The Adelaide-based quartet The Tullamarines transforms feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome into catharsis with their track “Lying,” a candid yet uplifting pop/rock anthem that establishes the mood for their new ‘Safety Blanket’ EP. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the band shares insights about the song’s brutally honest lyrics, their evolving sound, and the strength found in vulnerability.
Listen to: “Lying” – The Tullamarines
“If I say I love myself, I’m lying.” This poignant line seizes the listener’s heart and refuses to let go – it's raw, relatable, and truly memorable. Without hesitation, Adelaide’s The Tullamarines delve into the essence of “Lying,” the second single from their newly released Safety Blanket EP. This song bursts forth as a thrilling pop/rock anthem filled with doubt and defiance – a lively, high-energy piece that transforms themes of insecurity, imposter syndrome, and self-loathing into something both cathartic and infectious.
Lying – The Tullamarines
I’ve never been sure about this
Deep down I can see
how you missed it
But I just endure and that’s alright
I’m out of it half the time
I’ve tried my best to fix my mind
And I’ve been thinking lately
you should pull me in
If I say I love myself, I’m lying
Yet, I still hope to earn points for trying, baby
If I say I love myself, I’m lying
But I still hope to earn points for trying, baby
Released in early June, “Lying” stands out as one of the catchiest tracks we’ve encountered this side of 2012 – a wave of jangly guitars, vibrant rhythms, and captivating hooks that beckon you to sing along by the second chorus. It possesses a nostalgic yet fresh vibe – a dynamic burst of noughties pop/rock energy reimagined for the 2020s, reminiscent of Hot Chelle Rae and 5SOS, marked by the perfect mix of charm and intensity. However, beneath its captivating surface, “Lying” reveals a heartfelt honesty – a vulnerable, soul-stirring confession about supporting oneself despite the challenges.
“‘Lying’ encapsulates insecurity, imposter syndrome, self-loathing, and the desire to improve,” the Australian band – made up of Josh Thomas, Lucinda Machin, Angus Purvis, and Benny Waltho – explains in an email to Atwood Magazine. “The sentiment of people leaving before we perform is a recurring joke, but it stems from real uncertainty. We grapple with confidence in our music, our image – everything. So we expressed how we felt, wrapped in upbeat, ‘90s pop-inspired sounds. It’s a mix of sadness and happiness. Sometimes, it feels easier to pretend everything is alright than to be open. We hope this song helps people feel acknowledged and fosters genuine conversations.”
I don’t want to tell someone for fear I’ll fall apart
But lately, I’ve been considering how much to ingest
I don’t think I’m anybody, perhaps year nine got to me
as I still believe everything they said.
The Tullamarines © Jack Fenby
That duality resonates in every line: “If I say I love myself, I’m lying / but I still hope to earn points for trying,” they confidently sing in the track's unforgettable chorus. “It means just what it says,” the band reflects, “I hope I can forgive myself for being tough on my character or my body when I’m not feeling great.” The lyrics are authentic and disarming, yet so passionately delivered that they empower the listener – acknowledging your pain can be the first step toward healing. That’s the essence of this song: The Tullamarines don’t dwell in their emotions—they channel them into an uplifting anthem, bright and inspiring.
If I say I love myself, I’m lying
But I still hope to earn points for trying, baby
‘Cause I’ve never been certain about this
Deep down I can see how you missed it
But I just endure, and that’s my attempt, baby
If I say I love myself, I’m lying
But I still hope to earn points for trying, baby
If I say I love myself and I’ve aimed for something more,
If I say I love myself, I’m lying.
That candid essence is the heartbeat of Safety Blanket, an album they describe as refreshingly distinct from their previous work – one that has unlocked new creative avenues for the Adelaide-based group. “We really wanted to stretch our boundaries with ‘Lying,’” they explain. “The demo felt quite different from our typical style, and we enjoyed experimenting with syncopation and intertwining parts. It felt like the perfect song to push that ‘sad-happy’ vibe even further
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The Adelaide-based quartet The Tullamarines transforms feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome into cathartic expression in their song “Lying,” a raw yet luminous pop/rock anthem that defines their 'Safety Blanket' EP. In an interview with Atwood Magazine, the band shares insights about the song's candid lyrics, their developing sound, and the empowerment found in vulnerability.