The band incorporated its own production company and record label, Autumn Rain Records, at its inception in 2003. Each band member plays a vital role in the day-to-day business of the band by each taking on numerous responsibilities such as, marketing, booking, public relations, web design and updates, finances, and of course Beaux drives the tour bus.
Their new release, Shine, was recently released in February of 2009. The bands debut, Vision, was released in July of 2006. Both records were recorded by John Plymale (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Meat Puppets) at Overdub Lane in Durham, NC and was mastered by Greg Calbi (Springsteen, Dylan, Bowie) at Sterling Sound in NYC.
Anthem
Airiel Down Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guitar riff (spoken – You kids can't skate here! – I was just gliding down the mountain, and this snowboarder CUT ME OFF! – Motor cross is not a sport and it pollutes the environment. – your mini-van pollutes the environment lady.)
Are you ready for a revolution?
Ain't life grand? I think it's so.
But these pricks on sticks have got to go.
I've seen 'em smirk and I've heard 'em say,
"All these snowboarders get in my way."
Still, it snowed last night and I'm so stoked.
Let's go for air, let's go for broke.
It fills my soul it's spiritual.
Collect my friends for a ritual. LET'S GO!
I love it man!
You wouldn't understand….
Stand up straight it's time to ride.
I can't control these butterflies.
Who was it said that life's a bitch?
Just watch me as I drop in switch.
Inverted now, it aint so bad,
It's the best time I've ever had.
I'm 30 feet into the air,
But I don't know how to get down from here! OH NO!
Look Ma! No hands!
I hope you understand….
All I hear is "you're so rude!"
And I say, "what's the problem dude?
I didn't mean to cut you off,
But you were in my line jack-off!"
And what's with all this hate?
I know why you're so mad.
Cause you two-plank wanks got us to thank,
And now you realize that! OH YEAH!
Fuck off man!
You'll never understand…. (repeat)
Don't hate, appreciate. (repeat)
Ciao baby, Rock and Roll
But seriously folks.
The song "Anthem" by Airiel Down is about snowboarding and the love-hate relationship between snowboarders and skiers. The song begins with a dialogue where a ski patrol officer confirms that snowboarders are not allowed on the mountain. The lyrics then proceed to express the excitement and adrenaline rush of snowboarding. The singer describes the joy of being on the mountain after a snowfall, and the camaraderie among friends who share the same passion. However, the song also addresses the animosity and discrimination snowboarders face from skiers who consider them a nuisance and blame them for accidents on the slopes.
The chorus of the song, "Ain't life grand? I think it's so. But these pricks on sticks have got to go," summarizes the divisive views between skiers and snowboarders. Despite the hostility, the singer encourages a positive attitude towards the differences and acceptance of one another's choices. The song ends with a call for appreciation and a message of rock and roll.
Line by Line Meaning
PJ, yes Chet, this is a ski only mountain, we don't have to worry about those crazy snowboarders, indubidably Chet
Acknowledging someone named PJ and Chet's conversation about a ski-only mountain that does not allow snowboarders. They both agree that it's better off that way.
Are you ready for a revolution?
Asking if the listener is ready to participate in a revolution regarding snowboarding and ski mountains.
Ain't life grand? I think it's so.
Expressing that life is great.
But these pricks on sticks have got to go.
Referring to snowboarders as pricks on sticks and expressing a dislike for them.
I've seen 'em smirk and I've heard 'em say, "All these snowboarders get in my way."
Observing how skiers complain about snowboarders being in their way.
Still, it snowed last night and I'm so stoked. Let's go for air, let's go for broke.
Despite the dislike for snowboarders, the singer is excited about the snow and ready to hit the slopes.
It fills my soul it's spiritual. Collect my friends for a ritual. LET'S GO!
Describing the joy of skiing and asking friends to join in.
I love it man!
Expressing love for the activity of skiing.
You wouldn't understand….
Implying that others do not share the same love for skiing and cannot understand the artist's passion.
Stand up straight it's time to ride. I can't control these butterflies.
Getting ready to ski but feeling nervous and anxious.
Who was it said that life's a bitch? Just watch me as I drop in switch.
Questioning the saying that life is difficult before performing a skiing maneuver called a switch or changing direction.
Inverted now, it ain't so bad, It's the best time I've ever had. I'm 30 feet into the air, But I don't know how to get down from here! OH NO!
Enjoying the skiing maneuver and feeling a sense of freedom, but also feeling unsure of how to land safely.
Look Ma! No hands! I hope you understand….
Referencing a famous phrase of doing something impressive without the use of hands while hoping someone else can appreciate their accomplishment.
All I hear is "you're so rude!" And I say, "what's the problem dude? I didn't mean to cut you off, But you were in my line jack-off!" And what's with all this hate?
Recalling a confrontational incident where the singer accidentally cut someone off while skiing, but points out that the other person was also in the wrong.
I know why you're so mad. Cause you two-plank wanks got us to thank, And now you realize that! OH YEAH!
Blaming skiers for starting the animosity between skiing and snowboarding, and taking credit for making snowboarding popular.
Fuck off man! You'll never understand….
Using an expletive to express frustration that others cannot understand the passion and joy of skiing.
Don't hate, appreciate. (repeat)
Encouraging others to appreciate different sports and activities instead of hating or being negative about them.
Ciao baby, Rock and Roll But seriously folks.
Ending the song with a casual farewell and then acknowledging the seriousness of the message about appreciating different perspectives and individuals.
Contributed by Muhammad L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.