Completely original, 9353 does not easily fall into any prepackaged genres or labels. While band members came and went over the years, one thing remained constant—Bruce Miles Hellington (formerly Merkle), the singer and creative force behind the 9353 experience. The artist that made the 9353 posters. The shows were mostly sold out for the early years during the original line up after the 5th show, but 9353 would never be seen as the next pop sensation and gigging around DC was not going to pay for much other than the first 2 albums. Shows started long before the date with the now famous critically acclaimed art posters plastered all over DC and ended long after the doors closed as fans and foes debated the performances with a passion that still puzzles many. If one word could sum up 9353, its controversial. If you saw them or heard them you either loved it immediately or hated it. Many learned to love the music even though at first listen it was so original as to almost shock the senses and disorient listeners, but after a few exposures it all made sense and some of those songs still play in the heads of people who have not heard them since way back in the eighties. The internet is starting to bring all these stories and experiences together and this fan page is devoted to bringing all the fans, old, new and undecided together in one place to discuss their memories, find sources to buy new and old releases and help their friends and families hear the greatest almost famous band of that time.
Bad luck, bad medicine, soap opera interpersonal relations and tragedy has always plagued the band, but occasional steely determination has kept the music alive for 27 years. No record label wanted to touch 9353 for long and did not know what to make of them, so they played and recorded and did it anyway. They released disks on R&B records, Dutch East and Adult Swim Records, a spin off of Dischord. None of that went as expected, so now they remain unsigned but not unsung. They are still willing to scrape and release, but at a slower pace whenever affordable. They will do it on their own Brainwashington label. Now its 2010. You don't think 9353 is going to curl up and die for lack of success at this time do you? If you ask them, they'll say they're just finally warming up.
The sound changed and stayed the same and matured and grew younger as members came and went and everyone got older and added more experiences to the mix. In the later years, new line ups of whomever could and was willing, able and free from full time jobs, busy careers and expanding family duties would play with Bruce for a few shows here and there. 9353 has had more members then Spinal Tap in fewer years. Thus, the musical influence of 9353 can be heard in many of the works of bands that followed after those first years in the 80s until even to this day when listening to other bands you have to ask yourself, “were they listening to 9353 when they created their sound?” While all members made valuable contributions, whether they had short stays or long, there is, has never been, and can be no other singer quite like the man who has carried 9353 on through the years. Bruce is not the band, but there could never be a 9353 without him. Of course everybody wants to see an original line up tour but it's complicated. Half of them are successful and very busy and the other half aren't. They also live thousands of miles apart complicating any serious time to rehearse. And they are all in other bands now. Dan has his own orchestra. Jason is a famous producer. They are both are rumored to be returning for some more 9353 recording in the very near future and we all look forward to that. Meanwhile, the re-records are frighteningly spot on. People are raving about the new disc.
What 9353 has released as of this date is only 3 LPs, 4 CDs, 4 early cassette demos and has been featured on 3 compilation disks only.
Famous Last Words
9353 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not loaded
I'm a good driver
Don't worry, honey
It's okay
It's not loaded
I'm a good driver
It's okay
It's not loaded
I'm a good driver
Don't worry, honey
Come back, honey
Famous last words
Time to get out from this fucking hole
Time to get out of it
You might not ever adjust to it
Time to get a slice of the real pie
I might not ever adjust
You might not ever ...?
The lyrics of Famous Last Words by 9353 reveal a story of denial, fear and maybe even delusion. The singer repeatedly reassures someone, possibly their partner, that everything is okay and that there is nothing to worry about. They insist that the gun is not loaded and that they are a good driver, both of which can be interpreted as foreshadowing impending danger. The repetition of these phrases adds to the unsettling feeling of the song and creates a sense of desperation.
The line "Famous last words" suggests that the singer is aware of the potential consequences of their actions and is resigned to facing them, but their behavior doesn't reflect this acknowledgment. The second half of the song suggests that the singer is going through a difficult time and is attempting to make a change but is finding it hard to adjust. They urge themselves and listeners to "get a slice of the real pie." Still, they acknowledge that it might not be easy to do so.
Overall, Famous Last Words seems to be a commentary on the ways in which we deceive ourselves when we are faced with difficult situations. It is a somber reminder of the importance of being honest with ourselves and others around us, even when it is uncomfortable.
Line by Line Meaning
It's okay
I'm trying to convince myself and others that everything is alright
It's not loaded
I'm trying to reassure myself and others of safety, but deep down I know the risk
I'm a good driver
I'm overestimating my abilities and reassuring myself that I'm in control
Don't worry, honey
I'm trying to comfort a loved one, while ignoring the potential danger of the situation
Come back, honey
I'm realizing the gravity of the situation and begging for a chance to make things right
Famous last words
A recognition that these statements are often the final words before tragedy strikes
Time to get out from this fucking hole
I'm acknowledging that I need to escape a negative situation
Time to get out of it
I need to remove myself from a harmful or damaging situation
You might not ever adjust to it
A warning that some things can permanently damage one's well-being
Time to get a slice of the real pie
I need to pursue success and happiness in a genuine and authentic way
I might not ever adjust
I'm recognizing the possibility that some things cannot be undone or forgotten
You might not ever ...?
A question left unanswered, implying a potential negative outcome or consequence
Contributed by Connor P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Cozette665
I've been singing this song and other 9553 songs to random strangers and my pets for +30 years.
I have circa 1986 photos of the band from a concert they did but most of the pictures were taken of me and band members drinking and cavorting...lol
I miss the fun, insane, dangerous yet adventurous years of old DCsleeze!
@1servaites503
Still a driving force in music. They remain an inspiration
@servantofzardoz
Saw em at D.C. space a number of times. The band that opened for them one time was the best. All salvadoran Judas Priest cover band.
@msp633
It's Ok It's not Loaded I'm a Good Driver Don't Worry Honey