They began as studio engineers at Mickie Most's RAK recording studio in London, engineering music for British groups like the Pet Shop Boys, Young Disciples, and Robert Plant. In 1997 they were asked by a college friend, Nigel Godrich (who was busy producing 'OK Computer'), to remix Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls". They called the mix "the Zero 7 Mix" which stuck.
Distractions
Zero 7 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some kids and a horse
I can not quite, but nearly
Guarantee, a divorce
I think that I love you
I think that I do
So go on mister, make Miss me Mrs you.
I only make jokes to distract myself
From the truth, from the truth.
Fancy a fast car
A bag full of loot
I can nearly guarantee
You'll end up with the boot
I love you, I love you, I love you , I do
I only make jokes to distract myself
From the truth, from the truth.
I love you, I love you, I love you , I do
I only make jokes to distract myself
From the truth, from the truth.
The lyrics of Zero 7's "Distractions" can be seen as a commentary on the fleeting nature of material possessions, as well as the difficulty of maintaining a relationship amidst the distractions of everyday life. The opening lines suggest a desire for a luxurious lifestyle, with a big house, kids, and a horse. However, the singer admits that this lifestyle is unlikely to lead to a happy marriage, as divorce seems all but guaranteed. These lines set the stage for the rest of the song, which explores the idea that material goods and superficial pleasures can distract us from what is truly important in life.
The chorus, which repeats the line "I love you, I love you, I love you, I do" several times, suggests that the singer is trying to convince himself (or perhaps someone else) that his feelings are genuine. However, he also acknowledges that he uses humor as a defense mechanism to avoid confronting "the truth" about his relationship. The second verse introduces the idea of a fast car and a bag full of loot, which the singer again suggests will ultimately lead to disappointment (represented by "the boot").
Overall, "Distractions" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting caught up in materialism and failing to prioritize relationships and emotional connections. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's desire for love and connection, even as he recognizes how difficult it can be to achieve.
Line by Line Meaning
Fancy a big house
Desire for a lavish lifestyle
Some kids and a horse
Idealistic family goals
I can not quite, but nearly
Uncertainty and doubt
Guarantee, a divorce
Acknowledgement of the likelihood of a marriage failing
I think that I love you
Questioning one's own feelings
I think that I do
Uncertainty about love
So go on mister, make Miss me Mrs you.
Invitation to marry despite doubts
I only make jokes to distract myself
Using humor to avoid confronting reality
From the truth, from the truth.
Avoiding the harsh reality of the situation
Fancy a fast car
Desire for material possessions
A bag full of loot
Dreams of wealth and success
You'll end up with the boot
Fear of losing what you have gained
I love you, I love you, I love you , I do
Reaffirmation of love despite the doubts
I only make jokes to distract myself
Continued use of humor as a coping mechanism
From the truth, from the truth.
Still avoiding reality despite the pain it causes
I love you, I love you, I love you , I do
Repeating the sentiment to try and make it true
I only make jokes to distract myself
Admitting the use of humor as avoidance
From the truth, from the truth.
The repeated refrain underscores the ongoing struggle to avoid facing reality
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOROTHY ALLISON, HENRY BINS, TIM BUCKLEY, SIA KATE FURLER, SAM HARDAKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Paulxo
This song has to be the best 'unknown' song ever. No one I know has ever heard of the GROUP never mind this song. I've heard it too many times... far too many. Beautiful
@catitamarisa
❤
@lelu0691
Sia
@robotak
Totally underrated band, Zero 7... some great tracks, especially the ones with Sia 🤟
@deedeeroberts1378
April 2020 ... still hits a nerve for me …. love it
@gaiasmoon
Sure does. Doesn't it?💗
@CedroEscarlate
2021 here
@CedroEscarlate
No Touchy what
@wendys_Note
2023♍
@CurvyAries
Sia has one of the most magical, mesmerizing female voices I've ever heard. I think of warm honey when she sings.