(2) The Maccabees (2002-2016, 2024-present) are 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. The band announced that they decided to disband in August 2016, with farewell gigs in 2017.
On 25 October 2024, it was announced that the band were reuniting.
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.
Forever I've Known
The Maccabees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the sound though it can eat me alive
Ten toes and ten fingers
Any sense that I've had in this life
Won't you stay a while
Kill some time
You know that I'll make it easy
And I know
Know it wouldn't be forever
Forever I've known
Nothing stays forever
Couldn't still try
I want to see you
It's not good enough to have you here in my head
Want the spray from the sea
Come on I'll make it easy
And I know
Know it wouldn't be forever
Forever I've known
Nothing stays forever
Couldn't still try
Things I've said in a rage
Can still be unsaid
Took the cold from my bones
Took the cold from my head
And I know
Know nothing stays forever
Forever I've knownNothing stays forever
Couldn't just lie
I'm a child to your voice
And I know
Know nothing stays forever
Forever I've known
Nothing stays forever
Forever I've known
In The Maccabees' song "Forever I've Known," the singer speaks to a powerful force in their life that they describe as their voice. This voice holds a great deal of power and can consume the singer in a way that feels overwhelming. Despite this, the singer is drawn to the voice and desires its presence, wanting it to stay and spend time with them. The singer recognizes that nothing stays forever and that their time with this force may not last, but they still want to try to keep it in their life.
The lyrics suggest that this voice may be a source of comfort or connection for the singer because they describe wanting to see the spray from the sea and feel the presence in a tangible way. However, the singer also acknowledges that their interactions with this force are not always positive. They mention saying hurtful things in anger, but suggest that it is possible to undo the harm that has been done. Overall, the message seems to be about the fleeting nature of relationships and the importance of seizing the chance to connect with someone or something while you can.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a child to your voice
I am deeply influenced and impacted by your voice
To the sound though it can eat me alive
Although your voice can be overpowering, I am still drawn to it
Ten toes and ten fingers
I am a complete and whole person
Any sense that I've had in this life
All the knowledge and understanding I have gained in life
Won't you stay a while
I want you to spend time with me
Kill some time
Pass the time together
You know that I'll make it easy
I will create a comfortable and relaxed environment for you
And I know
I am aware
Know it wouldn't be forever
I understand that this won't last indefinitely
Forever I've known
I have always been aware of this fact
Nothing stays forever
All things must come to an end
Couldn't still try
But I will still make an effort
I want to see you
I desire to be with you in person
It's not good enough to have you here in my head
Merely thinking of you is not satisfying
Want the spray from the sea
I crave the sensation of the ocean mist
Come on I'll make it easy
I will create a comfortable and relaxed environment for you
Things I've said in a rage
Words I spoke when angry
Can still be unsaid
I can take back what I said
Took the cold from my bones
You warmed and comforted me
Took the cold from my head
You eased my anxiety
Know nothing stays forever
I understand that all things must end
Couldn't just lie
I couldn't just pretend that everything is alright
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Felix White, Hugo White, Orlando Weeks, Rupert Jarvis Shepherd, Sam Doyle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sandyfisher4985
In my humble opinion, one of the greatest pieces of music
@NB-qr2rt
It scares me that this album is almost 10 years old already.
@silencenewberry
Great tune...excellent bass lines!
@Lassen_
Please, spread this to the world... The Earth must listen to this tune.
@kateybarker7314
This song is a masterpiece
@ArinArshavin
all 3 albums equally different yet equally amazing. Maccabees are incredible
@fernandacurti5292
The NME made this list of the 10 best Maccabees song and after it came up to number 2 i was like "forever i´ve known! forever i´ve known!" and to my amazement it was it, number one in the list. No bloody wonder, it´s so beautiful it manages to be my favourite Maccabees song. Thank goodness for this band. i love them so much.
@whataboutpereira
Indeed! This song is the reason I keep coming back to them!
@mrflibble1259
This and pelican are my favourites
@willjones6179
The Maccabees are fucking great