Yard Act: "We Make Hits" – A Sarcastic Yet Upbeat Anthem
Yard Act is back with their signature wit and social commentary in their latest single, "We Make Hits." This track delves into both the absurdity and the real heart of the creative process, all set to a funky, upbeat rhythm.
The Music: Infectious and Ironic
From the opening bassline, "We Make Hits" sets a sarcastic tone. James Smith's lyrics poke fun at the music industry ("riding on the coattails of the dead") all while delivering a catchy, driving rhythm. This contrast between the cynical words and the almost cheerful sound reflects the song's deeper message.
The Message: Friendship, Fame, and Compromise
"We Make Hits" is more than just clever satire. At its core, the song explores the enduring friendship at the heart of Yard Act. Despite their rising fame, Smith reflects on how their creative process remains grounded in a simple setting. Yet, the song also hints at the compromises artists might have to make in a fame-obsessed world ("the trappings of late capitalism").
My Take: Poetic, Witty, and Thought-Provoking
I love the raw, poetic quality of the lyrics. Lines about "subletting and being illegal" paint a relatable picture of struggling artists, while the catchy chorus makes the social critique even more memorable. This blend of humor, insightful commentary, and an infectious beat makes "We Make Hits" a winner.
If you enjoy witty social commentary, appreciate the quirkiness of post-punk, and crave music that makes you both dance and think, Yard Act's "We Make Hits" delivers.
Yard Act We Make Hits Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1: The Humble Beginnings
The song starts with a confession: letting a friend sublet illegally. This hints at the struggle to survive as independent artists and sets a slightly rebellious tone.
Verse 2: Riding on Others' Success
James Smith gets critical. He argues that many similar bands profit from established genres ("coattails of the dead") rather than truly bringing originality.
But, he also subtly admits Yard Act benefits from this existing framework ("subliminal exposure"). It's a self-aware dig at the industry.
Interlude: The Dream
There's a flashback to a simpler time – aspiring to make a difference and have fun. Despite being "broke," there's a refreshing honesty about wanting to succeed.
Chorus: "We Make Hits"
This is a statement of both determination and self-deprecation. "We Make Hits" isn't about being mainstream chart-toppers, but dedication to creating and getting paid for their craft.
"Fan fiction caught in the act..." implies criticism is expected and brushed off.
Verse 3: Success and Staying True
They got signed to a major label subsidiary - a step that many independent artists see as compromising values.
The water rising symbolizes that the game's rigged. There's a grim acceptance of struggle in the music business ("we're all gonna sink").
Pre-Chorus & Chorus: Finding Joy Despite It All
There's a desire to have fun before the inevitable sink. It underscores their defiance and resilience.
The chorus repetition reinforces they're proud of their hustle, flaws and all.
Outro: The Anti-Capitalist Twist
Even with success, Smith retains his anti-capitalist stance. But he also acknowledges the complexities of needing to survive within that system.
"Break down the walls" might mean trying to disrupt the industry from within. The use of "ironic" if it's not a hit is a final, sarcastic jab.
We Make Hits Meaning
"We Make Hits" is about the tension between ambition and idealism. It explores the compromises artists make in a success-driven music industry while holding onto a shred of punk spirit. The song is sarcastic, self-aware, and subtly criticizes the system while acknowledging the importance of getting by within it.
Yard Act We Make Hits Lyrics
[Intro]
(Watch me now)
[Verse 1]
I let my friend live upstairs in the spare room for a minute
He needed space and he paid, never relayed to our letting agent that we did it
(That's illegal)
I sublet, yeah, I admit it, document on tape
The greatest crime this nation's saving grace devised and then committed
[Verse 2]
I just wanna make a point that the culture would've died
And post-punk's latest poster boys wouldn't have got to ride
On the coattails of thе dead and claim that their derision
Is a vеhicle for their vision of subverting it instead
Now subliminal exposure is exploding in your head
'Cause you know that we were goading ya
[Interlude]
Yeah, one night up in the attic listening to Grammatics
Drinking cans and shooting the shit
We reeled off all of our hopes and dreams and made a list
And there was one singular ambition we had
That most musicians of our ilk aren't willing to admit
And it was to this mantra we would commit
[Chorus]
We make hits
Two broke millennial men
And we'd do it again
Every night on the back of the bus
You know it ain't no fuss
We're on the same wage
And we ain't afraid to get paid on stage
Fan fiction caught in the act is a fact
If you get your back backed up at that
[Post-Chorus]
You won't be missed (Watch me now)
Now we make hits
(But not hits like Nile Rodgers)
(Just that we ain't hook dodgers)
We make hits, we make hits
[Verse 3]
Right, so when we were done kissing
We finally formed this band
And we signed to a subsidiary of Universal, Inc.
'Cause the water keeps on rising
And we know there's no surprising
Anyone with eyes and ears 'round here
That we're all gonna sink
[Pre-Chorus]
And we just wanna have some fun before we're sunk
And if that's the attitude you exude, then you know you're really—
[Chorus]
We make hits
Two broke millennial men
And we'd do it again
Every night on the back of the bus
You know it ain't no fuss
We're on the same wage
And we ain't afraid to get paid on stage
Fan fiction caught in the act is a fact
If you get your back backed up at that
[Post-Chorus]
You won't be missed (Watch me now)
Now we make hits
(But not hits like Nile Rodgers)
(Just that we ain't hook dodgers)
We make hits, we make hits
[Outro]
I'm still an anti-C-A-P-I-T-A-L-I-S-T
It just so happens that there's other things I happen to be
So I'm gonna keep flinging shit until enough of it sticks
Break down the walls
And if it's not a hit, we were being ironic
Yeah
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