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 (?)
Tree
The Lucksmiths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you know me and all I know is
Right from day one our days were numbered
But you kicked up a storm when I stole your thunder
We're twisted together, we're intertwined
You can peel us apart like orange rind
Patience is a virtue
I really didn't mean to hurt you
After all this time, after all we've been through
Good things come to those who wait
But it's getting late!
If you had no idea of what you wanted
How could I have known what you would need
And I miss you but the kiss that you planted
Has grown into a beautiful tree
The Lucksmiths's song Tree is about a complicated relationship that has its ups and downs, but ultimately grows into something beautiful. The opening lines "Every now and then everything comes up roses" suggest that the relationship has had its moments of success, but the singer remains unsure of their future together. They acknowledge that their union has been marked since the beginning, with "our days numbered" and "you kicked up a storm when I stole your thunder." The pair is so intertwined that "you can peel us apart like orange rind," but the singer hopes that "patience is a virtue" and that they can repair the relationship.
The singer is filled with regret for hurting their partner, and they plead with them to believe that they didn't mean to cause harm. After all the time and effort spent on the relationship, the singer feels that they should be further along, but "good things come to those who wait" rings hollow when "it's getting late!" The singer reflects on the fact that their partner did not know what they wanted, and how could they have known what they would need? But despite the difficulties, the singer confesses that they miss their partner, and the kiss that they planted has grown into a beautiful tree, suggesting that although the relationship may have taken unexpected turns, something beautiful has come of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Every now and then everything comes up roses
Occasionally things work out perfectly and without difficulty.
But you know me and all I know is
I don't have all the answers, but you know me well enough to know that.
Right from day one our days were numbered
Our relationship was always going to have a limited lifespan.
But you kicked up a storm when I stole your thunder
You were angry when I took away your chance to shine.
We're twisted together, we're intertwined
We're connected in complicated and intricate ways.
You can peel us apart like orange rind
Despite our entanglement, we can still be separated with some effort.
Patience is a virtue
Being patient is a good quality to have.
I really didn't mean to hurt you
I didn't intend to cause you pain or harm.
What do I have to say to convince you?
What can I say to make you believe me or change your mind?
After all this time, after all we've been through
Despite everything we've experienced together and the time that's passed...
Good things come to those who wait
It's beneficial to have patience and wait for good things to happen.
But it's getting late!
Time is running out or the situation is becoming pressing.
If you had no idea of what you wanted
You were unsure about what you wanted in our relationship...
How could I have known what you would need
...so it was difficult for me to understand your needs or desires.
And I miss you but the kiss that you planted
I still have feelings for you and I think about the kiss we shared...
Has grown into a beautiful tree
...which has blossomed into something beautiful and meaningful over time.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BangerRengRufio
this song always makes me happy :)