Members
Julian Casablancas (vocals), Nick Valensi (guitar), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums)
Formation
The founding process of The Strokes was a serendipitous convergence of childhood connections and a shared musical vision. Julian Casablancas, Fabrizio Moretti, and Nick Valensi, childhood friends with varying musical experiences, came together in the late '90s. The trio's dynamic was enriched with the addition of guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. and bassist Nikolai Fraiture. Bonded by a mutual love for garage rock, punk, and new wave, the quintet officially formed The Strokes in 1998, embarking on a journey to synthesize their diverse influences into a sound that would later redefine the indie rock landscape. The amalgamation of their individual talents and shared passion for music set the stage for The Strokes' rise to prominence in the early 2000s.
Is This It (2001)
"Is This It" The Strokes" debut album released in 2001 under the reputable record label RCA, is an electrifying sonic manifesto that not only redefined the landscape of indie rock but also garnered widespread critical acclaim. Infused with a raw and unfiltered energy, the album became an instant classic, hailed for its gritty exploration of New York City's underground music scene. Featuring iconic tracks like "Last Nite" and "Someday," Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals, Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr.'s guitar interplay, and the band's overall swagger made "Is This It" a timeless masterpiece. Its critical acclaim propelled The Strokes to the forefront of the early 2000s indie rock revival, cementing their status as trailblazers in the genre.
Room On Fire (2003)
"Room On Fire" the sophomore album by The Strokes released in 2003, seamlessly follows the success of their groundbreaking debut, "Is This It" The Strokes" (2001). While "Is This It" The Strokes" quickly became a cultural touchstone and achieved widespread acclaim, "Room On Fire" faced the challenge of living up to its predecessor's legacy.
From the rhythmic urgency of "12:51" to the infectious guitar riffs of "Reptilia," each track on "Room On Fire" showcases The Strokes' continued commitment to crafting catchy, yet substantive, rock anthems. While not eclipsing the commercial success of their debut, the album solidified The Strokes' standing as stalwarts of the early 2000s rock revival, demonstrating their artistic growth and ability to sustain their unique sound.
Juicebox and First Impressions Of Earth (2005 - 2006)
"Juicebox" by The Strokes, released as a single on November 14, 2005, ahead of their album "First Impressions of Earth," faced an early online leak, adding to the anticipation. Despite this, the track's bold guitar riffs and Julian Casablancas' charismatic vocals contributed to its positive reception, marking a significant moment in The Strokes' musical journey. They also released a catchy B-side "Hawaii".
"First Impressions Of Earth" The Strokes' third studio album released in January 2006, received a mix of reviews. Critics praised the album's experimental departure from the band's earlier sound, commending Julian Casablancas' introspective lyrics, dynamic guitar work, and rhythmic innovation. Standout tracks like "Juicebox" and "You Only Live Once" showcased The Strokes' ability to evolve while retaining their signature coolness. Despite differing opinions, the album marked a bold exploration of new musical territories and sparked conversations about the band's artistic evolution within the indie rock landscape.
Angles (2011)
"Angles" released by The Strokes in 2011, is a pivotal album in the band's journey, receiving a mix of reviews. Critics lauded its experimentation and collaborative nature, showcasing a departure from their previous works. Standout tracks like "Under Cover of Darkness" and "Machu Picchu" received praise for blending The Strokes' signature sound with fresh influences. While some critics found the album's diversity refreshing, others felt it lacked cohesion. Despite mixed reviews, "Angles" signaled The Strokes' return with a revitalized energy, sparking conversations about their evolving musical direction.
Comedown Machine (2013)
"Comedown Machine" released by The Strokes in 2013, is a unique entry in their discography. The album showcases a departure from their traditional sound, embracing a more synth-driven and experimental approach. Tracks like "One Way Trigger" and "Tap Out" demonstrate The Strokes' willingness to evolve, dividing critics but still affirming their capacity for sonic exploration. "Comedown Machine" adds another layer to The Strokes' musical evolution, inviting listeners into a realm of unexpected sounds and creative divergence. The Strokes adopted a media blackout strategy, refraining from interviews and traditional promotional activities. This intentional approach added an air of mystery to the album's release, sparking curiosity and discussions about the band's creative intentions.
