Bicycles
The Maccabees Lyrics


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Service is suspended
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 a hole
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

Overall Meaning

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
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