From the sleeve notes for the latest release End Titles...Stories For Film released in July 2008, the current line-up is stated as James Lavelle and Pablo Clements, also a member of the Psychonauts.
The original line-up was James Lavelle, Tim Goldsworthy (now a member of DFA) and Kudo (Major Force West, Skylab). This incarnation released several EPs and singles, usually involving collaborations with other Mo'Wax affiliated artists.
In 1998, after the departure of Goldsworthy and Kudo, Lavelle enlisted US producer DJ Shadow to help complete UNKLE's debut album, "Psyence Fiction". On this album they collaborated with a variety of guest artists including Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Mike D (Beastie Boys), Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft (The Verve). The album contained songs which merged indie-rock with hip hop.
In 2003 UNKLE released "Never, Never, Land". At this time UNKLE consisted of Lavelle and new collaborator Richard File, and the album also featured Ian Brown (The Stone Roses), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) and others.
A third album entitled "War Stories" was released in July 2007. It features collaborations with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Autolux, Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, and Gavin Clark, and is far more strongly rock-influenced than previous releases. The album was preceded by an EP, Nights Temper, of which a limited pressing was released in May 2007.
Lavelle has also released several mix albums and remixes under his own name and under the name UNKLEsounds (together with Richard File).
UNKLE is known for remixing music from artists such as Explosions in the Sky, Massive Attack, and Oasis.
I Need Something Strong
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"What's wrong?" "Nothing, really. I just, you know, I need something stronger."
"I need something stronger."
"If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance."
"What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" "Nothing. Really."
"What's wrong?"
"Can you feel this? What is that? Are you now, or have you ever? Hold slowly."
"Take four red capsules. In ten minutes take two more. Help is on the way."
"What's wrong?"
"It's just a matter of how you look at it, that's all."
The lyrics to UNKLE's song I Need Something Strong evoke a sense of vulnerability and desperation. The line "And I wrote my happy songs, every child may joy to hear" suggests that the singer is perhaps a musician or artist who is expected to produce feel-good content for their fans. However, the repeated line "I need something stronger" suggests that they themselves are struggling to maintain a sense of positivity.
Throughout the song, there are interjections of "What's wrong?" and responses of "Nothing, really." These lines may indicate that the singer is putting on a brave face or trying to hide their pain from others. The line "If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance" suggests that there is help available, but the singer may not be willing or able to reach out for it.
The repeated refrain of "I need something stronger" and the instructions to "take four red capsules" suggest a reliance on substances to cope with emotional turmoil. The line "It's just a matter of how you look at it, that's all" highlights the theme of perception throughout the song - the way we interpret and approach our problems can greatly affect how we cope with them.
Overall, the lyrics to I Need Something Strong depict a struggle with mental health and the pursuit of relief through various methods, both healthy and unhealthy.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wrote my happy songs, every child may joy to hear.
I used to write happy songs that would bring joy to children.
"What's wrong?" "Nothing, really. I just, you know, I need something stronger."
Someone asked me what was wrong and I simply replied that I need something stronger, despite there being nothing particularly wrong in that moment.
I need something stronger.
I need something to make me feel better or to cope with the situation at hand.
"If you have a problem, don't hesitate to ask for assistance."
If you are struggling with something, it's important to ask for help when you need it.
"What's wrong?"
Someone is asking me what's bothering me or what's going on in my head.
"What's wrong?" "Nothing. Really."
I am being asked what's up but am hesitant in sharing, responding with the phrase 'nothing really' which may or may not be truthful.
"What's wrong?"
Someone is again checking on me to see if I'm okay or if something is on my mind.
"Can you feel this? What is that? Are you now, or have you ever? Hold slowly."
I am experiencing an odd sensation and am being asked if I am feeling it or have ever felt something similar, to take my time and try to identify what's happening and to hold steady.
I need something stronger.
I need something more potent or powerful to address what I'm feeling or dealing with.
"Take four red capsules. In ten minutes take two more. Help is on the way."
I am being advised to take a specific type of medication, with instructions on dosage and timing, and am given assurance that assistance is coming my way.
"What's wrong?"
I am being asked once more a broad and universal question as to whether anything is wrong or if I am okay.
"It's just a matter of how you look at it, that's all."
The way we view the world and interpret events can significantly impact our mood, our emotional state, and how we cope with adversity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANTONY GENN, BRIAN ENO, JAMES LAVELLE, JARVIS BRANSON COCKER, RICHARD FILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AstonishingSodApe
Am I the only one who thinks this is the best song off the album?
@HenriBriones
You are not alone...
@YuriusSan
Naah. I listened to this on repeat for like 10 hours straight on my discman.
@mishamozhetbyt9234
and inside!
@AstonishingSodApe
#mishamozhetbyt' ?
@gearoidwalsh8606
No, it's one of my favourite tracks of all time.
@Rab813
This never ceases to amaze me.
Visuals 10/10
Sound 10/10
My height when first hearing this song on Limewire 5’7”/ 5’9”
@chrisunkle77
One of the best ! UNKLE from 2000 to 2005 was ther best times i think but love everything they have done !
@mariannaliggieri5269
Strongly agree! This sound and visual is dope🔥
@ImaShellha
im so stoned and i dont remember how i found this shit but i like it and now...i dont need somthing stronger ill stay with this track