Vampire Weekend received much buzz from local blogs throughout 2007 during their rise to a record deal with indie label XL Recordings. Rolling Stone placed Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa at number 57 for the top 100 songs of 2007.
The band's debut album, "Vampire Weekend" was released on January 28. 2008. It was a surprise success, peaking at #17 on the Billboard 200.
Their second album "Contra" was released on January 12, 2010. It contains the single "Cousins". The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, only the 12th independently released and distributed album to achieve such a feat.
They are self-proclaimed "specialists in the following styles: 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa', 'Upper West Side Soweto', 'Campus', and 'Oxford Comma Riddim.'"
The name "Vampire Weekend" comes from a movie that Ezra Koenig made in the summer of his freshman year at college. You can watch the trailer on Youtube, here.
Their official site is http://www.vampireweekend.com/
Exit Music
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The drying of your tears
Today we escape, we escape
Pack.. and get dressed
Before your father hears us
Before all hell breaks loose
Don't lose your nerve
Breathe, keep breathing
I can't do this alone
Sing.. us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill, such a chill
You can laugh
A spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you choke, that you choke
The song "Exit Music" by Vampire Weekend is a deeply emotional and ambiguous song that touches on themes of young love, rebellion, and the struggle to break free from oppressive family or societal constraints. The song begins with the lines, "Wake... from your sleep / The drying of your tears / Today we escape, we escape", which could be interpreted as a call to action or a plea for liberation from a stifling environment or relationship. The urgency of these lines is reinforced by the second verse, where the singer urges his lover to "Pack... and get dressed / Before your father hears us / Before all hell breaks loose". It's clear that the couple is trying to make a quick getaway before things descend into chaos or violence.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly desperate, asking his lover to "Breathe, keep breathing / Don't lose your nerve / Breathe, keep breathing / I can't do this alone". It's possible that the couple is running from an abusive or controlling family member or authority figure, and the singer is trying to calm his partner's nerves and reassure her that they can make it through together. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "We hope that you choke, that you choke" three times, is especially poignant and haunting. It's unclear who the singer is addressing - perhaps a parent or other figure who is opposed to the couple's relationship - but the sense of frustration, anger, and even violence is palpable.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake.. from your sleep
It's time to wake up and realize the reality of the situation.
The drying of your tears
It's time to stop crying and take action.
Today we escape, we escape
Let's leave this place behind and start a new life.
Pack.. and get dressed
Pack your things quickly so we can leave before it's too late.
Before your father hears us
We must leave before your father finds out and tries to stop us.
Before all hell breaks loose
We must leave before the situation becomes too chaotic and dangerous.
Breathe, keep breathing
Stay calm and keep breathing through the stressful situation.
Don't lose your nerve
Stay strong and don't let your fear take control.
Breathe, keep breathing
Reminding to stay calm and take deep breaths to remain level-headed.
I can't do this alone
I need your help and support to get through this.
Sing.. us a song
Sing to lift our spirits and keep us motivated.
A song to keep us warm
A song to give us comfort and hope during a difficult time.
There's such a chill, such a chill
The situation is bleak and the atmosphere is cold and unwelcoming.
You can laugh
You can mock us and our plans if you want.
A spineless laugh
However, your laughter shows that you're too scared to fight for what you believe in.
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
We hope that your narrow-mindedness and rigid ways limit your future prospects.
Now we are one in everlasting peace
Now that we've left behind our past struggles, we can finally be at peace.
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you suffer the consequences of your actions and regrets.
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you are restrained from doing harm to others and yourself.
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that your own internal conflict and negative energy troubles you rather than targets us.
Contributed by Alyssa H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jobee
I cant understand the negative comments, I've loved this cover for years. It's rhythmic and trance-like and reaches a crescendo near the end, I adore it
Heath Rumble
I’m probably biased cause I heard this one before the Radiohead version. Having listened to the Radiohead one a bunch since then, I still prefer this one!
Ângelo Savioti
I got surprised by comments as well, I was expecting a little more love for this nice cover
Jason Windsor
Thank you! People seem to get oddly defensive & dismissive with covers. I just try to think if I heard this alone with no knowledge of the original, would I like it.... & I definitely would with this one.
Blake Andrews
The woodwinds are fucking epic. Also the vocal harmonies are pretty amazing. I like the original, but it's pretty different.
Stephen Gibbons
one of the greatest covers of all time.
Zubatub
Two of my favorite bands combined
rotten honney
Lololol me too :3
L Norman
Me too! I was so excited to find this XD
Rachael B
I like this version, it's good, and i love Vampire Weekend, but i'll always prefer Radiohead's original, it really does give me the chills, the way it's sung. Love it! possibly my favourite Radiohead song!