The band was formed by guitarist and singer Mike Kinsella (formerly of Cap'n Jazz, The One Up Downstairs, Joan of Arc, Owls and currently of Owen) and drummer Steve Lamos (formerly of The One Up Downstairs and currently of The Geese), and also included guitar player Steve Holmes.
The band had few live performances and disbanded less than a year after releasing their self-titled album; still, they gained critical acclaim for that album, which merged the plain-spoken, confessional lyrics and melancholic/bittersweet arpeggios of Midwest Emo with the varying time signatures of Math Rock and the atmosphere of Post-Rock, providing a softer musical sensibility.
Mike Kinsella explained the band's name thus: "My girlfriend had been in Dublin, Ireland visiting her family. One of the things she brought home for me was a flyer for a Chicago Bears exhibition game that said: "Come see American Football, featuring the most overpaid athletes in the world." Something about that statement made me think of rock bands, most of whom are the most overpaid musicians in the world. When I suggested it as a name, the other guys thought it was dumb. Still, for whatever reason, we kept it".
The band regrouped in 2014 for two shows to promote the re-issue of their self-titled album.
Letters and Packages
American Football Lyrics
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as a result of my history i'm afraid i'll let you down. if only we were older.
The lyrics in American Football's song Letters and Packages explore the idea that everything in life is tragic and temporary. The singer reminiscences about a young girl named Esme who, at the age of thirteen, was already emotionally detached and heartbroken. Despite her young age, she exuded elegance and thoughtfulness, qualities that make the singer wish she were older to deal with the harsh realities of life. The singer then admits that his past experiences make him fearful that he will disappoint the person he is addressing in the song. The lines "if only she were older" and "if only we were older" suggest a sentiment of wishing for maturity and wisdom to handle life's challenges better.
Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and regret while acknowledging the fleeting nature of time and the uncertainties of life. They also touch upon the themes of disillusionment, growing up, and the struggle to connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
maybe everything is tragic and temporary.
Perhaps, everything that we encounter in life carries a hint of tragedy and has a finite duration.
remember esme at age thirteen.
Recall the memory of Esme when she was just thirteen years old.
already blase and broken hearted, so elegant, so considerate.
Even at such a young age, Esme displayed a sense of indifference and tender consideration towards others, while simultaneously carrying the weight of heartbreak.
if only she were older.
Perhaps, if Esme were older, she could have avoided the heartbreak of youth and grown more maturely.
as a result of my history i'm afraid i'll let you down.
Due to my past experiences, I am apprehensive that I may disappoint you in some way.
if only we were older.
Perhaps, if we were older, we could be more experienced and better equipped to deal with life's challenges.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael Thomas Kinsella, Stephen Michael Holmes, Steven Joseph Lamos
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind