Ready to form another band after a five-year hiatus from music, Hailey went to see Grey perform with Mellowdrone. "I had been waiting to meet someone who had her talent and drive," Hailey says. "After hanging out a couple of times, it was obvious we were a great match." For her part, Grey says she was ready to leave behind session work and focus on a creative collaboration. "I've wanted to write and produce my own music, but was too busy touring as a background performer."
The result of their efforts was the EP I See Red, which was recorded over several months in a bedroom at Grey's Los Angeles home. ("Vocals were done in the bathroom," Hailey says, "it was very sexy.") Produced by Grey and mixed by Al Clay (who has worked with the Pixies, Frank Black, and Blur), I See Red, with its laser-sharp melodies, ethereal harmonies, lush string arrangements, and muscular drums, is a great introduction to the duo.
Less than a year after the release of I See Red, Uh Huh Her will unveil their full-length debut, the accessibly melodic Common Reaction, on August 19th. Produced by Al Clay … it was recorded in January at Clay’s L.A. studio, a world away from Grey’s bathroom …. The effort is an extension of the band’s previous musical foundation, as evidenced by focused tracks like "Not a Love Song," "Wait Another Day" and "Explode."
"We wrote a lot of it before we went in the studio, but we wound up re-cutting everything," Grey says of the 11-track album. "We wanted to make a commercially appealing record. The songs aren't specifically poppy but appeal to a wide variety of people."
"Sometimes the song just calls for it and you can't fight the pop," Hailey laughs. "I like that it's eclectic and not just one thing. That bores me in a record. We never wanted this band to be small."
Common Reaction is now available.
Mystery Lights
Uh Huh Her Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No destination, just a slave to this prefect
They turn their back on you
And if everyone would just join hands,
I'll tell you something you would not believe
I see the signs, seen the writings on the wall
And baby I'm scared
But what they don't know will kill them
Turn around please
Come down, systems, collide
Say are you alone?
Hide here, tonight
Starry skies shine the light
Go back, run fast
You've come too late, there's nothing left
Can you, hear me, go fast
Send out a warning
No one will answer, we try to obey
So will you lead us in the right direction
We could be saved by you
We've been misguided by a shady plan
It's the demise of the modern man, see
Tell everybody that you've seen firsthand
And nature, she'll take her course
All good people will try and fight
But what they don't know will kill them all
Turn around please
Come down, systems, collide
Say are you alone?
Hide here, tonight
Starry skies shine the light
Go back, run fast
You've come too late, there's nothing left
Can you, hear me, go fast
Send out a warning
It's a little too late
It's a little too late
It's a little too late
Send out a warning
It's a little too late
It's a little too late
It's a little too late
Send out a warning
Come down, systems, collide
Say are you alone?
Hide here, tonight
Starry skies shine the light
Go back, run fast
You've come too late, there's nothing left
Can you, hear us, go fast
Send out a warning
The song begins with a commentary on society and how billions of people mindlessly follow a system without questioning its purpose or destination. The singer expresses fear and concern, having seen the "writings on the wall," suggesting that something terrible looms on the horizon. The lyrics are poignant, calling for an end to blind obedience and for people to join hands and stand together to fight for what is right.
As the song progresses, the singer touches on how people have been misguided by fraudulent schemes, leading to the demise of modern humanity. And yet, there is still hope. Nature may be harsh and take its course, but there is still a chance to be saved. The song ends with a plea to send out a warning - it may be too late, but it's not too late to try.
Line by Line Meaning
Billions of people, they have their reasons
There are many people in the world, each with their own motivations and beliefs.
No destination, just a slave to this prefect
People feel aimless and trapped by societal expectations and norms.
They turn their back on you
Others may not support or understand your point of view.
And if everyone would just join hands,
If everyone could work together and unite...
I'll tell you something you would not believe
...there is something incredible that could be achieved.
I see the signs, seen the writings on the wall
There are clear indications that something is wrong or dangerous.
And baby I'm scared
The singer is afraid of what may happen.
All good people will try and fight
People who are morally upright will resist injustice.
But what they don't know will kill them
However, lack of knowledge or understanding can be lethal.
Turn around please
The artist pleads for someone to change their direction or attitude.
Come down, systems, collide
The societal systems and structures are on a course to clash and crumble.
Say are you alone?
The artist questions if someone is by themselves or part of a larger group.
Hide here, tonight
Take refuge and stay hidden from danger for the evening.
Starry skies shine the light
The stars provide light in the darkness and hope in despair.
Go back, run fast
Retreat quickly as there is no time to waste.
You've come too late, there's nothing left
It's too late to prevent the inevitable aftermath.
Can you, hear me, go fast
The artist implores someone to listen and act quickly.
Send out a warning
Alert others to be aware of what is coming and stay safe.
No one will answer, we try to obey
Despite trying to follow the rules or authority, no one is responding to the crisis.
So will you lead us in the right direction
The artist appeals for someone to guide them to safety.
We could be saved by you
The person being spoken to has the potential to rescue and spare them.
We've been misguided by a shady plan
There has been a deceitful scheme or agenda that has led them astray.
It's the demise of the modern man, see
The destruction or downfall of contemporary society is apparent.
Tell everybody that you've seen firsthand
Share the firsthand knowledge and experience with others.
And nature, she'll take her course
Nature will take its natural course and restore balance eventually.
It's a little too late
The situation has passed the point of no return or salvageable outcome.
Send out a warning
The only thing left to do is alert others and do what can be done to keep them safe.
Contributed by Riley E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.