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.
On A Mission
The Rakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on a mission finally made my mind up, since my fowl decision
On a mission on a mission, get out my way
I'm on a mission, finally made my mind up since my fowl decision
The hearts in the stars won't stop me,
The posers in the east won't stop me, the city in colour won't stop me now
The police man is going to stop me.
You can try reasoning
You can try bargoning,
You try everything.
But nothing is going to stop me.
On a mission on a mission, get out my way.
I'm on a mission, on a mission finally made my mind up,
Since my fowl decision
On a mission on a mission,
Get out my way I'm on a mission finally made my mind up,
Since my fowl decision,
On a mission on a mission, finally made my mind up.
On a mission, on a mission, get out my way on a mission,
Finally made my mind up, since my fowl decision.
On a mission, the hearts in the stars
Won't stop me and the posers in the east won't stop me
The city in colour won't stop me the police man is going to stop me and
You can try reasoning
You can try bargoning
You try everything
But nothing is going to stop me now
Eyes look straight ahead, try to contain the block,
Draw was raging through my brain,
Synapses are being smashed apart
Like bridges destroyed in the bombing campagne.
The one who crosses me on the floor I swear,
I could start a war I swear,
Straight ahead any scum don't know,
What I got planning for them they'll know
You could try reasoning
You can try bargoning,
You try everything
Nothing is going to stop
me now
The Rakes's On A Mission is a high-energy song about determination and persistence, with the singer declaring that nothing can stop them from achieving their goal. The repeated refrain of "on a mission, on a mission, get out my way" conveys a sense of urgency and dominance, as they push forward towards their destination. The title phrase "on a mission" takes on a double meaning, not only referring to the singer's literal journey but also to their sense of purpose and determination in life. The lyrics also touch on themes of rebellion and defiance, with references to posers, police, and scum standing in opposition to the singer's mission.
The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer has made a past mistake, referred to as their "foul decision," and has since made up their mind to set things right. The imagery in the second verse is particularly vivid, with the singer's thoughts described as "raging through my brain" and "synapses being smashed apart like bridges destroyed in the bombing campaign." The song culminates in the defiant declaration that "nothing is going to stop me now," underscoring the unwavering determination of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
On a mission, on a mission get out my way
I am focused on a goal and will not let anyone get in my way
I'm on a mission finally made my mind up, since my fowl decision
I have finally decided on a course of action after making a bad decision in the past
The hearts in the stars won't stop me,
No matter how big or far away the challenge, I am determined to succeed
The posers in the east won't stop me, the city in colour won't stop me now
Even distractions and obstacles that may seem attractive or vibrant will not deter me from my mission
The police man is going to stop me.
The authority figures may try to intervene, but I am committed to my mission
You can try reasoning
Others may attempt to dissuade me logically
You can try bargoning,
Others may attempt to negotiate with me
You try everything.
Others may use various tactics, but I am not deterred
But nothing is going to stop me.
I am completely resolute in my mission
Eyes look straight ahead, try to contain the block,
I am intentionally ignoring distractions in order to focus on my mission
Draw was raging through my brain,
My mind is completely consumed with determination and focus
Synapses are being smashed apart
My thoughts and ideas are so powerful that they are affecting my brain function
Like bridges destroyed in the bombing campagne.
The force behind my thoughts and actions is like the destruction of a battle
The one who crosses me on the floor I swear,
Anyone who gets in my way will face severe consequences
I could start a war I swear,
I am not afraid of conflict if it means achieving my mission
Straight ahead any scum don't know,
No matter who opposes me, I am determined to move forward
What I got planning for them they'll know
Those who stand in my way will face the consequences of their actions
Contributed by Julian Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.