Formed in 1995, the original members were singer/guitarist and Seattle native, John Atkins from Hush Harbor and drummer Polly Johnson from Bell Jar. The band released two 7" records, the full-length album Salt Sinks, Sugar Floats and the EP We’re Solids in quick succession. With just two members 764-HERO were able to create a national following with their unique sound and powerful live shows.
The two members released their debut album Salt Sinks Sugar Floats in 1996. Known locally for their powerful live preformances the duo quickly garnered a national audience. For their second full length album, Get Here And Stay, James Bertram,(Lync, Red Stars Theory) played bass guitar. The third album, Weekends of Sound (considered by many to be the band's swan song) included Bertram as well, and the band also added a keyboard player. Bertram left soon after, but was replaced by another bassist, and the band remained a four-member act.
In 1998, the band was set to perform live on the radio and thought they'd mix it up a bit. They called their old friend James Bertram from Red Stars Theory (ex-Lync and Beck) and asked him to play bass. The session went so well they decided to make it permanent. With the new line up in place they recorded "Get Here and Stay". While "Salt Sinks" was undoubtedly a great record, "Get Here and Stay" was in a whole other realm, a fully realized sound with amazing songwriting and outstanding musicianship.
After several full tours and the "Whenever You See Fit" EP with Modest Mouse, the band got to work on "Weekends of Sound". Recorded in early 2000 with Phil Ek (who also produced "Get Here and Stay" as well as most of Built to Spill's releases) the band hasn't strayed to far from the sounds of "Get Here and Stay".
Following the release of "Weekends" the band embarked on a tour of the U.S. with pals Modest Mouse. Shortly after the tour, citing creative differences, James Bertram parted ways with 764-HERO. But it didn't take long before Robin P. stepped in to strap on the four stringed beast and bring 764 back up to speed. John and Polly met Robin while he played second guitar for Modest Mouse on tour. He started as a temporary replacement so the band could tour but quickly turned into a permanent member of the band.
Around 2001, John Atkins got together with friend Joe Plummer to release songs he felt woudn't fit under the 764-Hero title, and thusly, The Magic Magicians were born. In 2001, they released their debut album "Girls".
The band moved over to Tiger Style for their latest release "Nobody Knows This is Everywhere" and they headed out on tour in March 2002.
The band broke up in 2002
The Magic Magicians have continued on, though, with the latest release being their self-titled album in 2003.
History Lessons
764-HERO Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to prove you wrong most every night
the catalysts and measured tones
you wish they'd just leave you alone
doing what you want can not be wrong
say it, say it again
doing what you're told can not be wrong
you're depending on everyone you see
to shake their heads and disagree
you got only a memory
when you don't care you're so easy to please
where do you belong?
haven't you learned anything?
where do you belong?
haven't you learned anything?
at all?
The lyrics of 764-HERO's "History Lessons" speak to the struggle of finding one's own identity and voice amidst the influence and pressure of others. The opening lines imply a sense of desperation for approval, as the singer looks to others to refute their own beliefs and actions. The chorus then states two seemingly contradictory statements - "doing what you want can not be wrong" and "doing what you're told can not be wrong" - which suggest that the singer is grappling with the idea of whether they should conform to societal expectations or follow their own desires. The second verse continues with the theme of seeking validation from others, as the singer hopes for disagreement and struggles with having only their own memories and experiences to inform their worldview. The song ends with a rhetorical question, asking where the singer belongs and whether they have learned anything at all, leaving the listener with a sense of uncertainty and introspection.
Overall, "History Lessons" captures the feeling of being lost in one's own thoughts and unsure of one's place in the world. It is a relatable sentiment for anyone who has struggled with identity and self-doubt, and the lyrics offer a poignant reminder to trust one's own instincts and experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
you're depending on everyone in sight
You rely on the opinions of anyone you come across
to prove you wrong most every night
You want people to contradict you just to feel like you're being challenged
the catalysts and measured tones
People who provide logical arguments and calm voices
you wish they'd just leave you alone
You wish people would stop trying to reason with you
doing what you want can not be wrong
You believe that following your desires is always justified
say it, say it again
Repeating your belief to reassure yourself
doing what you're told can not be wrong
You also believe that following orders is always right
you're depending on everyone you see
You constantly seek approval from those around you
to shake their heads and disagree
You provoke disagreement to feel like you're being challenged
you got only a memory
You don't have anything substantial to show for your life
when you don't care you're so easy to please
You settle for anything when you stop caring about the outcome
where do you belong?
You're lost and unsure of your place in the world
haven't you learned anything?
You're frustrated with yourself for not having gained any wisdom
at all?
It's a rhetorical question expressing your disappointment with yourself
Contributed by Sophie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.