Just back from a European tour in support of Deaf Havana, the Peterborough-based four-piece find themselves on the brink of a breakthrough. After supporting the likes of Nothing But Thieves and Razorlight on a string of tours, Airways’ “Starting To Spin” EP began cropping up all over Spotify playlists and has generated over 7 million streams to date. Fans emerged all over the world, and the band was amazed to find the demand was strong enough to fill clubs throughout Europe.
“It’s so weird to see a room full of German or Belgian kids singing all the words to our stuff,” says Daniels.
Out of Control
Airways Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now my attention has spread thin
Like a slice of butter on my slab of toast
First thing in the morning
If I start a sentence, can't be sure I′ll finish
You slant my words, you just disappear and diminish
I need something to watch but I stare at the image
And deliberate if I want my film to be British
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
Am I selling my soul to a toad in a hole
Yeah, it's out of control
Yeah, it's out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
When I start the meeting, better take the minutes
And not put down my pen until I say that I′m finished
Is it any wonder I′ve grown up a cynic
False promises laying siege to my spirit
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
I don't want to be bold, but
This is out of control
This is out of control
This is out of control
Now my back′s against the wall
And I've signed up for the war
How′d it get so out of control?
Will I rise or will I fall?
Can I find some time to grow?
How'd it get so out of control?
In "Out of Control" by Airways, the lyrics express a sense of personal and societal chaos. The singer describes their scattered thoughts and inability to focus, comparing their mind to a thin slice of butter spread across toast. The lack of concentration is further exacerbated by the constant slanting of their words and the disappearance of their intended meaning. The singer longs for something to capture their attention, but finds themselves fixated on a meaningless image, contemplating whether they prefer their films to be of British origin.
The chorus emphasizes the overwhelming nature of this chaos, as the singer feels their life is spiraling out of control. They question whether they are unintentionally sacrificing their integrity ("selling my soul"), possibly to the detriment of their own well-being. The repetition of the phrase "out of control" reinforces the feeling of being overwhelmed and suggests a desperation for stability and clarity.
In the second verse, the singer continues their struggle against the chaos, implying a sense of responsibility and authority in conducting meetings. They demand that the minutes be accurately recorded, indicating a desire for control and order in their professional life. Yet, the lyrics reveal a sense of disillusionment and bitterness, stemming from broken promises and constant disappointment. The cumulative effect of these experiences has made the singer skeptical and cynical.
The bridge introduces a metaphorical war, where the singer finds themselves with their back against the wall and enlisted in a battle they did not anticipate. The lyrics pose the question of whether they will rise or fall, suggesting an uncertain future. They also express a desire to find time for personal growth amidst the chaotic circumstances, ultimately questioning how things became so out of control.
Overall, "Out of Control" explores the themes of mental and emotional chaos, disillusionment, and the longing for stability and control amid a turbulent world.
Line by Line Meaning
I can′t keep my mind on one thing
I struggle to focus on a single thought or task
Now my attention has spread thin
My concentration has become diluted and scattered
Like a slice of butter on my slab of toast
Similar to how butter spreads over toast, my attention is spread thinly
First thing in the morning
From the very beginning of the day
If I start a sentence, can't be sure I'll finish
I struggle to complete my thoughts or sentences
You slant my words, you just disappear and diminish
You distort my words and make them vanish or lose importance
I need something to watch but I stare at the image
I have a desire to be entertained, yet I find myself fixated on an image
And deliberate if I want my film to be British
I contemplate whether I prefer my movie to have a British theme or setting
This is out of control
The situation or state of mind is becoming chaotic and unmanageable
Am I selling my soul to a toad in a hole
Am I compromising my integrity for something insignificant or unworthy
Yeah, it's out of control
Yes, the situation has become unmanageable
When I start the meeting, better take the minutes
When I initiate the meeting, make sure to record the proceedings
And not put down my pen until I say that I′m finished
Do not stop taking notes until I explicitly declare the end of the meeting
Is it any wonder I've grown up a cynic
Is it surprising that I have become skeptical and disillusioned
False promises laying siege to my spirit
Deceptive commitments are overwhelming and attacking my enthusiasm
Now my back's against the wall
I am in a difficult or desperate situation
And I've signed up for the war
I have committed myself to a conflict or struggle
How'd it get so out of control?
How did the situation become so chaotic and unmanageable?
Will I rise or will I fall?
Am I going to succeed or fail?
Can I find some time to grow?
Is it possible for me to create a space for personal development?
How'd it get so out of control?
How did the situation become so chaotic and unmanageable?
Writer(s): Jake Daniels, Dominic Alexander Roberto Craik
Contributed by Elena C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Nuttz360
Need to see these guys live again
@joshuagarcia889
Absolutely Amazing! Keep it up this is great.
@josephwarren8187
Probably my favorite off of the album❤️🔥
@turitou19
What a banger!
Really an underappreciated song, keep it up!
@arson135
This song is a beast 👌🏾
@Steef_Lee
Brilliant! I’ll take one in every color.
@teresac_
You made my day ❤
@rose1858
New banger lesgoooo
@blueash5959
arghhh i love airways so much!
@julian0451
what a BANGER