The Lucksmiths are noted for their simple melodies rich in humour and ironic verse. The majority of songs are written by Marty Donald. Although, both Tali White and Mark Monnone have written some of the band's finest songs. Many of their lyrics are based on the eccentricities of the everyday. Several songs also deal with the more usual pop-song issues of romance in relationships, but in a unique, gentle and easy-to-relate-to way.
There is also a persistent theme of Melbourne culture, most notably that of the inner city, as seen in frequent references to Melburnian placenames and themes. For examples, see the song The Sandringham Line, and many others. The Lucksmiths are also renowned for their creative use of language. English idioms and proverbs are referred to, played with and utilised to create poetically spontaneous verse. The songs virtually define clever lyricism. Whilst many of the idioms and references are distinctly Australian, their coupling of fantastic narrative lyrics with melody makes them so internationally accessible. Further, their songs almost always maintain a solid narrative with sensible and relevant choruses. When the narrative is abandoned, it is with good cause and in support of a more simple point (see T-Shirt Weather).
Marty Donald's lyrics in particular are filled with wordplay and puns, in particular the device of twisting a common phrase or cliché. In Frisbee, he says "that was the winter of my discount tent". "The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco" refers to "the non-specific northwest". Untidy Towns says "I got some mail I didn't open / It's an unread-letter day". Sometimes this can go a bit overboard, as in 'Synchronized Sinking', which contains the lines "why don't you let go of your boy and see / You've lost none of your bouyancy"; but that song also contains "Silhouetted in the smoke / From the shipwrecks at the bar / of the Anchor and Hope", which is, what many would refer to as poetic and skillful use of the English language.
Their musical setup, however, remains unusual and refreshing in a world of drum machines, synthesisers, and other elaborate gear. Tali sings and plays a minimal drum kit standing up at the front of the stage, with Marty to his right, Mark to his left, and Louis behind. This is often seen as a novelty, but nonetheless works perfectly, with their live performances being incredibly tight.
The Lucksmiths have been critically associated with indiepop, anti-folk and retro-pop. However, the band and their fans would consider The Lucksmiths as simply a pop band. This is a much fairer (and accurate) assessment.
In 2009 the band announced their breakup, with their final shows played in August.
Discography
Albums:
* First Tape (1993)
* The Green Bicycle Case (1995)
* What Bird Is That? (1996)
* A Good Kind Of Nervous (1997)
* Happy Secret (1999)
* Why That Doesn't Surprise Me (2001)
* Where Were We? (2002)
* Naturaliste (2003)
* Warmer Corners (2005)
* First Frost (2008)
EPs:
* Boondoggle (1994)
* Staring At The Sky (1999)
* A Little Distraction (2003)
* The Chapter In Your Life Entitled San Francisco (2005)
* A Hiccup In Your Happiness (2006)
Cassingles:
* Greatest Hits (?)
Postcard
The Lucksmiths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I write to you from the Mediterrane
Our hotel room overlooks a small island
That has a volcano in the middle of it
Steep dramatic cliffs surround the bay
And I can see the moon in the day
Truth is, I'm tired
I don't want to tell you
But you have to be told
Don't take it too hard
Sorry to tell you on a postcard
There's no easy way to say
Your grandfather passed away
Mourn with me
How fickle is the funny side
May seem lower than the lowest tide
But you only touch the hotplate for so long
It's better to become candle wax than to burn on
Besides, he left us in good golfing form
Three days ago he hit five pars
Take care now, love Grandma
And P.S.
Love this life
And P.P.S
Love this life
The Lucksmiths’ “Postcard” is a nostalgic and contemplative song that tells a story of a person who is on a vacation with their grandma in the Mediterranean. The first verse describes the picturesque view from their hotel room that overlooked a small island with a volcano in the middle of it. However, the person confesses that they are feeling tired and that even the sunrise looks old to them. The second verse takes the listener on an emotional journey as the person informs their friend, Shane, about their grandfather’s passing through a postcard. The chorus conveys the message that life is unpredictable, and it is better to make the most of it while you can.
The song’s third verse talks about the importance of not dwelling on negative things for too long, and instead, moving on from them. The person uses the metaphor of touching a hot plate – you can only do it for so long before it burns you. Thus, it is better to become like candle wax and adapt to life’s challenges. The final verse is a positive and uplifting message from the person’s grandmother to Shane, asking him to love life despite its ups and downs. The repetition of “Love this life” in the last two lines of the song reaffirms this message.
Overall, “Postcard” is a poignant song that captures the bittersweet moments of life. The writing is reflective and evocative, and the music’s breezy melody emphasizes the song’s emotional depth.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear Shane
The author starts the postcard to his/her friend Shane.
I write to you from the Mediterrane
The author mentions the location where he/she is writing the postcard from.
Our hotel room overlooks a small island
The author describes the view from his/her hotel room.
That has a volcano in the middle of it
The author points out a distinctive feature of the island.
Steep dramatic cliffs surround the bay
The author describes the topography of the area.
And I can see the moon in the day
The author observes a strange phenomenon in the sky.
Truth is, I'm tired
The author expresses his/her current state of exhaustion.
Even the sunrise looks old
The author comments on the unimpressive sunrise he/she just witnessed.
I don't want to tell you
The author hesitates to deliver some news to Shane.
But you have to be told
The author eventually decides that Shane needs to know.
Don't take it too hard
The author tries to console Shane regarding the news he/she just shared.
Sorry to tell you on a postcard
The author apologizes for delivering such important news on a postcard instead of in person.
There's no easy way to say
The author acknowledges that delivering bad news is never easy.
Your grandfather passed away
The author is informing Shane about his grandfather's death.
Mourn with me
The author desires for Shane to grieve alongside him/her.
How fickle is the funny side
The author reflects on the unpredictability of life.
May seem lower than the lowest tide
The author suggests that sometimes life can feel very low and depressing.
But you only touch the hotplate for so long
The author encourages Shane that suffering doesn't last forever.
It's better to become candle wax than to burn on
The author advises Shane to avoid burning out by pacing himself/herself.
Besides, he left us in good golfing form
The author tries to view the death of Shane's grandfather in a positive light by noting his good health up until his passing.
Three days ago he hit five pars
The author provides a specific example of Shane's grandfather's good golfing performance just shortly before his death.
Take care now, love Grandma
The author signs off the postcard and sends love from Shane's grandmother.
And P.S.
The author adds an additional thought after signing off.
Love this life
The author expresses a general sentiment of appreciation for life in this postscript.
And P.P.S
The author adds yet another afterthought.
Love this life
The author reiterates his/her love for life in this second postscript.
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Friday
One of my favorite Lucksmiths songs - amazing. Thanks for posting Love these lines: "How fickle is the funny side May seem lower than the lowest tide But you only touch the hotplate for so long"
tantas cosas
beautiful song. glad they did this.
GoldSoundz82
that one is gorgeous