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.
Untitled
UNKLE Lyrics
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All my weaknesses are showing
I hope it's something to hold on to
I'm on to you
I keep on writing down
These words you never knew about
I hope it's something you'll hold on to
You try it again
Just as soon as you think you figured it all out
She turns to you and says
"You say that I'm a fool cause I just keep on hanging on
But I promise to you, you don't know what you've got until it's gone"
This story keeps on growing
I have waited, now it's showing
I hope it's something to hold on to
I'm on to you
I keep on writing down
These words that you just heard about
I hope it's something you'll hold on to
Just as soon as you think you figured it all out
You try it again
Just as soon as you think you figured it all out
She turns to you and says
"You say that I'm a fool cause I just keep on hanging on
But I promise to you, you don't know what you've got until it's gone"
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(This story keeps on growing, I have waited, now it's showing)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I hope it's something to hold on to, I'm on to you)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I keep on writing down, these words that you just heard about)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I hope it's something to hold on to)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(This story keeps on growing, I have waited, now it's showing)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I hope it's something to hold on to, I'm on to you)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I keep on writing down, these words that you just heard about)
Bend me baby
Come on baby break me
(I hope it's something to hold on to)
The lyrics to UNKLE's song [untitled] seem to be about holding onto something or someone that you believe is valuable but may be slipping away from you. The song talks about weaknesses being exposed and the hope that there is something worth holding onto. The repetition of "I'm on to you" suggests that there may be some suspicion or mistrust involved in the relationship.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that just when you think you have everything figured out, something changes and you have to start all over again. The woman in the song is being accused of foolishly holding on, but she counters with the idea that you don't really know what you had until it's gone. The idea of being bent and broken, repeated throughout the song, may suggest a desire to submit to someone else, even if it means being hurt in the process.
Overall, the lyrics in [untitled] seem to be about a relationship that is complicated and possibly painful, but that the singer is still holding onto because they believe it is worth it in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
This story keeps on growing
The situation keeps developing and evolving, becoming more complex with each passing moment.
All my weaknesses are showing
My flaws and vulnerabilities are becoming increasingly apparent and obvious.
I hope it's something to hold on to
I hope this situation or relationship is worth investing in and won't crumble under the weight of its difficulties.
I'm on to you
I am becoming more aware of your true intentions and behavior.
I keep on writing down
I continue to document my thoughts and feelings on this matter, perhaps as a form of catharsis or as a way to remember.
These words you never knew about
These are thoughts and emotions that I have kept hidden from you, and perhaps from myself as well.
Just as soon as you think you figured it all out
Just when you believe you have a clear understanding of the situation or person, something changes and throws everything into question.
She turns to you and says
The person being addressed speaks up and offers their perspective on the situation.
"You say that I'm a fool cause I just keep on hanging on
The person being addressed acknowledges that others may see them as foolish for staying in a difficult situation or relationship.
But I promise to you, you don't know what you've got until it's gone"
The person being addressed believes that one may only truly understand the value of something once it has been lost or taken away.
I have waited, now it's showing
I have been patient and observant, and now the true nature of the situation is becoming clear.
Bend me baby
The artist is metaphorically asking for something to happen, either a change in the situation or their own perspective.
Come on baby break me
The singer is willing to endure pain, discomfort, or difficulty if it means resolving the situation or gaining clarity.
I hope it's something to hold on to
The singer remains cautiously optimistic that this situation is ultimately worth the effort and emotional investment required.
I keep on writing down
The singer continues to document their thoughts and feelings, perhaps as a way of coping with the situation or gaining understanding.
These words that you just heard about
The artist is alluding to the fact that they have likely communicated these same sentiments to the person being addressed previously.
Writer(s): JOSH PAUL DAVIS
Contributed by Elizabeth Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.