They appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in October 2002 (the first Australian band to do so since Men at Work in 1983) with the words "Rock is Back: meet the Vines" boldly emblazoned underneath. Referred to as the 'The' bands, The Strokes, The Hives, The White Stripes and The Vines combined "old fashioned punk and adrenaline fuelled riffs" to be ushered in at the beginning of 2002 as the "saviors of rock".
The Vines have been moderately successful in the Australian recording industry, winning an ARIA in 2002 for Breakthrough Artist and receiving nominations for six other awards in as many years. In 2003, their debut album Highly Evolved went double platinum in their home country of Australia, and since then the band has released six albums and a "Best-Of" compilation from their time at Capitol Records.
The band started to record their 5th album in February 2010. The album recording was completely finished in mid March, with mixing taking place in Sydney at the end of March and mastering taking place in early April. The album, "Future Primitve," was released in June 2011.
Discography
Highly Evolved (2002)
Winning Days (2004)
Vision Valley(2006)
Melodia (2008)
Future Primitive (2011)
Wicked Nature (2014)
In Miracle Land (2018)
Autumn Shade II
The Vines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Look at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Look through me because I am transparent
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Looking at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Oh
The lyrics of The Vines's "Autumn Shade II" seem to reflect a sense of isolation and internal conflict, with the singer feeling transparent and unrecognized by others while also struggling with their own identity. The line "Look through me because I am transparent" suggests a feeling of being invisible or overlooked, while the following line, "Ought to know me but why even know yourself", implies a sense of disconnect from one's own self and identity. The repetition of the line "I'm beginning to need all that I can't have" reinforces the idea of internal struggle and desire, while the final line, "I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad", suggests a sense of frustration and possibly even desperation in trying to communicate with others.
The mention of the "autumn shade" in the chorus adds a sense of seasonal change and possibly even melancholy or nostalgia. The contrast between "you are white and I am grey" further emphasizes this sense of separation and difference. Overall, the lyrics of the song capture a feeling of individual struggle and isolation, while also touching on broader themes of identity and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Look through me because I am transparent
Ignore me because I am not important
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
You should focus on yourself instead of wasting time on me
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I want things that are impossible for me to achieve
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
I am expressing my frustration in an aggressive way
Look at the autumn shade
Take notice of the changing season
You are white and I am grey
You are pure and innocent, while I am dark and troubled
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
I am reflecting on the changes in life and the passing of time
Oh
An expression of emotion or feeling
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CRAIG ROBERT NICHOLLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Busywave
Look through me because I am transparent
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Look at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Look through me because I am transparent
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Looking at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Oh
Songwriters: CRAIG ROBERT NICHOLLS
Tyler Perretta
Autumn Shade ll
"Look through me because I am transparent
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Look at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Look through me because I am transparent
Ought to know me but why even know yourself
I'm beginning to need all that I can't have
I'm succeeding to speak like I'm fucking mad
Looking at the autumn shade
You are white and I am grey
Looking at the autumn shade, oh yeah
Oh.."
Hector Ramirez Ramos
This a good example of a very underrated band.
Mr Nobody
Couldn't agree more. They did some freaking great albums. But I heard there was a lot of tensions between the members. Wait I just saw they did an album in 2014 !? I thought they split way before that. Good news :)
thy toe
@Mr Nobody Different lineup, only remaining member is Craig, although the original lineup did two reunion gigs with Jet last year.
Mr Nobody
@thy toe oh okay, thanks! That's sad I would have loved to see those old songs live.
thy toe
@Mr Nobody Yeah the old songs are great and they still do play some old songs with the new members as well. The new guys are great too, maybe even better than the originals.
Mr Nobody
@thy toe I hope they'll come in France someday.
Rumikube Records
Perfect album, I could never get bored of it. In my opinion it is their best
danoz
Agreed, although I'n not too familiar with their later releases beyond the singles, which were all great
Tyson Lynes
Highly evolved is my favourite
Danny Delegato
such a great song. The Vines need to return. World needs this music.