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/
One (Blake
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
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That's the way that we relax
English Breakfast tastes like Darjeeling
But she's too cute to even ask
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Nastiness will cause your doom
Turn and walk back to your room
The precedent's already set now
You spend a week in Old San Juan
Spanish brownstone with chairs of leather
And Spanish waves to roll along
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Majesty's not overheard
Cryptographs can't stand the word
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake's got a new face
Oh, your collegiate grief has left you dowdy in sweatshirts
Absolute horror
The lyrics of Vampire Weekend's song "One (Blake)" touch upon various themes such as leisure, cultural experiences, individual identity, and societal judgment.
The opening lines "Occident out on the weekend, That's the way that we relax" highlight Westerners' tendency to engage in recreational activities during weekends. The lyrics suggest that this is a common way for people to unwind and take a break from their daily routine.
The line "English Breakfast tastes like Darjeeling, But she's too cute to even ask" refers to a person's interest in someone who is attractive but may be too shy to ask them out. The comparison of the English Breakfast tea to Darjeeling tea highlights the desire for something different and exciting.
The repeated phrase "Blake's got a new face" suggests that the person referred to as Blake has undergone some significant personal change or transformation. This could symbolize a new identity or a fresh start for Blake.
The lines "Nastiness will cause your doom, Turn and walk back to your room" could be interpreted as a warning against negative behaviors or actions. It suggests that being unpleasant or malicious can have negative consequences and that it is best to avoid engaging in them.
The mention of "Old San Juan" and a "Spanish brownstone with chairs of leather" signifies a cultural experience or adventure in a foreign place. It portrays the idea of exploring different environments and embracing new cultures.
The lyrics "Majesty's not overheard, Cryptographs can't stand the word" suggest that there may be hidden meanings or messages that are not readily understood or appreciated by mainstream society. It could imply a sense of exclusivity or sophistication associated with certain knowledge or conversations.
In the closing lines, the lyrics mention "collegiate grief" that has made someone look "dowdy in sweatshirts." This could indicate a sense of despair or melancholy experienced by someone in an educational setting. It suggests that the pressures and challenges of academia have affected their appearance or demeanor.
Overall, the lyrics of "One (Blake)" explore themes of leisure, personal transformation, cultural exploration, societal judgment, and the impact of academic life. The song encourages listeners to embrace new experiences, avoid negativity, and consider the hidden depths and complexities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Occident out on the weekend
In the Western world, people often spend their weekends leisurely
That's the way that we relax
This is the customary way we unwind and take a break
English Breakfast tastes like Darjeeling
The flavor of English Breakfast tea resembles that of Darjeeling tea
But she's too cute to even ask
She is adorable, so I hesitate to inquire about her preferences
Blake's got a new face (Blake's got a new face)
Blake has undergone a significant transformation
Nastiness will cause your doom
Being unpleasant will lead to an unfortunate outcome
Turn and walk back to your room
Retreat and go back to where you came from
The precedent's already set now
The standard or example has already been established
You spend a week in Old San Juan
You enjoy a seven-day period in Old San Juan
Spanish brownstone with chairs of leather
A Spanish-style townhouse furnished with leather chairs
And Spanish waves to roll along
As you relax, the gentle waves of the Spanish coast keep moving
Majesty's not overheard
The grandeur or majesty is not perceived or acknowledged
Cryptographs can't stand the word
Encoded messages or secret writings are unable to endure the spoken word
Oh, your collegiate grief has left you dowdy in sweatshirts
The sorrow and stress of your university life have made you appear frumpy in your casual clothes
Absolute horror
A feeling of intense terror or a situation of utmost dread
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Christopher William Tomson, Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij, Slinger Francisco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind