The band currently consists of Craig Wellington (vocals/guitar), Stuart Jones (guitar) and Matthew Gwilt (drums). Three likely lads from Shrewsbury who came together in Leeds. Together, they form the rhythm colossus known as The Sunshine Underground.
The Sunshine Underground sold out London and Leeds venues on their first headline tour, following their successful support slots for LCD Soundsystem and local rave-ups, which earned the group the Live Band of the Year Award at the Independent Leeds Music Awards for 2005.
Their debut album Raise the Alarm, was released on August 28th 2006, after playing Carling Stage sets at both Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Borders
The Sunshine Underground Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because I don't think we agree
You're always keeping all your borders up
I think that something must be wrong with me
Well I know you don't like it
You're no exclusive company
You're always keeping all your borders up
Well some bodies had a harder time
But you're always on the outside
And they've been giving you the run around
And now you're trying to get your own back
Well I know you don't like it
You're no exclusive company
You're always keeping all your borders up
And it's a little more than you and me, I'm not guilty…
Yeahh…….
Yeahh…….
Well I better say something
To stop us creeping round these avenues
Your always keeping all your borders up, I bet your getting a little confused
I don't think so
Well it's time to turn this thing around
When there's no reason for this thing you found
Well your keeping all your borders up
I think it's time we tore them all down
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You never cared
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You never cared
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You never cared
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You never cared
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You never cared
The Sunshine Underground's song "Borders" explores the complex nature of human relationships and the challenges that arise when communication breaks down. The opening lines set the tone of frustration and exasperation, and the subsequent lines reveal a sense of disconnect between the two parties. The phrase "keeping all your borders up" is particularly significant, as it suggests a refusal to engage or open up emotionally. The singer expresses a sense of confusion and hints that they may be at fault for the disagreements, but ultimately concludes that the other party is responsible for not breaking down their own barriers. The repetition of the phrase "you never cared" also adds to the sense of sadness and resignation that permeates the song.
At its core, "Borders" is a song about the difficulty of connecting with others and the emotional barriers that keep us apart. However, it's also a call to action, urging listeners to "fight for a reason" and tear down these borders. The implied message is that human connections are worth the effort it takes to break down barriers and find common ground. Overall, "Borders" is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to the universal experiences of love, loss, and the struggle to connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you stop talking?
I am not sure we are in agreement; please stop talking.
Because I don't think we agree
I don't think our opinions are the same.
You're always keeping all your borders up
You always put up barriers and never let anyone in.
I think that something must be wrong with me
I am worried that I am the problem.
Well I know you don't like it
I know that you are not happy with the situation.
You're no exclusive company
You are not the only one.
And it's a little more than you and me
This is affecting more than just the two of us.
Well some bodies had a harder time
Some people have had more difficulties than you.
But you're always on the outside
However, you always feel left out.
And they've been giving you the run around
They have been avoiding or ignoring you.
And now you're trying to get your own back
You are seeking revenge or retaliation now.
It's a little more than you and me, I'm not guilty…
This is a bigger issue than just us, and I don't think I am the one at fault.
Well I better say something
I should speak up about this.
To stop us creeping round these avenues
To prevent us from dancing around the issue without resolving it.
Your always keeping all your borders up, I bet your getting a little confused
You are always closing yourself off, and I imagine it is causing you some confusion.
Well it's time to turn this thing around
It is time to change the situation for the better.
When there's no reason for this thing you found
There is no justification for these barriers.
I think it's time we tore them all down
It is time to break down these walls keeping us apart.
You gotta fight for a reason, what's your reason?
You need a reason to fight for something that is important.
You never cared
You didn't care enough to fight for anything before.
Contributed by Jordyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@matthewquinn9654
This was a song me and an old friend, more like a brother who’s not here anymore used to listen to all the time. God rest your soul big man! X
@dannybowden5296
Definitely one of the best indie dancefloor fillers of the millennium so far.. Great blokes too.
@iansmith8813
Got left at Leeds fest in '08... Only 19, I was shitting myself. Managed to get a lift to Leeds train station off a lovely lady who told me all about these! This and Commercial Breakdown are still to this day my go to tunes when things are getting to much. Headphones on and fucking blast them! Feels good :)
@Garyjohntaylor
Missing you in 2021 ❤️
@originaldotcom
I saw these live in Norwich 26th April 2007, this song was is my favourite song of all time and probably will always be. They were so incredible live, if you get the chance you should jump at it. Best band Ever.
@catchinggates
Truly such a heart wrenching song. It's literally all of the best things I could have ever hoped for.
@vannnh
this is the only song that can cheer me up no matter what's wrong!
@aaronvasey6175
16/17 years ago I was introduced to ‘Raise The Alarm’ and abused Borders and Commercial Breakdown 😂 still sounds as good today as it did back then. Proper British band 👏🏻 thanks to Rich Moore for showing me this, legend 👊🏻
@storytellerpt
This is my ringtone for more than two years :D
@davidjones8039
How were these guys not huge?! Always reminds me of The Tunnel Club in Leeds University Union on a Tuesday night circa 2007!