The band's 2003 album Up All Night reached the top five of the Australian Albums Chart, it achieved double platinum status and won four ARIA Awards in October. Two further top five albums were issued, Sun Dirt Water in 2007 and Temptation in 2011. The Waifs have three top fifty singles, "London Still" (2002), "Bridal Train" (2004) and "Sun Dirt Water". The band supported Bob Dylan on his 2003 Australian tour and then his 2003 North American tour, including a gig at the Newport Folk Festival.
The Waifs founded the independent label Jarrah Records in July 2002, co-owned with fellow musician John Butler, and their common manager Phil Stevens, which handles their Australian releases.
Without You
The Waifs Lyrics
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I've been stepping out with my friends
I don't have to justify what I have done
I don't have to answer to anyone
I put my body on the line
Take a step out of my mind
Life takes on a different veiw
I feel energized like I was young
I have not felt this way since we began
I re-evaluate my future plan
Time to free myself from your command
There's no need to compromise
I'll do what ever I decide
No one else to spoil the view
Without you
I don't care if I ever touch the sun
I don't care if the whole thing comes undone
Everyday to me is a surprise
I don't care if it leads to my demise
No restrictions now I'm free
No black clouds hanging over me
I think I like this view
Without you
The Waifs's song "Without You" is a powerful anthem about breaking free from a restrictive relationship and rediscovering one's independence. The lyrics are direct and empowering, as the singer revels in the newfound sense of freedom and autonomy that comes with stepping away from a controlling partner. With lines like "I don't have to justify what I have done" and "I don't have to answer to anyone," the singer communicates a sense of defiance and liberation that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a relationship.
The song also has a strong physicality to it, with the singer describing how they are putting their "body on the line" and taking a step out of their mind. This sense of movement and embodiment is reflected in the energetic music, which features driving percussion and soaring vocals. The chorus is particularly powerful, with the repeated refrain of "Without you" serving as a declaration of newfound independence and self-reliance.
Overall, "Without You" is a powerful and uplifting song about the transformative power of breaking free from a restrictive relationship and rediscovering one's autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been looking out for number one
I have been prioritizing myself and my own needs first.
I've been stepping out with my friends
I have been spending time with my friends and enjoying their company.
I don't have to justify what I have done
I do not need to explain or defend my actions to anyone.
I don't have to answer to anyone
I do not need to explain or justify my decisions to anyone else.
I put my body on the line
I am taking risks and putting myself in vulnerable situations.
Take a step out of my mind
I am freeing myself from my own doubts and concerns.
Life takes on a different veiw
My perspective on life has changed.
Without you
Since I have cut ties with you or ended our relationship.
I feel energized like I was young
I feel revitalized and youthful.
I have not felt this way since we began
I have not felt this alive and free since the beginning of our relationship.
I re-evaluate my future plan
I am reconsidering my future goals and plans.
Time to free myself from your command
It is time for me to break free from your control or influence.
There's no need to compromise
I do not need to make compromises or sacrifices for anyone else.
I'll do what ever I decide
I will make my own decisions and choices.
No one else to spoil the view
There is no one else to detract from or ruin my experience or perspective.
I don't care if I ever touch the sun
I am not concerned with achieving grandiose or impossible goals.
I don't care if the whole thing comes undone
I am not worried about things falling apart or not going according to plan.
Everyday to me is a surprise
I am embracing new and unexpected experiences.
I don't care if it leads to my demise
I am not afraid of the consequences, even if they are negative.
No restrictions now I'm free
I am unconstrained and unrestricted.
No black clouds hanging over me
I am no longer weighed down by negative thoughts or feelings.
I think I like this view
Overall, I am enjoying my new perspective and life without you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Peter William Ham, Thomas Evans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind