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
I Don't Want to See You Like This
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in two halves inside
This is the past right here
I choose to leave it here
The cliffs loom to scrape you thin
The bowl churns to overspill
But I can see us here, without this fear
Search your face, torment us
You're just a shower to someone dry
A shower for the wilted, the dried
Because we all leave courage's side, but I'll always be courage's child
The past I'll clear, I choose to leave it here
(Leave it here)
You say have your time again, but you can't and the warning starts now
What's in the frame it makes you sad but you can't fill the gaps
We're four rings on a chain so don't make them rust
I'll be your maps
I'll be your eyes
I'll give the ending a nudge
I don't want to see you like this
Alive now in the middle, not looking from outside
Wishing that it was a screen fight
Settled with all of a heroes flair
Put aside , find a new character
I don't want to. don't want to
Don't want to see you like this
A bridge splits November's sky
I'm in two halves inside
This is the past right here
I choose to leave it here
"I Don't Want to See You Like This" is a song about leaving the past behind and finding the courage to move on from a difficult situation. The first verse describes the singer's inner turmoil as they try to separate themselves from the past, using imagery like a bridge splitting November's sky, and being in two halves inside. The singer chooses to leave the past where it is, recognizing that it's a painful memory, and they don't want to re-experience it.
The second verse shifts to a more personal interaction with another person. The singer wants to find peace with this person, but notes that they are only a "shower to someone dry," unable to really fulfill the other person's needs. The chorus then comes in again, reinforcing the singer's desire to leave the past behind and not dwell on it.
The final verse seems to be urging the other person to do the same - to move on and find a new identity, rather than dwelling in the past. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's strong desire to move past the pain and find a new way forward.
Overall, the song is a powerful message about the importance of leaving the past behind and finding the courage to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
A bridge splits November's sky
The sky seems divided by a bridge in November
I'm in two halves inside
I feel divided and fragmented internally
This is the past right here
The present moment is shaped by the past
I choose to leave it here
I decide to let go and leave the past where it is
The cliffs loom to scrape you thin
The cliffs seem threatening and sharp, ready to harm you
The bowl churns to overspill
The bowl seems unstable and overflowing
But I can see us here, without this fear
I envision a future where we are together without fear and uncertainty
I want to find those books
I want to explore and learn more about ourselves and our history
Search your face, torment us
I want to analyze your emotions and expressions, even if it's painful
You're just a shower to someone dry
You provide temporary relief to someone who's emotionally drained
A shower for the wilted, the dried
You bring refreshing energy to those who feel drained and lifeless
Because we all leave courage's side, but I'll always be courage's child
We may lose our courage over time, but I will always be someone who embodies courage
The past I'll clear, I choose to leave it here
I make a conscious choice to let go of the past and move forward
You say have your time again, but you can't and the warning starts now
You may regret missed opportunities, but it's time to move on and not waste any more time
What's in the frame it makes you sad but you can't fill the gaps
Looking back at memories may bring up sadness, but it's impossible to recreate or change them
We're four rings on a chain so don't make them rust
We are connected and need to maintain our bond so it doesn't become weaker or non-existent
I'll be your maps
I'll guide you and help navigate unfamiliar territory
I'll be your eyes
I'll observe and keep an eye out for potential threats or opportunities
I'll give the ending a nudge
I'll do what I can to steer us towards a positive outcome, even if it's just a small effort
Alive now in the middle, not looking from outside
I'm present and actively engaged in this moment, rather than observing from a distance
Wishing that it was a screen fight
I wish this difficult situation could be reduced to entertainment or fiction
Settled with all of a hero's flair
I accept what's happened and face it with the bravery of a hero
Put aside, find a new character
I let go of a former identity or role and seek a new one
Don't want to see you like this
I care for you and don't want to see you in pain or distress
I don't want to. don't want to
I strongly reject this negative scenario
This is the past right here
The past is part of the present and influences it
I choose to leave it here
I decide to move on, let go, and leave the past behind
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Machihekamake
8 years too late. Love their drums and their song unique structure
Devon Armond
Best Album I've heard in a friggin while....just about every song of theirs is on point...
stoneroses455
Raw brilliance from one of the best bands around at this moment!!!
jassir
gran banda me enamore dela cantante
Alan Smith
Brilliant new song from a brilliant new band with talent and emotion pouring out of there music.Majic stuff.
Aido g
One of my favorite bands!
devotedghosts
I wonder if they do any songs in Welsh. It's such a beautiful language. Anyhow, I love this band to death after hearing this on one of those music channels that just plays music all day. They're amazing.
Drew
I love how it plays out with the drums....GREAT SONG
eldaro6969
Best live band in the UK today! A must see. Can't wait to see you all again.
thevoid99
this is incredible. right now, one of my favorite new bands.