In these days of instant gratification and apathy, it's refreshing to see a… Read Full Bio ↴In these days of instant gratification and apathy, it's refreshing to see a band looking at things a little differently. Sitting somewhere between Folk-Rock and Indie-Pop, without slotting neatly in to either pigeonhole, The Haiku, proudly independent and fiercely original, refer to their musical creation as “Power Folk”.

They have been around since 2006, and are constantly honing and improving their craft. Their line up, consisting of punk-folk acoustic guitar, vocals and drums (with a little piano thrown in for good measure) is certainly not your average indie-rock band and audiences are often taken by surprise at the intensity and quality of the sound created by such a minimal arrangement. The Haiku show that the acoustic guitar does not have to be a quiet instrument.

Each and every show is an energetic performance of incredibly personal songs, which somehow manage to speak to each individual member of the audience. Anyone who’s ever loved and lost; or been disillusioned with the state of the world; or been frustrated with the unfairness of life; yet enjoyed the feeling of hope for the future, will understand and appreciate what The Haiku have to offer.

Their work ethic is pleasantly different, and you'd be hard pressed to find a band around today who put more effort in. Regular interaction with fans is something the band take very seriously, and they are acutely aware that without people to listen, the band means nothing. Thankfully, people do want to listen, now moreso than ever.

The differences don't stop with the music either. The band are highly professional about how they manage themselves, and are more than happy to remain independent from the standard “record company” route, to which many bands aspire. Doing it their own way allows them more room to express themselves without compromising, and importantly they can stay close to their fanbase. Every single CD you can buy from their self maintained website, (www.thehaiku.co.uk) - or from one of their numerous gigs around the country, is hand made and often personalised.

Nerves On a Pin
The Haiku Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So listen to me
I know it's a maybe
But please can't you see
That maybe is me
At the end of the night
Do you question yourself
What's wrong or right
Can you see?

I wait for a day
I don't know if it's mine
If things go my way
And it's worth all the time
I invested in you
It's worth the prize
You're something brand new
Can you see?
You and me?

You tempted me in
Don't know if you meant to
My nerves on a pin
And I'm playing this through
A million times
In my head I can't stop
Can't commit other's crimes

Can you see?
You and me?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Haiku's song Nerves On a Pin revolves around a person who is afraid to express their feelings to someone they like. The song starts with the singer pleading with the person they like to see them as a potential partner. They express uncertainty about their chances with the person, but they need them to pay attention and give them a chance. The verse indicates that the singer is battling with their thoughts and insecurities as they try to make sense of their feelings.

The second part of the chorus contains the phrase "Can you see?" repeated twice, which could be interpreted in two different ways. It could mean that the singer is trying to make the person see how perfect they are for each other or asking if they can see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes. The second verse implies that the singer is willing to invest time and effort to make the relationship work. They believe that the potential prize of a brand-new relationship makes it worth the risk they are taking.

The last part of the song contains a confession by the singer that they have been battling nerves since the first encounter. They continuously rehearse their words and actions in their head hoping not to make any mistakes when they finally confess their feelings. The song ends with the same phrases, "Can you see? You and me?" indicating the singer’s final plea for the person to give them a chance.

Line by Line Meaning

So listen to me
I'm about to say something important, please pay attention.

I know it's a maybe
I'm not completely sure, but there's a possibility.

But please can't you see
I hope you'll understand what I'm trying to say.

That maybe is me
I could be the one you're looking for.

At the end of the night
When everything has settled down.

Do you question yourself
Wondering what you really want.

What's wrong or right
Trying to figure out what's best for you.

Can you see?
Do you understand?

I wait for a day
I'm anticipating something to happen.

I don't know if it's mine
I'm unsure if it's meant for me.

If things go my way
If everything falls into place for me.