The Most Serene Republic released its debut album, Underwater Cinematographer, in 2005 on the Arts & Crafts label. They are the first band on the A&C label that isn't related in one way or another to Broken Social Scene (though Ryan and Adrian perform sometimes in their live shows). They later released a tour EP in spring/summer of 2006, titled Phages, capturing more of the sweep of their live performances.
Originally formed in mid-2003 as a duo (Lenssen and Jewett) known as Thee Oneironauts (O-nye-rawn-nauts). The pair would quickly record and self-release an EP entitled Night of the Lawnchairs on Lenssen's GROK Studios imprint. The Oneironauts grew to trio status with the addition of Greaves on keyboard and guitar.
Their live shows are known for being extremely entertaining, and intense with dancing, and cramming so many sounds to overload the senses.
The Men Who Live Upstairs
The Most Serene Republic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Insipid sedatives
Much of all those cloy chemicals are building up to give
Uncontrolled division of cells from the men who live upstairs
Drowning us in saturation, for all minds to hum the same
This deducer of lives is not a being, but profused meaning
Why lack of living from what we're eating?
Go and be on your way, enter the tainment, dependent thought sent
Lion's share of the whites is sleeping the thoughts with skin
The next not physical fights, but will against stolid sin
One time, let me take my memories for all time
Heed the words of an author
Art of surfeit has hunger
Ours be taken away
Heed the words of an author
Art of surfeit has hunger
Ours be taken away
Who needs to do much more
Then eat, sleep and
Race through chores
Then fight preservatives
And lose one day
The lyrics of The Most Serene Republic's song The Men Who Live Upstairs are a commentary on the effects of modern society and its reliance on technology and consumerism. The opening line "Behavior lies in the food we eat" speaks to the idea that our choices, even those as seemingly insignificant as what we eat, can have a profound impact on our behavior and well-being. The following line "Insipid sedatives" refers to the chemicals and preservatives found in processed foods that can affect our neurological function and mood.
The line "Uncontrolled division of cells from the men who live upstairs" is a powerful metaphor for the rapid proliferation of technology and industry that is affecting our health and the environment. The "men who live upstairs" can be seen as a symbol for those in power who are driving this progress at the expense of the common people. This idea is reinforced in the line "Drowning us in saturation, for all minds to hum the same" which speaks to the homogenization and conformity that arises from this relentless progress.
The song goes on to critique the lack of agency and consciousness amongst the masses, who are more concerned with consuming than with living. The lines "Go and be on your way, enter the tainment, dependent thought sent" illustrate the idea that our thoughts and desires are being manipulated and controlled by those in power. However, the song ends on a note of hope, urging us to heed the words of the artist and resist this system of consumerism and exploitation.
Line by Line Meaning
Behavior lies in the food we eat
Our actions and emotions are impacted by the food we consume
Insipid sedatives
Bland drugs that numb us to our surroundings
Much of all those cloy chemicals are building up to give
Many of the artificial ingredients we consume accumulate in our bodies over time
Uncontrolled division of cells from the men who live upstairs
Unchecked growth of dangerous cells due to the toxic substances consumed by those who live above us
Drowning us in saturation, for all minds to hum the same
Saturating us with chemicals and mind-numbing substances, making us all think and act alike
This deducer of lives is not a being, but profused meaning
The cause of our problems is not a person or entity, but rather the widespread influence of chemicals and additives
Sleeping during the day
Being unaware or apathetic to the issues at hand
Why lack of living from what we're eating?
Why are we not living healthy, fulfilling lives due to the food we consume?
Go and be on your way, enter the tainment, dependent thought sent
Distract yourself with entertainment that reinforces dependency on certain ways of thinking
Lion's share of the whites is sleeping the thoughts with skin
The majority are blindly accepting harmful societal norms without taking critical action
The next not physical fights, but will against stolid sin
Our next conflicts will not necessarily be physical, but rather a struggle against stubborn, ingrained beliefs
One time, let me take my memories for all time
Allow me to cherish my experiences and memories forever
Heed the words of an author
Listen and reflect on the advice and ideas presented by writers
Art of surfeit has hunger
The idea of excess creates desire for more, leading to consumption of unhealthy substances
Ours be taken away
We must reject this lifestyle of excess and strive for a more balanced existence
Who needs to do much more
We should prioritize living meaningful lives over fulfilling artificial needs
Then eat, sleep and
Focus on the basic needs of sustenance and rest
Race through chores
Avoid becoming bogged down by mundane tasks and instead seek fulfilling experiences
Then fight preservatives
Stand up against the harmful chemicals and additives present in much of our food
And lose one day
We risk losing valuable time and experiences by neglecting our health and wellbeing
Lyrics © ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC INC
Written by: Adrian Jewett, Ryan Lenssen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Nieghorn
What I love about this band, and wish more people would appreciate, is that they're doing something a bit 'different' - and doing a damn good job of it. A lot of pop music is formulaic and/or re-hashings of what other people have done before. The Republic are giving me something new, interesting, and beautiful to listen to. Cheers for the post!
@devonhammond6471
I am STILL waiting for another group this amazing.
@photicsonar
Well said! This is pure Magic.
@rarestform5699
I miss you Adrian. What a brilliant mind
@Ieisure
Trust me my friend something is in the works with him. Lived with him for 7 months ish hes a great guy and trust me he'll be making a return one day he's just going through some personal stuff but he wants make a beautiful project and trust me he will :)
@rarestform5699
That’s really good to know. I was in touch with him through instagram a few years back until he stopped using social media. I was sad haha
@starkid77
As soon as anything remotely orchestra shows up, I fall in love. I like this song!
@rio197
this music feels original!
@hannibaloo
I am SOOOOOOOOOO impressed with the Canadian indie scene, it's become INCREDIBLE in the last couple of years!!!
@cartmanandkylefan
I'm not from Canada. But I love this song. So much. It's surely poetic. It's pretty perfect if you ask me.