The band recently finished recording their debut album "The Last Party" with producer Victor Van Vugt in New York. The first single from this album, "Generation Y", released in July 2007.
Lucky Man
The Hampdens Lyrics
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Watch out they'll tap your phones, and undermine your floors
Is that a car outside your window?
Work hard and take your train, you know someday they'll come for you
Read the paper Mr. Jones, there's a headline in your mind
About a guy who dies trying to roll the dice
Hide a card inside your sleeve
And you make me feel like I'm alone at night
Though you keep me close and hold me tight
I'm not dreaming of a way to leave there's only comfort in the lies you tell me
Watch your back now Mr. Jones, there's a war on don't you know?
They're calling in their loans, leaving no where else to go
Look for the car outside your window
Gather up your wife and kids and leave without a sound
And you make me feel like I'm alone at night
Though you keep me close and hold me tight
I'm not dreaming of a way to leave there's only comfort in the lies you tell me
The Hampdens's song Lucky Man is a political commentary on the state of the world and society. The lyrics are a narrative about a man named Mr. Jones who is seemingly living a comfortable life, paying his taxes and reading the paper. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that there is an underlying threat and danger lurking around Mr. Jones. The lines "there's someone at your door, watch out they'll tap your phones and undermine your floors" suggest a surveillance state and loss of privacy. The reference to "a guy who dies trying to roll the dice" in the newspaper headline hints at the dangers of taking risks and stepping out of line. The lyrics "gather up your wife and kids and leave without a sound" suggest the possibility of being forced to flee from a hostile environment.
The chorus "and you make me feel like I'm alone at night, though you keep me close and hold me tight, I'm not dreaming of a way to leave, there's only comfort in the lies you tell me" can be interpreted as a commentary on the power structure and how people are lulled into complacency by the promises and lies of those in power. The repetition of the line "you make me feel like I'm alone at night" suggests a feeling of isolation and disempowerment, even though there may be someone physically present.
Line by Line Meaning
Pay your taxes Mr. Jones, there's someone at your door
You should pay your taxes because the authorities are keeping a close eye on you.
Watch out they'll tap your phones, and undermine your floors
Be careful because the government is capable of monitoring your conversations and secretly entering your house.
Is that a car outside your window?
Be wary of suspicious activity around your home.
Work hard and take your train, you know someday they'll come for you
Continue with your daily routine, but be aware that one day you may be targeted.
Read the paper Mr. Jones, there's a headline in your mind
Stay informed about the news because it may have an impact on your life.
About a guy who dies trying to roll the dice
The story in the news is about someone who took a risky chance and paid the ultimate price for it.
Hide a card inside your sleeve
Be cautious and keep some tricks up your sleeve to protect yourself.
Don't believe the headlines that you read between the lines
Be wary of misleading information that is not explicitly stated in the news.
And you make me feel like I'm alone at night
Despite being physically near me, you make me feel isolated and vulnerable.
Though you keep me close and hold me tight
You try to comfort me, but I still feel alone and unprotected.
I'm not dreaming of a way to leave there's only comfort in the lies you tell me
Although I may not trust you entirely, your lies provide a sense of security and relief from the harsh reality.
Watch your back now Mr. Jones, there's a war on don't you know?
Be alert because there is a conflict taking place that may impact your safety.
They're calling in their loans, leaving no where else to go
Those in power are demanding repayment of debts, leaving people vulnerable and without options.
Look for the car outside your window
Be vigilant and watch for any suspicious vehicles near your home.
Gather up your wife and kids and leave without a sound
Take action to protect yourself and your family, but do so discreetly.
Contributed by Gianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Timothy Delaney
Does anyone know what happened to this band? They releases a great album and then just disappeared. :(
Francois Nemer
and why have half of songs been removed from spotify!! its torture