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 Stronger
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every child may joy to you
What's wrong?
Nothing but the real
It is you that needed something stronger
I need something stronger...
What's wrong...
What's wrong?
Nothing...
What's wrong...?
What's wrong...?
(What's wrong?)
Wha, wha, wha, wha, wha.....
Can you feel this?
What is that buzzing?
Are you now, or have you ever, moved slowly?
I need something stronger
?????
???????
(What's wrong...?)
(What's wrong...?)
What's wrong?
It's just a matter by you looking it, that's all...
The song "I Need Something Stronger" by UNKLE is a song that touches on addiction and the search for something stronger to provide a feeling of escape or release. The opening lines of the song reference the writing of happy songs, suggesting that the performer has tried to find joy through their music, but is ultimately left wanting something more. The lines "Every child may joy to you, what's wrong?" could be interpreted as a reflection on the idea that something that once brought joy, no longer has any effect on the artist. The repeated question "What's wrong?" could be seen as a plea for help, or an acknowledgment that the artist is seeking something they do not have.
The line "It is you that needed something stronger" suggests that the search for something stronger is a common theme among people who struggle with addiction. The repetition of the phrase "I need something stronger" throughout the song reinforces this concept. The lines "If you have a problem don't hesitate to ask for assistance" could be interpreted as a plea for help, with the artist acknowledging the need for others to step in when someone is struggling.
Overall, the lyrics to "I Need Something Stronger" by UNKLE are a reflection on addiction and the search for something more to provide a feeling of escape or release. The repeated questions throughout the song suggest a search for help or acknowledgment of something that is missing.
Line by Line Meaning
And I wrote my happiest songs
I have written songs about the joyous moments in life
Every child may joy to you
Children bring joy to your life
What's wrong?
Is something bothering you?
Nothing but the real
Only the truth
It is you that needed something stronger
You are the one who needs something more powerful
I need something stronger...
I require a more forceful solution
If you have a problem don't hesitate to ask for assistance
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you encounter a problem
(What's wrong?)
(Is there something you're troubled by?)
Can you feel this?
Do you sense this?
What is that buzzing?
What's causing that sound?
Are you now, or have you ever, moved slowly?
Have you ever felt stuck or stagnant in life?
What's wrong...?
What could be bothering you?
(What's wrong?)
(Something seems troubling you...)
What's wrong?
Can you tell me what's weighing on your mind?
It's just a matter by you looking it, that's all...
Perhaps it's just a matter of you changing your perspective to see the issue differently.
I need something stronger
I require a more powerful solution
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JARVIS BRANSON COCKER, BRIAN ENO, RICHARD FILE, ANTONY GENN, JAMES LAVELLE, JARVIS COCKER, JOHN FIDDY, RICHARD LEIGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind