They released their third and final album Klang in 2009 which included the singles 1989 and That's the Reason.
In October 2009, The Rakes announced that the band was to split with immediate effect: "The Rakes have always been very adamant and proud of the fact that we give 100% to every gig we’ve ever played. If we can’t give it everything then we won’t do it. That was the rule we set ourselves from day one".
Their style can be described as "lo-fi" indie and is vaguely reminiscent of early Joy Division with some catchy guitar riffs and intelligent and humorous lyrics.
Singer Alan Donahoe has a project called Champagne Campaign and drummer Lasse Peterson went on to join Wolf Gang.
Little Superstitions
The Rakes Lyrics
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I use reason on my brain
It's those little superstitions
That get me through the stress and strain
I have made my contributions
And now and then I find
On the subject of my love life
[Chorus: x2]
Let's make the most of it
The time we've got together
Quit all the secrets that are
Choking up your heart
And tearing all the light from the stars
I'm made some calculations
But will not put them to the test
It's those little superstitions
That cannot be laid to rest
Our bodies are reacting
We're heated dangerously
Leaving traces on each other
That the naked eye can't see
[Chorus: x2]
Yeah, I say forever
And you just say whatever
But if you feel how I feel
Then we'd stay together
Yeah, I say forever
And you just say whatever
But if you feel how I feel
Then we'd stay together
[Chorus: x3]
Yeah, I say forever
And you just say whatever
But if you feel how I feel
Then we'd stay together
Yeah, I say forever
And you just say whatever
But if you feel how I feel
Then we'd stay together
The Rakes's song "Little Superstitions" is both an optimistic and cynical take on love and relationships, as the lyrics weave between the singer's rationality and their trust in these small, seemingly illogical beliefs. The opening lines somewhat set the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer asserts that they base their decisions on reason, but then admits that they ultimately rely on these little superstitions to get them through difficult times. These superstitions give them a sense of control and comfort in a world that can often feel chaotic.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability within a relationship, urging the other person to open up and let go of the secrets that are weighing them down. Yet, the singer also acknowledges that sometimes these confessions and admissions can be difficult to make, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. They confront this uncertainty head on in the final lines, almost pleading with their partner to feel the same way they do, in order to stay together.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't talk rubbish to me
Do not speak foolishly or absurdly to me
I use reason on my brain
I think logically and rationally
It's those little superstitions
These small beliefs or customs
That get me through the stress and strain
That help me cope with difficult times
I have made my contributions
I have done my part or given my share
And now and then I find
Occasionally I come to realize
On the subject of my love life
Regarding my romantic relationships
I've been left behind
I have fallen behind or been neglected
Let's make the most of it
We should maximize our time together
The time we've got together
The period during which we are together
Quit all the secrets that are
Stop keeping all those things hidden
Choking up your heart
That are obstructing your emotions
And tearing all the light from the stars
And taking away all the excitement from life
I've made some calculations
I have analyzed some things
But will not put them to the test
But will not try them out
That cannot be laid to rest
That cannot be completely abandoned
Our bodies are reacting
Our physical responses are occurring
We're heated dangerously
We are becoming overly passionate or intense
Leaving traces on each other
Leaving marks or evidence on each other
That the naked eye can't see
That are not visible to the unaided eye
Yeah, I say forever
Yes, I declare that it will last indefinitely
And you just say whatever
And you just respond casually or without commitment
But if you feel how I feel
But if you have the same emotions as me
Then we'd stay together
Then we would remain united
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN DONOHOE, JAMES HORN-SMITH, LASSE PETERSEN, MATTHEW SWINNERTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind