1. The Keys was a British pow… Read Full Bio ↴There are three groups with this name:
1. The Keys was a British power pop quartet. It was made up of Drew Barfield (vocals/bass), Ben Grove (vocals/guitar), Steve Tatler (vocals/guitar), and Geoff Britton. They had some success in the early to mid-80s, and their 1981 album was produced by popular singer-songwriter Joe Jackson. From 1980 to 1982, they released six singles. The group is perhaps best known today for the song "I Don't Wanna Cry" as well as from the fact that Britton had previously worked as Paul McCartney's drummer.
2. Born and raised in several France locations, Boris Paillard a.k.a The Keys has found a new home on stage, winning audiences across Canada and the United States with raw talent and ample doses of charm. With wide-eyed ambition and a strong singer-songwriter work ethic, in three short years, Paillard has released six full length records and found the time to tour coast to coast thrice with the Greyhound Discovery Pass, playing well over 150 dates everywhere from New Haven to San Diego.
At just 24 years old, Paillard’s road tested big collection of folk’n'roll /edgy pop tunes is now backed up in Montreal by a powerful band consisting of a flamboyant three-piece horn section and a solid and groovy rythm section.
http://www.myspace.com/sirobandthekeys
3. Who are The Keys?
Matthew Evans - Vocals / Guitar
Gwion Rowlands - Guitar / Vocals
Elliott Jones - Drums
James Bell - Bass
How did The Keys start?
We released a record on BOOBYTRAP records.
Was it easy to get signed by Too Pure?
I knew a lot of the TOO PURE team from another band I had been in (MURRY THE HUMP). They'd heard demos and really liked them.
What are the drives and the inspiration behind the record?
I have not had many positive experiences from using professional studios. So the first premise was to record the album intimately at home. To record the rehearsal of the songs and use that as what gets released. So the musicians playing on the album still don't know the song too well. There's no chance of over polishing the recordings. I wanted to get the mistakes down on record. All my favourite records have mistakes on them.
How come it's self-titled? How do you work together and create your songs?
We all thought a self-titled album was right. It is very much a songbook type album, each song has its own individual key/pitch it would have been great if we had done the first song in C then the next one in C# then the next one in D etc. the way we write songs is I usually start playing one of the things I've been working on. If it inspires the others to play along then its probably good enough to record. If I play something and nobody reacts then it is usually rejected or turned into an acoustic number!!!!
How do you write the lyrics?
It isn't easy, and it's the most frustrating yet rewarding part of writing songs for me. I carry a note book around with me and constantly jot lyrics down. I steal from films, radio shows, other songs, books. Anything. It is a lot like getting jam out of an already empty jam jar.
There is a deep "country feel" in your songs, what music do you like listening or feel inspired by?
I like lots of things, but it's usually by dead people.
How did you record and work on the album?
As I said we recorded the rehearsals. I think a lot of musicians can relate to me when I say playing a song is never quite as good as the first couple of times. I think a lot of bands today rehearse too much. They iron out the soul of the song. Recording is about capturing the subtle frisson between soul and craft. I don't like things to be too polished. I think the Keys album is very subtle. It appears to be a lot more accessible than it actually is.
What is your live show like?
Our live show is LOUDER. Its something that I really want to capture on the next album. More direct, distortion.
Where did you get your name from?
My girlfriend at the time came up with it.. I turned it down at first but it kept coming back so we took the hint.
Animus
The Keys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Its crystal clear i want you here
What's your name do you use it
Change your style there is no money in it
Let it go non-believer
You had your chance and nearly blew it
Put it down to experience
What's your name and number
Think i'll give you a call
It's alright its only talking
What little you've got make it count for a lot
Don't hang up don't be alarmed now
I summoned up the courage now so can you!
Don't be a saint just do your best now
Don't take it wide take it all in your stride
In my dreams it always seems
Like i'm running but i'm getting nowhere
In my car the stars are near not far
I can drive it anywhere i please
Here we are side by side
I don't mind which way this solitaire goes
Just say no
Say it isn't so
I still smell you on my fingers and thumb
It's an old folk song
About your martyrdom
Let your mother down
See the city die
The Keys's song Animus is a captivating track that presents powerful lyricism that encourages a person to be true to themselves and make the most of their life. The song depicts a sense of yearning for something more and a dissatisfaction with the way things currently stand. The lyrics "Let it go non-believer, you had your chance and nearly blew it" illustrate the importance of letting go of past failures and experiences and not allowing them to hold you back. In doing so, it is possible to gain valuable experience, which the line "Put it down to experience, it's a trade-off that you can't ignore" emphasizes.
The song also speaks to the importance of taking risks and summoning up the courage to pursue what you want, even if it scares you. The lyrics "Don't be a saint just do your best now, don't take it wide take it all in your stride" encourage this mindset of pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and giving everything your all. The chorus of the song depicts a sense of aimlessness and feeling stuck, with the line "In my dreams it always seems like I'm running but I'm getting nowhere" highlighting this feeling of stagnation.
Overall, The Keys's song Animus is a poignant track that speaks to the universal human experience of wanting more out of life, taking risks, and finding the strength to pursue your dreams despite fear and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Here it stops all around you
The situation has come to a halt, and it's affecting you
Its crystal clear i want you here
I'm being direct, I want you to be here with me
What's your name do you use it
I'm asking for your identity and if you identify with it
Change your style there is no money in it
If you change your approach or technique, there might be no financial gain
Let it go non-believer
Release your disbelief
You had your chance and nearly blew it
An opportunity was presented to you, and you almost lost it
Put it down to experience
Consider it as a lesson learned
It's a trade off that you can't ignore
It's a decision that requires a compromise and can't be dismissed
What's your name and number
I want to call you, so I need your full name and phone number
Think i'll give you a call
I'm considering calling you
It's alright its only talking
Don't worry, it's just a conversation
What little you've got make it count for a lot
Maximize the value of what you have
Don't hang up don't be alarmed now
Don't end the call and don't be frightened
I summoned up the courage now so can you!
I found the bravery to call, so you can do it too!
Don't be a saint just do your best now
Don't try to be perfect, just give it your all
Don't take it wide take it all in your stride
Take it one step at a time and handle it with ease
In my dreams it always seems
Like i'm running but i'm getting nowhere
In my subconscious, I'm constantly moving, but I'm not making any progress
In my car the stars are near not far
I can drive it anywhere i please
When I'm driving, the stars seem so close, and I have complete freedom
Here we are side by side
We're together, right next to each other
I don't mind which way this solitaire goes
I'm okay with whatever direction this journey takes me
Just say no
Say it isn't so
Reject what's happening or being presented and deny its truth
I still smell you on my fingers and thumb
I can still remember you and the scent that was left behind
It's an old folk song
About your martyrdom
This song is an old one that's talking about your sacrifice or struggle for a cause
Let your mother down
See the city die
If you disappoint your family or loved ones, you might witness the destruction of everything around you
Contributed by Juliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.