This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Somewhere from the mortar
They saved you from far away labels
Eternity means nothing
But a sign on a bridge
When everyone's a stranger
They call for you by your first name
And laugh at jokes you once made
When you were a kid
Somewhere down the barrel
Lies a bullet that I can't keep
And in these waters I'm wading for a reason
After all, it's in my head
I'm not a slave to a desperate lust
And in these waters I'm waiting for a reason afterall?
Screaming limitations
Fall silent on new york corners
A terrorist's a prisoner, and a tourist a thief
When paintings seem like bargains
But they're nothing but wallpaper
I'm plagued by small town fascists
Like a rash on my skin
Somewhere down the barrel
Lies a bullet that I can't keep and
I've been searching for something more than distance
After all, it's in my head
I'm not a slave to an unborn trust
And in these waters I'm waiting for a reason after all, after all, after all
They saved you from far away labels
Eternity means nothing
But a sign on a bridge
When everyone's a stranger
They call for you by your first name
And laugh at jokes you once made
When you were a kid
Somewhere down the barrel
Lies a bullet that I can't keep
And in these waters I'm wading for a reason
After all, it's in my head
I'm not a slave to a desperate lust
And in these waters I'm waiting for a reason afterall?
Screaming limitations
Fall silent on new york corners
A terrorist's a prisoner, and a tourist a thief
When paintings seem like bargains
But they're nothing but wallpaper
I'm plagued by small town fascists
Like a rash on my skin
Somewhere down the barrel
Lies a bullet that I can't keep and
I've been searching for something more than distance
After all, it's in my head
I'm not a slave to an unborn trust
And in these waters I'm waiting for a reason after all, after all, after all
Lyrics submitted by jack_the_brat
Somewhere Down the Barrel Lyrics as written by Paul Mac Daniel Johns
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Hayalperest
Hayalperest
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
No Surprises
Radiohead
Radiohead
Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Punchline
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran sings about missing his former partner and learning important life lessons in the process on “Punchline.” This track tells a story of battling to get rid of emotions for a former lover, whom he now realized might not have loved him the same way. He’s now caught between accepting that fact and learning life lessons from it and going back to beg her for another chance.
I love this song...great choice for a first single
This song is really awesome, so boppy and fun. I've really got no idea what it's about though. I know Daniel wrote it in New York City, there's obvious references to it. It appears to be such a random song, but knowing Daniel (well, knowing his music at least) I'm sure it's not...
the canto: "When everyone's a stranger They call for you by your first name And laugh at jokes you once made when you were a kid " i think i understand. its about people thinking they know him just becasue they have a silverchair cd. its about being judged by your previous actions. the line "and laugh at jokes you once made" is a reference (i think) to him being in silverchair and not allowing him any room to develop as a msuician - they will always think of him as the acanthine haired youth who wrote israels son. in my opinion, anyway.:)
I read that daniels work with paul was wriiten just to be pure. The songs apparently have no specific meanings, he wrote them so anybody could listen and interpret them however they wished. In a way its frustrating, but in another its very noble and wise. Daniel Johns is God.
Don't think that this (or any other song by The Dissociatives) has any direct reference to Daniel's experience with Silverchair. Taken from the fact that Daniel wants to keep these two bands clearly seperated.
i think it's screaming imitations.
hmmm language is interesting.
I think eviction article's interpretation is spot-on. It's about people thinking they have Daniel pegged just because he is famous ("when everyone's a stranger, they call to you by your first name")
It also seems to be about the difficulty he was having trying to shrug off the old 'teen grunge rocker' image now that he'd grown up and matured.
Judging by the tone and style of this Dissociatives album, Dan obviously had a desire to move onto other things musically, but felt he was being held back/discouraged by those who didn't want him to change from the formula that had made silverchair so successful.
("When paintings seem like bargains, but they're nothing but wallpaper / I'm plagued by small town fascists, like a rash on my skin.") The "fascists" might refer to record label executives, hardcore fans or hometown rednecks who used to beat him up as a kid.