Abney Park began around 1997, but their popularity exploded with the onset of internet music, with much success through MP3.com in the early 2000’s. The band was a regular chart topper, often holding the number 1 – 5 positions in Goth and Darkwave, and Industrial Dance music charts. In 2005 the band morphed from a more Darkwave/Industrial inspired act to a Steampunk inspired act.
Abney Park's music has been featured on a number of movie soundtracks, including "Insomnis Amour", "Goth", and "Lord of the Vampires". The band's music has also been featured in many compilation CD’s, including Cleopatra Records “The Unquiet Grave” vol. III, "Annihilation and Seduction", "Eighteen" and many more.
Abney Park has performed all over the North America, appearing in Portland, Chicago, Las Vegas, Reno, Hollywood, and countless shows in their home base of Seattle. Their fans form a near-cult following, and have been known to travel from as far as New Zealand and Mexico City just to see them perform.
Steampunk Revolution
Abney Park Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
Out with the new
Our underworld isn't filled with fear
Just brass and copper, leather scrap, and rusty gear
You can keep your hip-hop techno-pop-rock schleppin-dub
I'm on my way to a coal-powered underground vintage pub
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
Out with the new
In with the old
Your subculture shops at the mall
We build ours with blowtorch, needle, thread, and leather awl
With our antique clock parts we've taken all arts, fine art to fashion
And now we're spreading worldwide to circle the globe with a furious passion
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
The song "Steampunk Revolution" by Abney Park is a manifesto for the Steampunk subculture. The movement is born as a reaction against the mainstream culture that worships the new, the disposable and the digital. The Steampunks instead choose to embrace the old times, the Victorian era, and the mechanical and analog technology. In the song, the Steampunks announce their rebellion: they don't want to follow the trends of contemporary society anymore, they want to create their own style, inspired by retro-futurism and imagination.
The Steampunks reject the modern subcultures and their music, which they consider shallow and repetitive. Instead, they create their own sound, mixing traditional instruments with electronic elements. The lyrics also celebrate the Steampunk's craftsmanship, which is based on the recycling and repurposing of old materials, such as copper, brass, and leather. The reference to the coal-powered underground vintage pub is emblematic of the Steampunks' lifestyle, as they choose to appreciate the old-fashioned pleasures instead of the mass consumption of modern society.
The song has become an anthem for the Steampunk community, inspiring them to build their own costumes, devices and worlds, and to share their creations with the rest of the world. The Steampunks have created their own conventions, festivals, and online communities to connect and support each other. The Steampunk Revolution is not just a fashion statement, it's a cultural movement that challenges the norm, celebrates diversity, and encourages creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
We've got a steampunk revolution
We are leading a movement that embraces the style and culture of steampunk as a form of rebellion against mainstream society.
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We are exhausted by the constant push towards new technologies and cultural norms that don't align with our interests and aesthetic preferences.
We've darted back to 1886
We have adopted a mindset that values the craftsmanship, materials, and style of the late 19th century, particularly as it relates to the Victorian era and the age of steam power.
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
We don't have a logical explanation for why we are drawn to the steampunk aesthetic, but it brings us joy and a sense of identity.
Out with the new
We reject contemporary ideas and innovations that do not fit with our preference for retro-futuristic design and mechanics.
In with the old
We embrace the sensibilities and materials of the past that we find beautiful, useful, and authentic.
Our underworld isn't filled with fear
Our steampunk community is not a place of danger or illegality, but rather a space for creativity, camaraderie, and self-exploration.
Just brass and copper, leather scrap, and rusty gear
The materials we use to create our outfits, gadgets, and machines are humble but versatile, and they give our creative projects a distinctive industrial look and feel.
You can keep your hip-hop techno-pop-rock schleppin-dub
We reject contemporary music genres that do not align with our vintage or futuristic tastes and instead prefer genres that evoke the ambiance of steampunk culture.
I'm on my way to a coal-powered underground vintage pub
I am going to a tavern that embodies the culture of steampunk, hosting people who share my love of antiquated technology and enjoy a rustic and intimate atmosphere.
Your subculture shops at the mall
Your counter-culture is mainstream and shallow, and you shop at corporate franchises that commodify your identity.
We build ours with blowtorch, needle, thread, and leather awl
We craft our own clothes, accessories, and decor using hands-on techniques that are often associated with artisanal work and creativity.
With our antique clock parts we've taken all arts, fine art to fashion
We are using discarded or repurposed materials, such as old clocks, as a source of inspiration and raw material to create art and fashion designs that are both unique and purposeful.
And now we're spreading worldwide to circle the globe with a furious passion
Our movement is growing, and we are gaining momentum as more people are drawn to the aesthetics and principles of steampunk culture.
Contributed by Addison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alex Lesniq
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
Out with the new
In with the old
Our underworld isn't filled with fear
Just brass and copper, leather scrap, and rusty gear
You can keep your hip-hop techno-pop-rock schleppin-dub
I'm on my way to a coal-powered underground vintage pub
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
Out with the new
In with the old
Your subculture shops at the mall
We build ours with blowtorch, needle, thread, and leather awl
With our antique clock parts we've taken all arts, fine art to fashion
And now we're spreading worldwide to circle the globe with a furious passion
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
We've got a steampunk revolution
We're tired of all your so-called evolution
We've darted back to 1886
Don't ask us why; that's how we get our kicks
Out with the new
In with the old
Dom Frei
We need more Steampunk in our lives
MeeMaw Loves Ya
Will wonders never cease to amaze?!!!! At 52,I am on a never-ending search for musical treats to satisfy my eclectic tastes.And in my curious search of what the hell is Steampunk I came across Abney Park and was instantly hooked!! This is assuredly a right tasty morsel of yummy ear candy!! All i can say is WOW! And as I rest in from my quest to feast upon this aural buffet......I say to you,my gifted,musical benefactors,Abney Park,What a trip!!! Thanx for the ride!!
Witch of the Dragon
I am a new steampunk, and proud to say that Abney Park is the first steampunk band I've ever listened to. It only fuels my passion for this lifestyle!
Ashley Watson
Same here . They are my favorite steampunk band.
Alix Octopus
Well, If you have other steampunk bands to recommand, I'll take it !
Witch of the Dragon
@Alix Octopus Steampowered Giraffe is always a great one imo!
Alix Octopus
@Witch of the Dragon Yess ! I know them and I love them 😊
The Spine's voice is soo great....
Gary Hillman
Hemmingbird
Jordan Triggs
The fact that you replied to this comment has obligated me to see Abney Park live every time I possibly can. I love bands that are involved enough to communicate with fans. :)
Otso Lensu
Just listened their new album which has this song. Damn it's as great as the other ones, this band rocks!