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
Dance of the Lotus
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just to live that lucky
Then throw every day to a pack of wolves
You don't see when you're not looking
Don't wake up
I'm waiting for the sounds of night
When everyone's asleep I just hope to put this right
My Dance with the Lotus fades
I danced until I fell behind & forgot the steps I love
My Dance with the Lotus fades
My Dance with the Lotus waits
I danced until I couldn't lead you anywhere that's good
I found you
So I was never bored
A little lost like rising smoke
Got all these dreams and you're in every one
I let you think I wasn't wishing
Don't wait up I'm waiting for the sound of night
Don't wake up, oh I just need this time
Alone with the sky that forgives me silently
And when the sun rises, when the sun rises
My Dance with the Lotus fades
The lyrics to The Joy Formidable's song "Dance of the Lotus" tell a story about finding someone who brings meaning and fulfillment to the singer's life. The opening lines "I found you so I was never poor / Just to live that lucky" suggest that the singer's discovery of this person has enriched their existence greatly.
The next lines, "Then throw every day to a pack of wolves / You don't see when you're not looking," depict the challenges and hardships that can accompany a relationship. The phrase "throwing every day to a pack of wolves" symbolizes the difficulties and struggles that arise when navigating through life together. However, the singer acknowledges that these obstacles may go unnoticed if one does not actively pay attention.
The chorus, with the repeated line "My Dance with the Lotus fades," expresses a sense of loss and fading connection. The "Dance with the Lotus" metaphorically represents the beautiful and harmonious partnership the singer once had. However, as time passes and life takes its toll, they feel like they are falling behind and forgetting the steps they once loved.
The second verse continues the theme of discovery and the impact this person has had on the singer's life. The line "I found you / So I was never bored" suggests that this person brings excitement and interest to their days. The phrase "A little lost like rising smoke" conveys a sense of being swept away and consumed by their dreams and aspirations, with this person being a constant presence in those dreams.
The bridge of "Don't wait up I'm waiting for the sound of night" emphasizes a desire for solitude and reflection to try and reconcile the fading connection. The singer wants to be alone with their thoughts and the forgiving nature of the sky. With the sunrise, they hope for a renewal, but the fading of their dance with the Lotus still lingers.
Overall, "Dance of the Lotus" presents a story of finding love and fulfillment, but also recognizing the challenges and potential for loss within a relationship. It highlights the difficulties of maintaining a strong connection over time and the need for introspection and renewal to try and salvage what once bloomed so brightly.
Line by Line Meaning
I found you so I was never poor
Discovering you made me feel rich and abundant
Just to live that lucky
Living in that fortunate state
Then throw every day to a pack of wolves
Expecting each day to be challenging and unpredictable
You don't see when you're not looking
You fail to notice things when you're not paying attention
Don't wake up
Don't disturb me
I'm waiting for the sounds of night
Anticipating the peacefulness of the night
When everyone's asleep I just hope to put this right
While everyone is unaware, I hope to fix things
My Dance with the Lotus fades
The connection or relationship I had with the Lotus is diminishing
My Dance with the Lotus fades
The connection or relationship I had with the Lotus is diminishing
I danced until I fell behind & forgot the steps I love
I danced tirelessly until I lost my way and forgot what I enjoyed
My Dance with the Lotus fades
The connection or relationship I had with the Lotus is diminishing
My Dance with the Lotus waits
The connection or relationship I had with the Lotus is on hold
I danced until I couldn't lead you anywhere that's good
I danced until I realized I couldn't guide you towards anything beneficial
I found you
I discovered you
So I was never bored
As a result, I was always entertained
A little lost like rising smoke
Feeling somewhat disoriented, like smoke ascending
Got all these dreams and you're in every one
I have numerous dreams, and you are a part of each one
I let you think I wasn't wishing
I allowed you to believe that I didn't have desires or aspirations
Don't wait up I'm waiting for the sound of night
Don't stay awake for me; I'm patiently waiting for the peacefulness of the night
Don't wake up, oh I just need this time
Please don't disturb me; I require this time alone
Alone with the sky that forgives me silently
Solitary with the forgiving sky, which offers redemption without words
And when the sun rises, when the sun rises
And once the sun ascends, when daylight comes
My Dance with the Lotus fades
The connection or relationship I had with the Lotus is diminishing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Rhiannon Bryan, Rhydian Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cak Redi
They deserve Grammys. Or something like that.
Darrell
Just saw them in Seattle. Holy crap I wasn't prepared. Great show. Ears were ringing for two days. I was really taken with how kind they were to the wee ones in the crowd. Just fine people. :)
Super Maxx
You guys are amazing Live. You really prove your salt on stage.
🔥🎸🔥🎸🔥
Arien Zeuten Reade
This is magic, magic, magic! Goodness, this is such fantastic music. I am beside myself with joy. It's the The Joy Formidable.
M C
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED THIS SET MY SOUL ON FIRE. Seriously guys I am so proud of you this is some next level stuff. Cannot wait to see what you put out next! Please come back to Orlando on your next tour ily!
Allen Helbig
I love this so much!
Piero5711
I love your new song guys! You are a wonderful band The Joy Formidable <3
Christopher Maynard
This is a bad ass song...from a bad ass band....thank you!
Lighthouse Photography
I've seen them live in NYC - can't wait to see them again. Amazing band!
Houpert Klein
Not that I didn't like the last few albums, but this sound both like a return to form and a new sound for them. Good to see them back.