After party
Air Traffic Controller Lyrics


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I was walkin′ up the driveway
Slidin' through the door
Everybody′s looking my way
Don't know what for

Like I'm not supposed to be here
Don′t know the code
Can′t choose where you come from
Only where you go

Lights are all on and the music is loud
Everyone raise their fist everyone shout
Police are here and they're kicking us out
They′re kicking is out

How'd we end up at after party?
Didn′t show up at the wrong address
Are we a part of the drunk majority?
Just another uninvited guest

In the morning, it's a different story
When everybody′s cleanin' up the mess
I don't believe in the after party
I don′t believe in it - can′t believe it

Some started a bonfire, some went to the shore
Some headed for the border, to be left alone
Lookin' out at the chaos, with a crooked grin
Gotta pay off the big boss, instead we′re in

Party is over, we're stuck on the couch
I′d say it's all shit, but I′m not allowed
Authority's here and they're kicking us out
They′re kicking is out

How′d we end up at after party?
Didn't show up at the wrong address
Are we a part of the drunk majority?
Just another uninvited guest

In the morning, it′s a different story
When everybody's cleanin′ up the mess
I don't believe in the after party
I don′t believe in it

What the hell just happened?
Did we burn it down?
Can we still throw a party
When there ain't no house?

Lights are all on and the music is loud
Everyone raise their fist everyone shout
Police are here and they're kicking us out
They′re kicking is out

How′d we end up at after party?
Didn't show up at the wrong address
Are we a part of the drunk majority?
Just another uninvited guest

In the morning, it′s a different story
When everybody's cleanin′ up the mess
I don't believe in the after party
I don′t believe in it - can't believe it





(Oh oh oh)
(Oh oh oh)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Air Traffic Controller's song "After Party" describe a situation where the singer finds themselves in an unexpected and chaotic after-party. The first verse sets the scene as the singer walks up the driveway and enters the party where all eyes are on them, creating a sense of unease and confusion. They feel out of place and ignorant of the rules, emphasizing that we cannot choose where we come from, but we can choose where we go.


As the chorus kicks in, the lyrics reflect on the disbelief of how they ended up at this after-party, implying they may have arrived at the wrong address. The singer questions whether they are just another uninvited guest in a crowd of intoxicated people. The morning after, the scene changes as people begin cleaning up the mess left behind, suggesting a shift in perspective as the consequences of the wild night become apparent. The singer expresses their disbelief and lack of belief in the concept of an after-party.


The second verse expands on the chaos of the night. Some party-goers started a bonfire, others went to the shore, and some tried to escape to the border. The singer observes the mayhem with a crooked grin, possibly indicating a sense of amusement or disregard for the rules. However, the consequence of their actions is revealed as they realize they need to pay off a significant figure instead of continuing the party.


In the bridge, the lyrics question what exactly happened during the night. The mention of burning something down and the absence of a house raises the possibility of destructive behavior. Despite this, they wonder if it is still possible to throw a party without a venue.


Overall, the song captures the disorienting and unpredictable nature of an after-party, where the boundaries are blurred, consequences arise, and the singer experiences a clash with authority. The lyrics express a disbelief and skepticism towards the concept of the after-party and its aftermath.


Line by Line Meaning

I was walkin′ up the driveway
Approaching a gathering


Slidin' through the door
Entering the party inconspicuously


Everybody′s looking my way
Attracting attention


Don't know what for
Unsure of the reason for the attention


Like I'm not supposed to be here
Feeling out of place and unwelcome


Don′t know the code
Unfamiliar with the rules or expectations


Can′t choose where you come from
Unable to control one's background or origin


Only where you go
Having control over one's future actions and choices


Lights are all on and the music is loud
The party atmosphere is energetic and lively


Everyone raise their fist everyone shout
Engaging in a spirited celebration


Police are here and they're kicking us out
Facing consequences and being forced to leave


They′re kicking is out
Being forcefully removed from the premises


How'd we end up at after party?
Questioning how they ended up in this situation


Didn′t show up at the wrong address
Confirming they did not arrive at the incorrect location


Are we a part of the drunk majority?
Wondering if they are part of the intoxicated crowd


Just another uninvited guest
Feeling like an unwelcome attendee


In the morning, it's a different story
The situation changes once the party comes to an end


When everybody′s cleanin' up the mess
Taking responsibility for the aftermath and tidying up


I don't believe in the after party
Expressing disbelief or skepticism towards the continuation of the festivities


I don′t believe in it - can't believe it
Further emphasizing the disbelief and lack of confidence in the after party


Some started a bonfire, some went to the shore
Different individuals engaged in various activities after the party


Some headed for the border, to be left alone
Certain people sought solitude by going elsewhere


Lookin' out at the chaos, with a crooked grin
Observing the disorderliness with a mischievous smile


Gotta pay off the big boss, instead we′re in
Being obligated to settle debts but ending up in this situation instead


Party is over, we're stuck on the couch
Realizing the celebration has come to an end and feeling immobilized


I′d say it's all shit, but I′m not allowed
Expressing dissatisfaction but feeling unable to openly criticize


Authority's here and they're kicking us out
Facing authority figures who are forcing them to leave


What the hell just happened?
Expressing confusion and disbelief about the recent events


Did we burn it down?
Questioning if they were the cause of destruction


Can we still throw a party
Wondering if they can still enjoy a gathering


When there ain't no house?
Inquiring if it is possible without a venue


(Oh oh oh)
Repetitive vocalization for musical effect


(Oh oh oh)
Repetitive vocalization for musical effect




Writer(s): William Mc Auley, Adrian Aiello, Adam Salameh, Dave Munro

Contributed by Jordyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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