Future Present Past EP (2016)
"Future Present Past" is a 2016 EP by The Strokes, featuring tracks like "Drag Queen", "OBLIVIOUS" and "Threat Of Joy" offering a glimpse into the band's evolving sound during the period between their albums "Comedown Machine" and "The New Abnormal".
The New Abnormal (2020)
Produced by legendary music producer Rick Rubin, "The New Abnormal" is The Strokes' sixth studio album, released in 2020 after a seven-year hiatus. The album represents a return to the spotlight for the band and showcases a blend of their signature rock sound with fresh and contemporary elements. Notable tracks include "The Adults Are Talking" and "Selfless". "The New Abnormal" received critical acclaim for its maturity, experimentation, and the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their distinctive style. The album's release was a highly anticipated moment for fans, marking a successful comeback for The Strokes after their extended hiatus.
Albert Hammond Jr. confirmed, that The Strokes are working on a new album, a follow-up to the succesful "The New Abnormal".
Here are the band members' side projects along with their released albums:
Julian Casablancas:
Julian Casablancas - Phrazes For The Young (2009).The Voidz - Tyranny (2014), Virtue (2018).
Albert Hammond Jr.
Albert Hammond Jr. - Yours To Keep (2006), Como Te Llama? (2008), Momentary Masters (2016), Francis Trouble (2018).
Nick Valensi
CRX - New Skin (2016), Peek (2018).
Fabrizio Moretti
Little Joy - Little Joy (2008).machinegum - Conduit (2019).
Nikolai Fraiture
Nickel Eye - The Time Of The Assassins (2008).SUMMER MOON - With You Tonight (2017), Casino Days (2023).
hard in a cage
The Strokes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I don't write better when I'm stuck in the ground
So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned
Yeah, the sun will be shining and my children will burn
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
I don't want what you want, I don't feel what you feel
Yeah, we got left, left, left, left, left, left, left
Now it's three in the morning and you're eating alone
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
All our friends, they're laughing at us
All of those you loved, you mistrust
Help me, I'm just not quite myself
Look around, there's no one else left
I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd
Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around
Oh, he gets left, left, left, left, left, left, left
And I'm sorry you were thinking I would steal your fire
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
Yes, the heart beats in its cage
And the heart beats in its cage
The Strokes's song "Hard to a Cage" delves into feelings of isolation and disconnectedness within society, as well as one's own self. The lyrics express a dissatisfaction with conventional norms and expectations, and a longing for something more meaningful and authentic. The opening lines highlight the futility of mindless pleasure-seeking and self-destructive behavior, and the need for creative inspiration and freedom. The following line, "So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned," implies a sense of resilience and self-knowledge that allows the singer to reject societal pressures and conformist attitudes.
The chorus, "Oh, the heart beats in its cage," is a powerful image that evokes both suffocation and confinement, as well as a desperate desire for release and connection. The repetition of "left" in the second verse suggests a sense of abandonment and betrayal, whether by friends, loved ones, or society at large. The line "Help me, I'm just not quite myself" is a poignant admission of vulnerability and self-awareness, and underscores the theme of personal struggle and inner turmoil. The last verse speaks to the singer's desire for a romantic connection, and the regret and guilt he feels for his own misguided actions.
Overall, "Hard to a Cage" is a deeply introspective and existential song that grapples with some of the most profound and timeless human questions: what is the meaning of life, what is our place in the world, and how do we find love and connection amidst the chaos and confusion of modern life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I don't feel better when I'm fucking around
I don't get any satisfaction from wasting my time on meaningless things.
And I don't write better when I'm stuck in the ground
Being stagnant or feeling trapped doesn't lead to creativity or inspiration.
So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned
I don't need anyone to preach to me because I've already gained the knowledge and experience.
Yeah, the sun will be shining and my children will burn
This line is a metaphor for the harsh realities of the future and how our actions affect those who come after us.
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
The heart is being used as a metaphorical cage for the emotions and feelings that the singer is experiencing.
I don't want what you want, I don't feel what you feel
We all have our own unique desires and emotions, which makes us all different from each other.
See, I'm stuck in a city but I belong in a field
I feel like I don't belong in the current environment I'm in and would rather be somewhere else.
