Wanting to cut themselves off from their pasts, Mosshart and Hince considered their new project to be Year Zero in their careers, so they renamed themselves "VV" and "Hotel" respectively and began writing sparse, minimalist songs together with the aid of a drum machine. In 2001 they showcased their new songs on a well received demo tape. In true punk rock fashion, however, the pair shunned approaches from major record labels. Recording as VV and Hotel, they contributed the song "Restaurant Blouse" to the compilation If the Twenty-First Century Did Not Exist, It Would Be Necessary to Invent It. Shortly after this they recorded their debut release, the Black Rooster EP, which saw release on British indie label Domino Records and was picked up for distribution by Dim Mak Records in the United States.
Following international touring, they entered Toe Rag studios to record their debut album Keep on Your Mean Side, mostly on 8-track, in just 2 weeks.
Popular indie band, the xx, name The Kills as the major influence for having a male/female lead singer combo: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/05/xx.interview/index.html?iref=allsearch
Their second album, No Wow, was released by Domino records on February 21, 2005. Featuring an artier, less guitar rock sound, the record embraced New Wave and post punk influences and sounded even more stripped down than Keep on Your Mean Side. The first single, The Good Ones, was released on February 7, 2005 and reached number 23 in the UK singles charts.
VV sang the song Meds on Placebo's 2006 eponymous album.
Their third album Midnight Boom was released March 10, 2008. It was followed by 5 different singles since its release.
Alphabet Pony
The Kills Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's the alphabet pony
He's the alphabet pony
Phony monkey toy money lose end soda hands
Pink plastic Jesus on the dashboard
Just say it
No fun not happy got no money need a friend
A volcano dish on a mountaintop to live it
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
Cancel Sunday
Cancel Monday
Don't look at me
I've been running on a no-tomorrow road at great speed
N-n-n-need a punch
A pop a bang
A different song
Like a nice new home
Needs a mean stray dog
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
Oh we go up down
Up down up down town again
We like the walk the talk
Don't stop and fall into the quicksand
Sharp teeth dry heat
Can't breach too many sins
Don't forget my cigarettes
And get something that we can drink
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
The lyrics to The Kills' song “Alphabet Pony” delve into the chaotic and disjointed lifestyle of a person who is struggling financially, emotionally, and mentally. The “alphabet pony” serves as a metaphor for something that is fake and ultimately meaningless, much like the superficial trappings of the singer's life. "Phony monkey toy money lose end soda hands" suggests that this person is surrounded by cheap and empty things, including a toy monkey and a dashboard statue of Jesus, which further highlights the senseless nature of their existence. However, despite the singer's dire situation, they maintain a sense of rebellion and freedom, canceling days of the week and embracing the volatility of their own life. They look for something that can provide an escape from the monotony of their situation, such as a “volcano dish on a mountaintop,” which represents a form of exciting escapism.
The repetition of the chorus "He's the alphabet pony" emphasizes the futility of the singer's current existence – they are stuck in a cycle of meaningless pursuits and artificial ideals. The line “Don't forget my cigarettes/And get something that we can drink” highlights the temporary relief that substances can provide, but it is only a band-aid solution for the singer’s deeper problems. Overall, the song reflects a nihilistic, desperate and lost state of mind, but one that is also fiercely independent and unwilling to sacrifice freedom for stability.
Line by Line Meaning
He's the alphabet pony
Referring to someone as the 'alphabet pony' denotes that they're multi-faceted and can take on any challenge.
He's the alphabet pony
The repetition in the chorus implies that this person is truly unique and worth acknowledging.
Phony monkey toy money lose end soda hands
Perhaps satirical, this line suggests that someone is foolish, spending money on frivolous things, and only care about material possessions.
Pink plastic Jesus on the dashboard
This lyric could highlight the absurdity of religious icons being used as car decorations, questioning the true meaning or worth of our symbols.
Just say it
Perhaps a call to being more authentic or genuine to oneself, to speak honestly.
No fun not happy got no money need a friend
Being down on one's luck, this person is in dire need of a friend or ally to keep them company and lift their spirits.
A volcano dish on a mountaintop to live it
This is an imaginative statement that suggests wanting to be in a unique or exciting situation, and really living life to the fullest.
Cancel Sunday
This statement could mean that they need a break from their typical routine or mundane life, perhaps craving change or a break from monotony.
Cancel Monday
A continuation of their desire to escape from the ordinary, the weekend being cancelled suggests that they don't want to fall back into the humdrum of the workweek.
Don't look at me
This could be interpreted as shyness or anxiety, not wanting to be noticed or judged.
I've been running on a no-tomorrow road at great speed
This person has been moving through their life at a breakneck pace, not taking time to pause and reflect on their decisions or situation.
N-n-n-need a punch
This could be a metaphor for needing a jolt or wakeup call to snap them out of their funk or complacency.
A pop a bang
This could be interpreted as wanting to create something exciting or new, to stand out from the norm.
A different song
This person is looking for something fresh or invigorating, perhaps tired of the same old routines and habits.
Like a nice new home
This lyric suggests that they want something solid and dependable in their life, like a trustworthy abode.
Needs a mean stray dog
This line is an example of paradox, as needing a 'mean stray dog' could be interpreted as both dangerous and protective, as well as emblematic of someone who values independence and self-sufficiency.
Oh we go up down
Life is full of ups and downs, and this line acknowledges that change and unpredictability are a constant feature of existence.
Up down up down town again
This is a further nod to the fluctuations and ever-changing nature of our lives and society.
We like the walk the talk
This line could be a statement on the importance of integrity and consistency, as well as a preference for action over mere words.
Don't stop and fall into the quicksand
This lyric serves as a cautionary warning, to be mindful of one's path and avoid getting bogged down by obstacles and negative influences.
Sharp teeth dry heat
These words paint a vivid picture, evoking aspects of danger, harsh environments, and physical discomfort or thirst.
Can't breach too many sins
Perhaps a statement on personal integrity or moral boundaries, this lyric suggests that one cannot waver too much in their values or beliefs.
Don't forget my cigarettes
This line could simply be a practical reminder, a break from the more abstract or philosophical lyrics.
And get something that we can drink
This lyric could represent indulgence, obtaining something one desires or craves, or just enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
[Chorus: Repeat 2X]
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the importance and uniqueness of the 'alphabet pony' character, as well as showcasing the overall theme of the song.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
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