Vocalist/guitarist Ritzy Bryan and bassist Rhydian Dafydd originally played together as part of indie rock band Tricky Nixon, which later reformed into a new wave/post-punk band Sidecar Kisses. In 2007 they regrouped on returning to Mold, Wales and formed The Joy Formidable, with Justin Stahley now on drums.
The Joy Formidable released their debut single, "Austere", on 7" through Another Kitchen Records on 18 August 2008. "Austere" was followed with a second single, a limited edition double 7" physical release of "Cradle" on Try Harder Records on 2 February 2009.
In 17 February 2009, the band issued an 8-track mini album A Balloon Called Moaning on Pure Groove Records. In support of the record the band appeared at several notable festivals, including Latitude Festival, Reading Festival and Leeds Festival during which time Justin Stahley was replaced on the drums by Matthew Thomas.
In May 2009, they issued the single, "Whirring", on 7" through Friends Vs Records, which was BBC Radio 2's Radcliffe and Maconie Show's Pick of the Week for the week of 11 May 2010.
At the end of 2009, The Joy Formidable released a free digital-only single "Greyhounds in the Slips", produced by and featuring ex-Mansun frontman Paul Draper and a limited edition live album entitled First You Have To Get Mad on 30 November 2009, which had been recorded at their headline London Garage gig two months previously.
The band also notably toured the UK with Editors and Passion Pit. On 26 June 2010, they supported Paul McCartney at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium. The very next day, the band performed an opening set on the Other Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2010. They also toured as part of the 2010 NME Radar Tour, supported by Chapel Club, Flats and Wilder.
Another single entitled "Popinjay" was released through iTunes Store on 21 February 2010, ahead of a physical release on 5 April 2010. In 11 October 2010, The Joy Formidable issued the single "I Don’t Want To See You Like This".
In 24 January 2011, The Joy Formidable released their debut studio album The Big Roar on Atlantic Records. The album was very favorable received by critics. The Big Roar was preceded by the re-issue of the single "Austere".
http://www.thejoyformidable.com
Absence
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I can't get right
It brings me down, down for a long time
Then you leave
in a sunny way
I'm at the window, willing you to wave
You think you're caught
but the absence is all we had
Do I miss
the sentimental purrs
that keep me dreaming, about the world.
Day and night, my soul they only graze
What are we feeling, we can't shake
Now I know what this means
I know what you mean to me.
The lyrics of The Joy Formidable's song "Absence" explore the emotional impact of missing someone or something that cannot be obtained or achieved. The opening lines "Do I miss, what I can't get right" suggest a sense of longing for something that is elusive or out of reach. This leads to a feeling of being downcast and melancholic for a prolonged period of time. However, when the person mentioned in the song leaves in a cheerful and positive manner ("in a sunny way"), the singer finds themselves standing by the window, hoping for a wave, indicating a conflicting mix of emotions.
The lyrics further delve into the idea that sometimes all we have are the moments of absence. The line "You think you're caught, and I know it's sad, but the absence is all we had" suggests that even though there may be a sense of loss or sadness when someone is gone, their absence might be the only connection or attachment the singer has in that particular situation.
The second verse introduces an additional layer of sentimentality. The reference to "sentimental purrs" symbolizes small and tender gestures that evoke a dreamlike state, creating a sense of longing and desire. The lyrics emphasize how these gentle interactions only lightly brush the singer's soul throughout the day and night, leaving them questioning the depth of their emotions and whether they can truly move past them.
The concluding lines signify a realization and understanding of the significance the person holds in the singer's life. The phrase "Now I know what this means, I know what you mean to me" suggests a newfound awareness of the person's importance and the impact of their absence. It signifies a deeper comprehension of the feelings that were previously challenging to articulate.
Overall, the lyrics of "Absence" by The Joy Formidable delve into the complexities of longing, the bittersweet nature of absence, and the profound significance of someone's presence and absence in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I miss
Am I longing for something that is not present
What I can't get right
The things I struggle to achieve or accomplish
It brings me down, down for a long time
It saddens and depresses me for an extended period
Then you leave
When you depart from my presence
in a sunny way
With a bright and cheerful demeanor
I'm at the window, willing you to wave
I am positioned by the window, hoping and desiring that you will greet me with a wave
You think you're caught
You believe you are trapped or stuck
And I know it's sad
And I am aware that it is a sorrowful situation
but the absence is all we had
However, the lack or emptiness is all that we had in our relationship
Do I miss
Am I longing for something that is not present
the sentimental purrs
the emotional sounds or expressions
that keep me dreaming, about the world
that continue to make me fantasize about the world
Day and night, my soul they only graze
Throughout the day and night, they only lightly touch or brush against my soul
What are we feeling, we can't shake
What emotions are we experiencing that we are unable to rid ourselves of
Now I know what this means
Now I understand the significance of this
I know what you mean to me
I comprehend the value and importance you hold in my life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rhiannon Bryan, Rhydian Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Graveyard of Thoughts
Do I miss
What I can't get right
It brings me down, down for a long time
Then you leave in a sunny way
And I'm at the window, willing you to wave
You think you're caught
And I know it's sad
But the absence is all we had
Do I miss
The sentimental purrs
That keep me dreaming, about the world
Day and night, my soul they only graze
What are we feeling, we can't shake
You think you're caught
And I know it's sad
But the absence is all we had
Now I know what this means
I know what you mean to me
Graveyard of Thoughts
Do I miss
What I can't get right
It brings me down, down for a long time
Then you leave in a sunny way
And I'm at the window, willing you to wave
You think you're caught
And I know it's sad
But the absence is all we had
Do I miss
The sentimental purrs
That keep me dreaming, about the world
Day and night, my soul they only graze
What are we feeling, we can't shake
You think you're caught
And I know it's sad
But the absence is all we had
Now I know what this means
I know what you mean to me
Name None
Thank you for all the hard work & great music.
Arien Zeuten Reade
Ritzy, damn you are a great singer-songwriter. You guys are a fantastic band. Great job with this. Pleased. Come to South Africa, will you.
Roger Leblanc
Longue vie à Joy.....you are the best...
Iazz
Wow, this song amazed me, from the beggining🎹 'till the end...🎶 💖. It's gorgeous!
Sogonrei***
Amazing song..from the writing to the exquisite music.
Sogonrei***
This tender song is so meaningful to me right now losing my mom 7/20/23 taking care of her ill at home to the end no hospice the way she wanted with my sick hard working dad (and he had been with her 60 years and so in love ) and brothers help while she fought like hell fighting Parkinson's and Dementia. My heroine. ❤
Joe Hearts
To all the lovers I missed the Absence is all we had!
redrickgrass
Brilliant!
Random Trips
Best band