The Sugarplastic are an infectiously catchy pop band. They are often compa… Read Full Bio ↴The Sugarplastic are an infectiously catchy pop band. They are often compared to XTC or Talking Heads, but their melodies & messages are unlike those spun by any other artist. The Sugarplastic exemplify a Scottish pop sensibility. But remarkably, while you might find yourself bopping around with a huge smile on your face to one of their tunes, you will also notice that these boys manage to convey some pretty dark (or at least serious) ideas.

The Sugarplastic still plays weekly at Spaceland in L.A., where many artists (Beck, for example) got their start.

Transworld Modal Operator
The Sugarplastic Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I might say you're the sweetest in-between.
In the brackets these equations make it nested make it clean.
But everyone's holding out waiting for the sum.
And I might say so and so was only you,
But my nominal description doesn't work in double use sup.
Everyone's holding out, but I really don't know why.

These numbers never bothered him.

(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator
Take the matter up with good Lord Jim.
(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator

And I might say it's a blessing say amen,
When these figures don't reveal I've been thimble rigged again.
But everyone's holding out waiting for the sum.
So hats off Sam Lloyd, stay another day.
Cause X is for great kingarchies and always stay that way.
And everyone's holding out, but I really don't know why.

These numbers never bothered him.
(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator
Take the matter up with good Lord Jim.
(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator

Why these numbers never bothered him.
(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator
Take the matter up with good Lord Jim.

(He's gonna make you)
Transworld Modal Operator

Overall Meaning

The Sugarplastic's "Transworld Modal Operator" is a song with intricate, puzzling lyrics that lend themselves to a variety of interpretations. The opening line, "I might say you're the sweetest in-between," suggests a certain ambiguity, as if the singer is struggling to precisely articulate what he/she means. The song then delves into a discussion of equations and figures, suggesting an obsession with precision and detail. The line "But my nominal description doesn't work in double use sup" implies frustration with language's inability to capture the essence of an idea or emotion.

The chorus, "These numbers never bothered him / Transworld Modal Operator / Take the matter up with good Lord Jim," repeats throughout the song like a mantra. It suggests a sense of submission to a higher power or universal truth, while also acknowledging the complexity and mystery of such forces. The final lines, "Why these numbers never bothered him / Transworld Modal Operator / Take the matter up with good Lord Jim," suggest a certain resignation or acceptance of this mysterious numerical order.

Line by Line Meaning

I might say you're the sweetest in-between.
I think that you are the best option among the others.

In the brackets these equations make it nested make it clean.
These complicated calculations are presented in a clear and concise manner by using parentheses.

But everyone's holding out waiting for the sum.
Everyone is waiting for the final result of the computations.

And I might say so and so was only you,
I could attribute something to you that only belongs to you.

But my nominal description doesn't work in double use sup.
However, my limited explanation cannot be used in all cases.

Everyone's holding out, but I really don't know why.
Everyone is still waiting for the solution, but I don't know why there's a delay.

These numbers never bothered him.
The complexity of these numbers didn't cause any discomfort for him.

(He's gonna make you) Transworld Modal Operator
He is proficient in using complex mathematical operators to solve problems across different dimensions.

Take the matter up with good Lord Jim.
Talk about this issue with someone who has a lot of experience solving similar problems.

And I might say it's a blessing say amen,
I could consider it a fortunate situation and express gratitude.

When these figures don't reveal I've been thimble rigged again.
However, I suspect that the information is incomplete and biased in some way.

So hats off Sam Lloyd, stay another day.
I highly commend Sam Lloyd and suggest he continue working on this problem.

Cause X is for great kingarchies and always stay that way.
The variable X represents superior entities that always retain their excellence.

Contributed by Sadie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS