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
Cicada
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
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The mountain is humble and it's yours
Three reds in the rock, their secrets ring
A cross in the sand will let you in
Darkness and light
Nothing to choose
Follow them all until it soothes
It's not for the sleeping that I sing
Cicada
Be my witness
Hungry to see a clear road
Sweep us away into the flow
Handle the curse and be the what you want
Riding the storm here comes the turn
Why do I cry
The wind it knows
That nature is law, no man it grows
So show me a way that I can leave
The journey begins when I believe
The first verse of the song sets a introspective and mysterious tone, urging the listener to confront their own reflection and be aware of their surroundings. "Look in the eye and watch the door" suggests a sense of self-awareness and vigilance. The line "The mountain is humble and it's yours" implies that the power and majesty of nature is accessible to everyone, and that one should approach it with humility.
The mention of "Three reds in the rock, their secrets ring" suggests the presence of hidden knowledge or symbolism within nature. It may refer to the discovery of something significant or profound while exploring the natural world. The line "A cross in the sand will let you in" could symbolize a crossroads or point of decision, indicating that following a certain path or making a choice can lead to new experiences or understanding.
The chorus, consisting of the lines "Darkness and light, nothing to choose / Follow them all until it soothes / Land on your back and flap my wings / It's not for the sleeping that I sing," suggests a broader philosophical reflection. It speaks to the interconnectedness and duality of life - the coexistence of darkness and light, and the idea that one should embrace and explore both sides. The mention of flapping wings and the refrain "It's not for the sleeping that I sing" can be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging the listener to be awake and engaged in life rather than passively existing.
The second verse introduces a sense of longing and desire for adventure. "Hungry to see a clear road" implies a yearning for clarity and direction, while "Sweep us away into the flow" suggests a desire to be carried by the current of life, surrendering control and embracing the unknown. The line "Handle the curse and be the what you want" could be an invitation to confront challenges and break free from constraints in order to become who you truly aspire to be. The mention of a storm and the arrival of a turning point implies that change and transformation are on the horizon.
The question posed in the line "Why do I cry, the wind it knows" expresses a sense of confusion and searching for answers. The mention of nature as law suggests that the wind, being a natural force, holds wisdom and understanding beyond human comprehension. The line "So show me a way that I can leave" expresses a desire for guidance and a means to break free from current circumstances. Finally, the line "The journey begins when I believe" signifies that personal growth and transformation can only begin when one has faith in themselves and the unknown possibilities that lie ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Look in the eye and watch the door
Pay close attention and be vigilant
The mountain is humble and it's yours
The challenges ahead are conquerable and belong to you
Three reds in the rock, their secrets ring
Hidden messages lie within the triad of red rocks
A cross in the sand will let you in
A symbol in the sand provides access and understanding
Darkness and light
Opposing forces coexist
Nothing to choose
No preference to be made
Follow them all until it soothes
Embrace both sides until finding peace
Land on your back and flap my wings
Float on your back and soar with joy
It's not for the sleeping that I sing
I sing to awaken and inspire
Cicada
Symbolic representation of transformation and rebirth
Be my witness
Observe and testify to my journey
Hungry to see a clear road
Eager to find a path unobstructed
Sweep us away into the flow
Carry us along with the current
Handle the curse and be the what you want
Face adversity and become what you desire
Riding the storm here comes the turn
Navigating through challenges, a change is imminent
Why do I cry
Questioning the reason for tears
The wind it knows
Nature understands
That nature is law, no man it grows
Nature's laws govern, not influenced by humans
So show me a way that I can leave
Guide me towards an escape or new path
The journey begins when I believe
Belief initiates the start of the adventure
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind