(2) The Maccabees (2002-2016) were an indie rock band from London, UK. The line-up consisted of Orlando Weeks (vocals), Hugo White (guitar), Felix White (guitar, vocals), Rupert Jarvis (bass) and Sam Doyle (drums), who replaced Robert Dylan Thomas. Weeks stated once that the band came up with the name by flicking through the Bible and picking out a random word. Despite adopting a name with religious connotations, he affirmed that none of the band are religious.
Debuting in 2004 with the You Make Noise I Make Sandwiches EP (released on Haircut Records), they released their first single X-Ray on Promise Records on November 28, 2005. Receiving just little significant exposure - some evening play on XFM London radio station - the band however scored a minor indie hit with their second post-punk influenced single Latchmere released in April 2006 on Fierce Panda Records.
Then inking a deal with the Polydor imprint (and former home of The Cure) Fiction Records the bands first studio album, Colour It In, was released on May 4, 2007 .
To date (late September 2007) they have released three (widely available) singles from the album (First Love, About Your Dress and Precious Time) with a fourth and final single Toothpaste Kisses released on October 8, 2007.
On May 4, 2009 the band released Wall of Arms, their second album. Preceded by the single Love You Better on April 27th. Markus Dravs, who collaborated in the past with artists such as Björk, Arcade Fire and Coldplay, produced the album. The album has been recorded in various cities including Liverpool and Paris, unlike their first long-player which was recorded in "dribs and drabs" like frontman Orlando Weeks said.
On January 9, 2012 the Maccabees released Given To The Wild, their third album. The band worked on the album at both Rockfield Studios in Wales and their rehearsal space in London's Elephant and Castle district, before decamping to Suffolk to finish the record.
Marks to Prove It, their last album, was released in 2015.
Official Website
Guitarist Felix White was initially in a band called Jack's Basement with fellow friend Jack Peñate. Felix and Hugo White are brothers, along with Will White, who is the frontman of another band called Talk Taxis. Former drummer Robert Dylan Thomas left the band in 2008.
Bicycles
The Maccabees Lyrics
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Service shall resume
Service running late again
Service running smooth
Space becomes so lonely, with these feeling of mistrust
Because the monster in the cupboard has made us feel we must
Spot the train, train
Spot the train, spot the monster
And everyone's buying bicycles
Cities looking empty
Cities running scared
Cities got new friends
That they cities really cared
The looks are trifle shifty, and their not about to change
Cos no one likes what they are not, and slowly we're strange
Spot the train, train
Spot a hole
Spot the train, spot the monster
The quickest route to paradise
Is a short commute to paradise
And a sharp salute to paradise
And everyone's buying bicycles
The Maccabees's song Bicycles appears to be a reflection on society, particularly on how people behave when they feel isolated and alienated. The song title "Bicycles" seems to imply a return to simpler times when people relied on simpler methods of transportation. The first verse speaks to the frustration and unpredictability of public transportation with the lines "Service is suspended, Service shall resume, Service running late again, Service running smooth". The mention of the "monster in the cupboard" may refer to a perceived fear of the unknown or a lack of trust in others.
The chorus, "Spot the train, train, spot a hole, spot the train, spot the monster" may be a warning to be aware of potential dangers or pitfalls in one's path. The second verse seems to reflect on how people in urban environments can feel disconnected and uncertain in their surroundings. The lines "The looks are trifle shifty, and their not about to change, Cos no one likes what they are not, and slowly we're strange" suggest that people have difficulty connecting with each other when they feel like outsiders.
Overall, Bicycles is a poignant look at the challenges people face when trying to connect with others in modern society. It speaks to the universal feeling of loneliness in the midst of a crowd, and the fear of the unknown that often accompanies it.
Line by Line Meaning
Service is suspended
The train service has stopped temporarily
Service shall resume
The train service will start again after a brief period of suspension
Service running late again
The train service is delayed
Service running smooth
The train service is running without any issues
Space becomes so lonely, with these feeling of mistrust
Feeling of mistrust creates a sense of loneliness and emptiness
Because the monster in the cupboard has made us feel we must
The fear of something unknown is making us paranoid and doubtful of people around us
Spot the train, train
Looking for the train to arrive
Spot a hole
Noticing something missing or incomplete
Spot the train, spot the monster
Comparing the anxiety of waiting for the train to the fear of a monster
And everyone's buying bicycles
People are turning to alternate forms of transportation because of the constant train delays
Cities looking empty
The cities appear to be deserted due to people avoiding crowded spaces
Cities running scared
Fear is prevalent in cities due to the uncertain times
Cities got new friends
People are forming new relationships due to the shared experience of fear and uncertainty
That they cities really cared
The cities are showing their support and care for its citizens during trying times
The looks are trifle shifty, and their not about to change
People are distrustful of others and maintain a guarded demeanor
Cos no one likes what they are not, and slowly we're strange
The feeling of not belonging to a safe and secure environment is causing a gradual change to one's personality and behavior
The quickest route to paradise
The easiest way to escape from reality
Is a short commute to paradise
A quick journey to happiness and safety
And a sharp salute to paradise
Acknowledging the reality of the situation and embracing it for moving forward
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FELIX WHITE, HUGO WHITE, ORLANDO THOMAS PENHALE WEEKS, ROBERT DYLAN THOMAS, SHEPHERD RUPERT ALEXANDER J. JARVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind