Van She formed when Nick Routledge [vocals, guitar], Matt Van Schie [bass], Michael Di Francesco [synths] and Tomek Archer [drums] all responded to an ad in Sydney’s Drum Media and arrived at an audition for a vocalist for a doom metal band with influences including Sepultura, Entombed, Black Skull and Phil Collins to find the whole thing was a sham. You could call it the result of Satan at work, or you could call it fate.
Since the chance meeting Van She have been playing out and about around Sydney, headlining their own shows and supporting the likes of The Presets and Wolf & Cub.
They’ve also been in the studio, the fruits of which we now see in the shape of a 6 track, self titled EP. Opener Mission acts as a gloomy but punchy entry point into the Van She world, while Kelly is like the epic, lovelorn cousin to The Presets’ Girl And The Sea. Sex City throbs and blips like a restless adolescent, and Survive is the greatest post post punk tune to make use of slap bass. Kelly Reprise blisses out for just a few seconds before Here With You brings us to a beautifully textured, melancholic close.
A Sharp Knife
Van She Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
it wont be to long if you hold it back
and ohhhh so you had a hard time
it was there for us to share
no one said its fair
its alright, its a sign
with 2 before 7 and 9
its alright, its a sign
ohhhh livin in a half life
come and go as they all know
it was just a show
and ohhh runnin to the start line
and don't you start when you get there
no one said its fair
You and me(x6)
(ohhhh so you had a hard time)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knive)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(ohhhh so you had a hard time)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knive)
Always be there
ohhhh slippin us the sweet smile
and talk outloud and don't pretend
you are everything
and ohhhh so you thought we couldn't tell
that one is clear that two is near
maybe soon you'll be
You and me(x6)
(ohhhh so you had a hard time)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knive)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(ohhhh so you had a hard time)
Always be there
You and me(x6)
(Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knive)
Always be there
The song "A Sharp Knife" by Van She is a poignant depiction of the struggle with hardships and the underlying perseverance that keeps people going through it all. The song opens with the chorus, where the singer expresses waiting for a sharp knife and how it won't be too long if one holds it back. This can be interpreted in various ways, but it could be referring to how pain and suffering can feel like a sharp knife, and how it's best to hold back and not give in to it. The next verse talks about how life can be half-lived and just a show, deeper meanings that can be thought about as a person goes through life's twists and turns. The interlude where the lyrics repeat, "You and me, always be there," serves as a reminder that there's strength in numbers and that someone is there to support you through the tough times. The song concludes with the hopeful line, "maybe soon you'll be," which suggests that despite the hardships, better times are coming, and to hold on until then.
Line by Line Meaning
Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knife
Anticipating change, looking forward to making a decisive decision or taking action
it wont be to long if you hold it back
Change or action is inevitable, but it can be delayed through inaction
and ohhhh so you had a hard time
Acknowledging past struggles or hardships
it was there for us to share
People are often intertwined in each other's hardships, even if they seem to be personal problems
no one said its fair
Life is not always fair, and problems and hardships can impact everyone
with 2 before 7 and 9
Referring to the clock showing 6:29 or 9:29 as a symbol/sign of hope or positivity
its alright, its a sign
Finding comfort and reassurance in positive signs or symbols
ohhhh livin in a half life
Feeling unfulfilled or like something is missing
come and go as they all know
People can come and go from one's life, but the feeling of being unfulfilled can remain
it was just a show
Life can feel like a performance or facade, masking deeper emotions or issues
and ohhh runnin to the start line
Starting fresh or anew, with hope for positive change
and don't you start when you get there
Changing oneself cannot be delayed or done only when the time is right, it requires action in the present
no one said its fair
Reiterating that life is not always fair, but change and improvement are always possible
You and me(x6)
Highlighting the importance of interpersonal relationships and support
(ohhhh so you had a hard time)
Repeating acknowledgement of past struggles, but with emphasis on support from others
Always be there
Assurance of support, even through difficult times
ohhhh slippin us the sweet smile
Referencing insincere or false happiness, and people pretending to be happy when they are not
and talk outloud and don't pretend
Encouragement to be honest and genuine in communication, and not put on a false front
you are everything
Reiterating the importance of not putting on a false facade or trying to be someone you are not
and ohhhh so you thought we couldn't tell
People can often see through insincerity or false pretenses
that one is clear that two is near
Referencing the two on the clock (6:29 or 9:29), as a sign of approaching positivity and hope
maybe soon you'll be
Hopeful sentiment that positive change is approaching
(Ohhhh waitin on a sharp knife)
Reiterating anticipation and hope for change or action
Always be there
Assurance of support, even through difficult times
Contributed by Mason J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.