
Just an ordinary guy,
Being just like everyone else, nothing special.
Shoes have got holes and my hopes are high.
Having faith in the possibilities despite the physical state of things.
I've got to say, though I'm confused,
Acknowledging that there are uncertainties and perplexities.
Well everyone that I pass seems so amused.
Observing others being happy and content on their own paths.
'Cause I've got the wheels, but I don't got the time,
Having means of transportation but not enough hours in the day to make use of it.
I know how it feels, stuck at the back of the line.
Being aware of being left behind and struggling to catch up.
I've don't got the words, it's not easy to say,
Lacking the right vocabulary to express oneself.
Stealing' tomorrow to help me get over today.
Seeking solace from the future to cope with present woes.
'Cause I've got the brains, they're there my head,
Knowing that the capacity for intelligence is always present.
All that remains, is just to get out of bed,
The only remaining task is to rise from bed.
I'm missing the best, part of the day,
Not taking advantage of the most fruitful time of day.
Stealing tomorrow just to help me get over today.
Using the future as an escape from current problems.
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Naomi Brash
This song is awesome! One of their best B-sides yet! Incredible! Love it! :) Mon The Fratellis x
anna10797
Its very good,you can really hear the beatles influence through it too, brilliant!
Megan Meyer
Such a great song.💗🎶💗🎶💗
Oswald oo
Shit I'm addicted to Fratellis B sides again. There goes my weekend.
Zombumb
Just an ordinary guy, shoes have got holes and my hopes are high. 🤠
sockpuff
Love this song, its not the best though. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but I know they can do better than this. On the other hand, its an amazing song, and they are all legendssssss!!!!!
chris homie
its too good
Lila Smith
awesome
petertrickaz
Hmmm do you reckon John's influenced by the Beatles at all???? :)
sockpuff
My freind is using my youtube. Twat. My real opinion, is that THIS SONG IS ANAZING AND I CANNAE WAIT FOR THE VINYL FOR CHRISTMAS MTF and MTJ!