Yeah, we got left, left, left, left, left, left, left
This line is a reference to something being constantly repeated and never-ending.
Now it's three in the morning and you're eating alone
Feeling isolated or alone, especially during late hours of the night when others are sleeping.
All our friends, they're laughing at us
The people whom we once considered close friends are now making fun of us for our choices and mistakes.
All of those you loved, you mistrust
A common issue of trust being lost within relationships, both romantic and platonic.
Help me, I'm just not quite myself
Asking for assistance or comfort when feeling lost or disconnected from oneself.
Look around, there's no one else left
Feeling alone or abandoned when seeking support and not finding anyone to turn to.
I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd
Going through great lengths to experience something, in this case, a concert, despite facing obstacles along the way.
Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around
Experiencing disappointment or letdowns when expectations don't match reality.
Oh, he gets left, left, left, left, left, left, left
A continuation of the earlier line, emphasizing the constant repetition.
And I'm sorry you were thinking I would steal your fire
Apologizing for any misunderstandings or false expectations in a relationship.
Yes, the heart beats in its cage
Repeating the aforementioned metaphor, emphasizing the ongoing emotional turmoil that the singer is experiencing.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@isac937
Lyrics:
Heart in a CageThe Strokes
Well, I don't feel better when I'm f*cking around
And I don't write better when I'm stuck in the ground
So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned
Yeah, the sun will be shining and my children will burn
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
I don't want what you want, I don't feel what you feel
See, I'm stuck in a city but I belong in a field
Yeah, we got left, left, left, left, left, left, left
Now it's three in the morning and you're eating alone
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
All our friends, they're laughing at us
All of those you loved, you mistrust
Help me, I'm just not quite myself
Look around, there's no one else left
I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd
Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around
Oh, he gets left, left, left, left, left, left, left
And I'm sorry you were thinking I would steal your fire
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
Yes, the heart beats in its cage
And the heart beats in its cage
@nurhamizahjamil4966
Well, I don't feel better when I'm fucking around
And I don't write better when I'm stuck in the ground
So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned
Yeah, the sun will be shining and my children will burn
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
I don't want what you want, I don't feel what you feel
See, I'm stuck in a city but I belong in a field
Yeah, we got left, left, left, left, left, left, left
Now it's three in the morning and you're eating alone
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
All our friends, they're laughing at us
All of those you loved, you mistrust
Help me, I'm just not quite myself
Look around, there's no one else left
I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd
Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around
Oh, he gets left, left, left, left, left, left, left
And I'm sorry you were thinking I would steal your fire
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
Yes, the heart beats in its cage
And the heart beats in its cage
@juliemcclendon
Lyrics
Well, I don't feel better when I'm fucking around
And I don't write better when I'm stuck in the ground
So don't teach me a lesson 'cause I've already learned
Yeah, the sun will be shining and my children will burn
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
I don't want what you want, I don't feel what you feel
See, I'm stuck in a city but I belong in a field
Yeah, we got left, left, left, left, left, left, left
Now it's three in the morning and you're eating alone
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
All our friends, they're laughing at us
All of those you loved, you mistrust
Help me, I'm just not quite myself
Look around, there's no one else left
I went to the concert and I fought through the crowd
Guess I got too excited when I thought you were around
Oh, he gets left, left, left, left, left, left, left
And I'm sorry you were thinking I would steal your fire
Oh, the heart beats in its cage
Yes, the heart beats in its cage
And the heart beats in its cage
@jblanchard5387
The chemistry between him and the sidewalk is amazing
@carternebben9151
I actually laughed out loud at this thank you
@Atomic_Johnny
Haha! Awesome.
@felipefxD
That's awesome haha
@Heroinviolet
Lol I wouldn't mind being put in place of that sidewalk
@rubygardner3110
I’m legally changing my name to the
Sidewalk
@Amber_xo_133
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Albert Hammond, Jr. stated he almost died on the set of the shooting of the video when 40 mph winds almost blew him off the top of the building. Hammond commented that "It's not like it's the first time I've almost died on a shooting for a music video."
@vaultman2971
Wait, he actually WAS in the top of that building?! I thought it was green screen or something idk.
@Amber_xo_133
@@vaultman2971 yes
@zackzallie8735
What about Julian? I hope he didn't contract with germs from the sidewalk.