In this edition of BackStory, The Joy Formidable shares the lyrics to their song “Austere,” along with the story behind it…

A melting pot of different references and ideas line this song marking the beginning of Ritzy and Rhydian’s writing relationship. It’s tonally at odds, sometimes playful and tenacious but also contemplative and melancholic. Thinking about isolation, snobbery and first impressions in a new relationship.

Austere

See the medal reverse

This hope is not lost

There’s mischief to turn

Your ship to send off

Barbed wits and gowns

They’ll ransack this town

I’d rescue you now

But in velvet you’ll drown and dance again

 

Oh Austere

Lay by my side

You’ve been left here

But you’ll make no sound

Hey last word

Don’t let me down

It’s just another

unfinished story now