Group Four

Album: Mezzanine (1998)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The song features the voice of Elizabeth Fraser of Scottish dreampop group The Cocteau Twins. Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja and co-producer Neil Davidge spliced two separate Fraser vocal performances into this eight-minute paranoia-fest.
  • Del Naja explained the song's meaning to Q magazine: "It's about a security guard who decides that in order to have complete control of his life he f--ks off his friends and family and just lives around his shifts. Totally regimented, no compromises."
  • Group 4 Securicor (now called G4S PLC) is the world's largest security company, and with over 630,000 employees, the world's second-largest private sector employer (after Walmart Stores).

Comments: 1

  • Alan S from ChristchurchMy favourite mezzanine track
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.