2. Misbehaving (The Misfit Version)

Misbehaving (The Misfit Version)

In the second track of this album, we’re pulled into the repetition of an introduction.  Right before the lyrics come in, the track has a UFO sounding entrance followed by a metallic reverb. As if on a skipping record, we hear “ladies and gentlemen” cut off harshly at “gentle.” Labrinth keeps us on our toes so we can never settle on one central tone or genre for this piece; it’s constantly pushing the limits into obscure and alternative. He then pushes us headfirst into a heavily snare-driven beat. He uses sharp drum hits and electric “pang” effects to entrance us in this track.

The arrangement of this track gives us a perception of a free-spirited high energy. The beat, though consistent, feels disjointed but not overwhelmingly so, complimenting the energy. It bounces back and forth making it impossible to stay completely still. Now you’re aware of it, but you’ll still nod your head along with the strong beat. After being bounced around, we finally make it to a calm refuge towards the middle-end of the song. The disjointedness dies out for a few moments before coming back to the familiar choppy, electronic tune with vocals edited to a higher octave. Right before the mellow verse, a short guitar solo adds a sort of electro-rock sound. The sharp drum and electric pangs are carried throughout the song, adding to the consistency, balancing out the choppy vocals. Besides the electronic effects, horns also come in through the track’s back door and fill the space behind vocals. It’s only the second track and there may already be a brass theme… Labrinth really filled this song chock-full of genres and effects.

In terms of lyrics, there are some that stick out to me, and some honorable mentions. To start, “I like potassium with my H2O” makes little sense without context. Right before this line comes the phrase: “They say there’s chaos where there ain’t control” which, in my non-science geared understanding, could be using “control” as a reference point for potassium and H2O; something some of us may remember from chemistry class. Another notable line, “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you’ve all been waiting for.” This one leads into a super mellow tune I previously called a calm refuge. Yes, we have been waiting for the moment when that line is completed. We’ve been waiting since the beginning of the song. After many verses containing the cut-off line “ladies and gentle-”, finally, the gratifying moment we’ve all been waiting for. This section which may be considered the bridge brings in piano. However, the calm only comes before the storm and we’re back in the bop. An honorable mention comes at the end of the last verse before the bridge, “A&E and cardiacs, this is what we call misbehaving.” Now, I will admit, I was not sure what type of A&E this was referring to. A suggestion on Genius proposes that this line is a reaction to the previous lines of “I’m buzzing” and “bartender, keep the tap running.” A&E is suggested to refer to the accident and emergency department, cardiacs referring to heart problems resulting from drugs like ecstasy, and alcohol. This seems to be in line with the tone of the piece - careless, free, wild fun. Or, simply put, misbehaving. The track is riddled with drug references as well, lending itself to this interpretation.

When the bridge comes in, everything about it is different. The tempo is slower, the vocals are muffled, most of the instruments are cut out and a piano is put in their place. This doesn’t last long but it gives us a new perspective for a couple moments. Before wrapping up the song altogether, Labrinth escorts us out with “Ladies and gentlemen I hope you’ve been entertained” with a lighthearted note to his voice. As we exit the second track on “Imagination & the Misfit Kid” we get a big horn finale, tying all the instruments from the track together.

“Misbehaving” instills a sense of freedom, a life full of fun times; living life to the fullest, misbehaving and enjoying life’s pleasures. This song makes me want to strut down the street, knowing that it’s my life and I play by my own rules. The ending of the song gives the impression that we’re living in a show, almost a game, and we’re here to entertain and be entertained. This song feels free-spirited, it’s almost like when you see a movie in theaters and you come out feeling like you could do anything with its motivational beat.