Recently, there has been some confusion over whether 1208 had broken up or not while their future was uncertain between 2005 and 2007. Although their official website recently went offline.
When it comes to punk rock, it's hard nowadays to find a band that will play straightforward music, with power chords, basslines, drums, and a strong message to send across. One of these few bands is a band known as 1208, which formed in 1995 under frontman Alex Flynn, nephew of Black Flag's Greg Ginn. Their brand of anthemic, catchy, and straightforward punk rock caught the attention of Pennywise's guitarist Fletcher Dragge, who helped them get signed to Epitaph Records, and also produced their Epitaph Debut, Feedback is Payback. Along with 1208, Dragge also helped produce and promote Epitaph lablemates The Deviates.
The main forte of these bands that Dragge has taken under his wing is that they are good punk rock bands that play straightforward, no B.S. punk rock. That's also their downfall, because, well, it just gets so bland and repetitive, especially in the case of the Deviates. Musically, 1208 is a more talented band, showing off many good hooks and examples of musicianship on their debut, Feedback is Payback. On that album, 1208 made an impressive effort, offering nearly 14 tracks of anthemic punk rock that was reminiscent of bands like The Offspring and Pennywise, as well as other successful South Bay/Orange County/SoCal punk bands.
Fall Apart
1208 Lyrics
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A pad-lock keeps me in
Emotions run low, if you've come for a show
I'm from the world today
Insane as some might say
Got nothing to show
If you've come just to send me away
And I tried to ignore it
I've got one problem
I fall apart for you
(I'm further from the truth)
A living disaster, I die for my master, it's true
(I'm stuck and can't get loose)
Another example of losing my handle on you
I'm safe 'cause no one sees
What has become of me
Emotions run low
As my sickness just grows
They try to hold me down
When you cannot be found
Got nothing to show
If you've come just to turn off the sound
I wasn't asking for it
And I tried to ignore it
I've got one problem
I fall apart for you
(I'm further from the truth)
A living disaster, I die for my master, it's true
(I'm stuck and can't get loose)
Another example of losing my handle on you
Will I fall asleep tonight
Don't wanna lose the fight
And I wanna get it right
This time it's not for you
Will I fall asleep tonight
Don't wanna lose the fight
And I wanna get it right
This time it's just for me
I did, I hurt myself for you
It's always here and makes me feel the mood
But the more I do for you
The less I can do for myself
These eyes are meant to be alone
We know nothing is set in stone
I've got one problem
I fall apart for you
(I'm further from the truth)
A living disaster, I die for my master, it's true
(I'm stuck and can't get loose)
Another example of losing my handle
I fall apart for you
(I'm further from the truth)
A living disaster, I die for my master, it's true
(I'm stuck and can't get loose)
Another example of losing my handle
My handle on you
The lyrics of 1208's song "Fall Apart" describe a state of mental and emotional turmoil. The singer is trapped inside a storage bin, restrained by a padlock that keeps them from escaping their emotions. They express a sense of helplessness and despair, feeling "insane" and "sick" as they struggle to keep their feelings in check. Despite their efforts to resist their emotions and ignore their problems, the singer admits that they "fall apart" for someone who they see as their "master." They are aware of how self-destructive this is, and note that the more they do for this person, the less they can do for themselves. In the end, the singer is uncertain whether they will be able to overcome their issues and sleep peacefully.
The song speaks to issues of control and powerlessness, as well as the difficulties of managing one's emotions. The singer seems to be wrestling with a toxic relationship or an unhealthy attachment, which is leading them to neglect their own well-being. The song also touches on the theme of self-harm, as the singer admits to hurting themselves for the sake of the other person. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of emotional exhaustion and instability, with the singer feeling like they are losing their grip on reality.
Line by Line Meaning
Inside a storage bin
I feel trapped and confined
A pad-lock keeps me in
I am prevented from escaping
Emotions run low, if you've come for a show
I cannot express myself freely or entertain others
I'm from the world today
I am a part of modern society
Insane as some might say
Others may view me as crazy or unstable
Got nothing to show
I lack tangible accomplishments or possessions
If you've come just to send me away
If your goal is to get rid of me
I wasn't asking for it
I didn't invite trouble
And I tried to ignore it
I attempted to avoid problems
I fall apart for you
You have a destructive effect on me
(I'm further from the truth)
(I am more lost than ever)
A living disaster, I die for my master, it's true
I am a mess, controlled by someone else, it's a fact
(I'm stuck and can't get loose)
(I feel trapped and unable to break free)
Another example of losing my handle on you
You are causing me to lose control
I'm safe 'cause no one sees
I feel secure because no one is aware of my situation
What has become of me
I am not the same person I used to be
As my sickness just grows
My mental health is deteriorating
They try to hold me down
Others are trying to control me
When you cannot be found
I am lost without you
If you've come just to turn off the sound
If your intention is to silence me
Will I fall asleep tonight
Will I be able to rest peacefully
Don't wanna lose the fight
I don't want to give up
And I wanna get it right
I want to make things better
This time it's not for you
I am doing this for myself, not for you
I did, I hurt myself for you
I have caused myself pain because of you
It's always here and makes me feel the mood
My pain is ever present and affects my mood
But the more I do for you
The more I try to please you
The less I can do for myself
The less I prioritize my own well-being
These eyes are meant to be alone
I am meant to be solitary
We know nothing is set in stone
We are aware that things change
Another example of losing my handle
Another instance of you causing me to lose control
My handle on you
My ability to manage my interactions with you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alex Flynn, Bryan Parks, Michael McNamara, Newshawn Hubbard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind