The band's 2018 debut EP attracted a growing fan-base and recognition by BBC Introducing, Richer Sound's Artist of the Week and as finalists in Radio Wigwam's Rock Act of the Year. From the gothic post-punk splendour and dark, foreboding rock of 'Nobody Knows Me Like You' , to the haunting slow-burn of 'Coraline' , Saboteurs manage somehow to transcend genres. The juxtaposition stems from the contrasting styles of songwriters Ben Ellis (vocals/guitars) and Rick Whitehead (guitars/vocals). 'We just can’t do trends. We end up chucking in elements from all manner of genres and smashing them together'.
Their debut album, 'Dance With The Hunted' was released on 4 May 2019 with reviewers finding elements as diverse as Soundgarden, Radiohead, Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, U2 and Korn:
'Fusing elements of alt-rock, grunge, post-punk, metal and folk, they create hard-hitting music that thrills and surprises....a heavy, emotionally-wrought album to be sure – there are no upbeat love songs here! But it’s a beautifully-crafted work, with deeply compelling, heartfelt lyrics, gorgeous rock melodies, and magnificent instrumentals. Every track is superb, with no filler or throwaways' (eclecticmusiclover.com)
'There’s a real smorgasbord of musical influences all overlapping in an eclectic and rich sound here. It speaks to the many with its relatable lyrics that really resonate and takes you on a real adventure with all its many musical twists and turns. There is definitely a darkness to the record, it’s sombre and hard hitting, kind of like if Radiohead and Nirvana had a baby' (theindependentvoice.org)
'...amazing guitar that just blows through you and powerful vocals' (Muzak Review)
'Blew my f...ing tits off' (Lone Frequencies)
Saboteurs are: Ben Ellis (vocals/rythym guitars); Rick Whitehead (guitars/vocals); Pete Botterill (drums); Geoff Standeven (bass); and Kirsty Marlog (backing vocals).
Wherever the white lines take us...
Break Down
saboteurs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There when they needed me but never when I needed them
Now they'll find the table's turned
Now I am my own best friend
And every time when I cried I grew colder
Like a lake of tears which has frozen over
Now they'll find the table's turned
Now I am my own best friend
But I'd break down the walls
Break down those walls
If you only wanted me to
I'd get them right where I wanted them now
If only it wasn't that I'd feel bad somehow
Now they'll find the table's turned
Now I am my own best friend
But I'd break down the walls
Break down those walls
If you only wanted me to
In the first verse of "Break Down" by Saboteurs, the singer reflects on feeling manipulated and taken advantage of by others. They acknowledge being there for these individuals whenever needed, yet not receiving the same support in return when they required it. The lyrics suggest a sense of betrayal and loneliness, as the singer realizes that they have been left to fend for themselves. Despite these hardships, the singer also expresses a newfound empowerment and self-reliance, becoming their own source of strength and support. The imagery of crying and growing colder like a frozen lake emphasizes the emotional toll of these one-sided relationships.
The chorus introduces a sense of defiance and determination as the singer declares their readiness to break down barriers and stand up for themselves. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and asserting independence in the face of adversity. The repetition of the phrase "break down those walls" reinforces the idea of breaking free from constraints and restrictions placed upon them by others. It conveys a message of resilience and the willingness to challenge oppressive forces in order to assert their sense of agency and self-worth.
In the second verse, the singer contemplates the idea of turning the tables on those who have mistreated them, expressing a desire to gain the upper hand in these unequal relationships. There is a sense of conflict between wanting retribution and feeling conflicted about causing harm to others, even if they have wronged the singer. The internal struggle between seeking justice and grappling with a sense of compassion adds complexity to the narrative of the song. The singer reaffirms their newfound sense of self-reliance and self-advocacy, recognizing their own worth and refusing to be taken advantage of any longer.
Overall, "Break Down" by Saboteurs captures the themes of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment in the face of adversity. The lyrics depict a journey of overcoming betrayal and standing up for oneself, even when faced with challenges and internal conflicts. Through introspective reflections and declarations of strength, the singer asserts their independence and autonomy, refusing to be controlled or manipulated by others. The song conveys a message of inner fortitude and the importance of self-empowerment in navigating complex relationships and advocating for one's own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
They had me right where they wanted me then
They had control over me, manipulating me to their advantage
There when they needed me but never when I needed them
They only cared about me when it served their purpose, never reciprocating when I needed support
Now they'll find the table's turned
The power dynamics have shifted, I am no longer under their influence
Now I am my own best friend
I have learned to rely on myself and prioritize my own well-being
And every time when I cried I grew colder
Each time I expressed vulnerability, I became more detached and guarded
Like a lake of tears which has frozen over
My emotions have been suppressed and numbed, like a frozen body of water
But I'd break down the walls
I am willing to break down the emotional barriers that have separated me from others
Break down those walls
Tear down the defenses I have built to protect myself and connect with others
If you only wanted me to
I am willing to break down my barriers if you genuinely desire to build a connection with me
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Ben Ellis, Rick Whitehead
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rock4everR4
Always tight sound🤘😺
@SaboteursMusic
Thank you so much, really appreciate it 🦡❤️🤘
@TheAmateursOriginalMusic
Great tune and yes the drummer is on fire!🤘🤘🔥🔥🔥awesome✌🏻✌🏻
@SaboteursMusic
Thank you so much 🦡❤️🤘
@dybomusic4207
This is again a great song! I like the drums very much! 🤟😎🎸
@SaboteursMusic
Thank you so much, yeah I love the drums on this too. Hamish put little flourishes in his playing that really adds to the rhythm 🦡❤️🤘
@francisdimarzio
Awesome song! 🤘🤘🤘
@SaboteursMusic
Thank you so much 🦡🤘❤️
@francisdimarzio
@@SaboteursMusic my pleasure! You guys Rock! 🤘🤘🤘😎
@folkenbluzer
Awesome awesome track you guys 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍!