Martin Slattery is an established pianist and keyboard player, who had previously toured with Shaun Ryder’s group Black Grape. Both Antony and Martin also have worked with Joe Strummer as a part the group The Mescaleros.
The band is managed by Jeanette Lee, who runs Rough Trade with Geoff Travis and former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey. The artwork for the band, including the skull image was created by British artist Damien Hirst for his "For The Love Of God" Collection..
They have received support from Radio One DJ Zane Lowe, and from Jarvis Cocker who said "They understand what music is for – it's for human beings to communicate with other human beings. It's that simple, it's that important. Let them into your life. You won't regret it".
Their single "Ali in the Jungle" is featured in the EA Sports FIFA 08 football game. More recently, Nike used the song in their "The Human Chain" commercial which premiered during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. "People Say" has twice been used in the opening scenes of British soap opera Hollyoaks.
Their first album Narcissus Road was released in 2007. And led to popular singles such as Ali In The Jungle and Back When You Were Good.
Their second album, entitled See the Light, was released on 20th April 2009. It was preceded by the single Big Black Hole on the 6th April.
In 2009 the band supported Kasabian as well as U2 on their 360 Tour playing in Zagreb, Glasgow, London Wembley Stadium and Cardiff Millennium Stadium.
Back When You Were Good
The Hours Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone's the same
But it's no use
It's no use
Lay it all to blame
At my door
That wont work no more
I've heard it all before
You have changed somehow
And I, I wish I knew you back then
Back when you were good
I know you
Better than you know yourself
And it's no use
You can't buy a new life off a shelf
It wont set you free
You're not fooling me
It's so sad to see
How you've changed your tune
And let go
You're like a vampire
You're soaking with bodies' blood
Oh how I wish I knew you back
When you were good
Back when you were someone
Back when you were good
Back when you were someone
When you were good,
You used to be so loud
You burned so bright
Your stars shined out so bright
You had it all right in the palm of your hand
And let it fall like a million grains of sand
You wear away to a place where nobody knew
Just who you are
And there's no one to answer to
No one to question the person you have become
And what have you done
What have you done
And you have gone to hide somewhere
Yeah you have gone to hide somewhere
The Hours's song "Back When You Were Good" deals with the idea of transformation and how a person can change over time. The lyrics seem to be addressed to someone who has gone through a significant change, and the singer wishes he knew the person back when they "were good." The phrase "Back when you were good" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the desire to return to a time when things were simpler and more genuine.
The opening lines of the song serve as a warning that everyone changes and that it's pointless to blame someone for their mistake. However, as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that the singer is disappointed in the person's transformation, evident in the lines "I see you now, you have changed somehow." The song suggests that there is a sense of loss when someone transforms into someone they used to be not, and the person who was once there disappears completely, as seen in the line "You're like a vampire, you're soaking with bodies' blood."
The imagery of transformation and change is intertwined throughout the song, and the message seems to be that people are not always what they seem. The chorus "Back when you were someone" highlights the idea that the person is not the same person they once were, and there is a yearning to go back to a time when things were straightforward. Overall the song acknowledges that people change, but in the end, it is essential to remain true to oneself and not lose sight of who you once were.
Line by Line Meaning
I told you
I previously conveyed information to you
Everyone's the same
All people are alike
But it's no use
However, it's pointless
It's no use
It's pointless
Lay it all to blame
Assign all the responsibility
At my door
Directly aimed at me
That wont work no more
This strategy is no longer effective
I've heard it all before
I have listened to this countless times
And I, I see you now
And now, I perceive you
You have changed somehow
You have altered in some way
And I, I wish I knew you back then
And now, I long to have known you previously
Back when you were good
When you were virtuous
I know you
I understand you
Better than you know yourself
More profoundly than you know yourself
And it's no use
But it's pointless
You can't buy a new life off a shelf
You cannot purchase a brand new existence easily
It wont set you free
It will not liberate you
You're not fooling me
You are not deceiving me
It's so sad to see
It's disheartening to witness
How you've changed your tune
How you have completely transformed your stance
And let go
And abstained from hanging on
You're like a vampire
You're like a blood-sucking parasite
You're soaking with bodies' blood
You're flooded with people's blood
Oh how I wish I knew you back
Oh how I yearn to have been acquainted with you previously
When you were good
When you were wholesome
Back when you were someone
Previously when you were renowned
Back when you were good
Preceding when you were righteous
Back when you were someone
Previously when you were well-known
When you were good,
When you were pure
You used to be so loud
You were formerly so boisterous
You burned so bright
You were brilliantly illuminated
Your stars shined out so bright
Your celestial bodies were shining so bright
You had it all right in the palm of your hand
You possessed everything you required
And let it fall like a million grains of sand
And relinquished it like a million granules of sand
You wear away to a place where nobody knew
You went to a location where no one was familiar with
Just who you are
Exactly who you genuinely are
And there's no one to answer to
And nobody to be accountable to
No one to question the person you have become
No one to challenge the person you have evolved into
And what have you done
And what actions have you taken
What have you done
What actions have you taken
And you have gone to hide somewhere
And you departed to take cover somewhere
Yeah you have gone to hide somewhere
Yes, you have departed to take cover somewhere
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANTHONY GENN, JOEY WARONKER, MARTIN SLATTERY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jooles99
Brilliant song from a rather obscure band. The album is really good as well! Thanks for posting the video.
Andy R
Absolute classic!
Fr. Bazán
EVA: Permanece en mi memoria el significado de tus palabras, el legado de nuestra unión.
marseyboldon
I could sing this word for word to my ex, it's so fitting!
katoness
Song always reminds me of an old friend that I had a great friendship with but later on we had a massive falling out.It was never the same after that, the friendship could not be mended, no matter how hard I tried.
Ruth Bowman
very good song. very enjoyable. very pleased. 😁 🎶
bluewonder136
Great band
The Jørgensen Family
I love this song
Milena Cunha
such a splendid song
EyesLikeALeopard
amazing song