The Umbrellas were formed in 2019 by Bay Area musicians Matt Ferrara, Keith Frerichs, Nick Oka, and Morgan Stanley. They took inspiration from a long line of twee and indie pop bands and paisley underground artists and channeled those influences into their first self-recorded tracks. Their four-song Maritime EP was recorded using a drum machine in winter of 2019, and the next year the songs were reissued on a limited run 7" that quickly sold out. The band signed with indie pop institution Slumberland Records for the release of their self-titled debut LP and reconfigured their arrangements to include live drums and expanded production. The album was released in August of 2021.
Biography by Fred Thomas
Vampires
The Umbrellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There were a bunch of big names there
I've been conditioned to sell myself
Well, that's not what this is about
So I've got one hand on my neck
To keep all the vampires out
I'm gonna finish this stiff drink and I'll be on my way
No, this isn't you
But I just took one bite and that's all it took
Now write me down in your book, in your book
I say goodnight, I put the keys in the ignition
I think the entire existence is asleep it's so quiet
My headlights dance pictures on the treeline
The song floats out the window into the fog filled night
I'm home now. it feels different
I undress in the dark and find my way to the sheets
My head is light from what you said
You were dead right
Now they're back at my throat and they're thirsty
I haven't proved anything until I've proved them right
This apple in my hand, I just took one bite
I just took one bite
No, this isn't me
No, this isn't you
But I just took one bite and that's all it took
Now write me down in your book, in your book
The Umbrellas' "Vampires" is a song that speaks to the internal struggle between individuality and the pressure to conform. The lyrics describe a party filled with "big names" where the singer feels the weight of societal expectation, forcing them to "sell" themselves. They find comfort in holding their own neck as a way to prevent the figurative vampires from draining them of their sense of self. Despite their efforts, however, they give in and take one bite, allowing themselves to conform to societal norms. They even recognize that being written down in someone else's book symbolizes losing agency over their own life.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on their experience at the party, returning home where they feel uneasy fully undressing even in the dark. When they consider the what they had been told at the party, they recognize that conforming had made them feel like they were "dead right." The song ends with a sense of inevitability as the vampires return to their throat, highlighting the cyclical nature of pressure to conform.
Overall, "Vampires" utilizes the metaphor of vampires draining an individual's sense of self to represent conformity to societal norms. It highlights the struggle between the need to fit in and the importance of maintaining individuality, which is an ongoing battle for many people.
Line by Line Meaning
Last night we went to a party
We attended a party last night
There were a bunch of big names there
The party had famous people
I've been conditioned to sell myself
I have been taught to present myself in a certain way
Well, that's not what this is about
But this party is not about that
So I've got one hand on my neck
I am holding my neck to protect myself from something
To keep all the vampires out
I am keeping imaginary creatures away
I'm gonna finish this stiff drink and I'll be on my way
I will finish my drink and leave soon
No, this isn't me
This behavior is unlike me
No, this isn't you
This behavior is unlikely for you
But I just took one bite and that's all it took
But I gave in to temptation and regret it
Now write me down in your book, in your book
Remember my weakness and flaws
I say goodnight, I put the keys in the ignition
I say goodnight and get in my car
I think the entire existence is asleep it's so quiet
The world is quiet and peaceful at night
My headlights dance pictures on the treeline
My car lights create shadows on the trees
The song floats out the window into the fog filled night
The music plays softly and blends with the misty night
I'm home now. it feels different
I arrive home but it feels strange
I undress in the dark and find my way to the sheets
I change into my pajamas in the dark and go to bed
My head is light from what you said
I am feeling dizzy from your words
You were dead right
You were completely correct
Now they're back at my throat and they're thirsty
Now I am again struggling with temptation
I haven't proved anything until I've proved them right
I have not succeeded until I give in to temptation
This apple in my hand, I just took one bite
I gave in to temptation again
No, this isn't me
This behavior is unlike me
No, this isn't you
This behavior is unlikely for you
But I just took one bite and that's all it took
But I gave in to temptation and regret it
Now write me down in your book, in your book
Remember my weakness and flaws
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SCOTT WINDSOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind