Formed in 2006, the band derived its name from the Wilco song, “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart,” and is led by band founder and lead vocalist/ guitarist BJ Barham. A new lineup was announced in April 2017 with new faces joining the ranks: Crooks drummer Joey Bybee, Damn Quails bass player Ben Hussey and guitarist Shane Boeker – all from Texas – along with Nashville pedal-steel player Adam Kurtz, who also fronts Music City's experimental Buck Owens tribute Buck N' Stuff. Bybee left in August 2018 and was replaced by Nashville-based drummer Matty Alger, who in turn left in February 2019. Kurtz left the band after the Mile Zero fest in January 2019, and Hussey left in July 2019.
Their first album, Antique Hearts, was released in 2006, followed by The Bible and the Bottle in 2008.
In 2012, American Aquarium released two albums: Live in Raleigh and Burn. Flicker. Die.
The band released their sixth original album, Wolves, in February 2015.[7] The band's fans helped raise $24,000 through a Kickstarter project to help fund the album's production, and the album was recorded in Asheville, North Carolina at Echo Mountain.
On November 25, 2016 "Live at Terminal West" was released by the band from a live show recording in November 2015 at Terminal West in Atlanta, Georgia.
Things Change was released on New West Records in 2018, followed by
Lamentations (on New West Records) in 2020.
Aint No Use In Trying
American Aquarium Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If the ship is going down and there is no way out, then there ain't no use in trying now
Well all the stars that we have wished upon and grew up, burned out and have all flown away. Another stop another show I wonder just how long this ride will go. The fuel is low and the rent is late and I'll send a check babe, as soon as I get paid. What started with four is down to one, I thought this band was supposed to be fun. When did we stop having fun.
If the ship is going down and there is no way out, then there ain't no use in trying now
The lyrics of "Ain't No Use in Trying" by American Aquarium reflects the struggles and uncertainties that come with being part of a band. The first verse talks about the departure of a band member and the feeling of isolation that comes with it. The reference to the turntable as a new best friend indicates that the singer has turned to music to cope with the situation, and when he listens to it, he feels free. However, he is also aware of his increasing detachment from the real world, as seen in the two missed calls on his phone.
The second verse is a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and success, symbolized by the metaphor of stars burning out and disappearing. The singer's thoughts also revolve around financial instability, with a shortage of fuel and rent being unpaid. The idea of sending a check as soon as he gets paid implies that the band members are not making much money from their music. The last line of the verse expresses disillusionment and disappointment, indicating that the fun and camaraderie that drove the band have dissipated.
In the chorus, the singer resigns himself to the idea of failure, suggesting that there is no use in trying to salvage something that is inevitably going down. The song captures both the excitement and the struggles that come with being in a band, emphasizing the fact that not all journeys end in glory.
Line by Line Meaning
An airplane leaves as another lands and one more person quit the band today.
One member quits the band, while another leaves by airplane. The transience of the music industry is notable.
The turntable is my new best friend, when he speaks my troubles spin away.
The singer finds solace in music, where the distractions of life fade away.
When the music is on my world just fades and the freedom hits me like a runaway train.
Listening to music grants the singer immense freedom.
Two missed calls on my telephone, it seems my services have gone astray.
Failing to connect with the phone and being unreachable is significant.
If the ship is going down and there is no way out, then there ain't no use in trying now
When the situation is bleak and there is no feasible solution, one should not continue trying to fix it
Well all the stars that we have wished upon and grew up, burned out and have all flown away.
As one matures, idealistic goals become less attainable, like the passing of stars in the sky.
Another stop another show I wonder just how long this ride will go.
The cyclical nature of touring and performing is uncertain.
The fuel is low and the rent is late and I'll send a check babe, as soon as I get paid.
The artist's financial instability is troubling.
What started with four is down to one, I thought this band was supposed to be fun.
The dwindling number of band members and lack of enjoyment is disappointing.
When did we stop having fun.
The artist reflects on when the band stopped being enjoyable, fondly reminiscing over past experiences.
Contributed by Ryan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.