Before their unfortunate demise, Apocalypse Hoboken toured with the likes of The Vandals, The Ataris, Ten Foot Pole, Less Than Jake, Swingin' Utters, Agent Orange, Guttermouth, Strung Out, Bigwig, Suicide Machines, At the Drive In, Murder City Devils, and appeared on West Coast dates of the Warped Tour.
Their last show in 2003 sold out Chicago's Metro, and though they haven't recorded a shred of new music in five years, demand for their live act has never been greater. A reunion at the Abbey Pub with all-original members promises to be a highlight of 2006.
Line up
Todd Pott - Vocals
Scott A. - Guitar
Sean - Guitar
Kurt Buddha - Bass Guitar
Andy - Drums
Discography
Yes, But... (1989, Self-Released) - (cassette)
Green Monster (1990, Fullon Records) - (7")
Punish the Innocent (1992, Fullon Records) - (cassette)
The Kingpin (1993, Dick Records) - (7")
Strikes Back (1993, Dick Records) - (7")
Superincredibleheavydutydudes (1994, Dyslexic Records) - (CD)
Reissued in 1997 by Labyrinth Media
Jerk Lessons (1994, Dyslexic Records) - (10")
Reissued in 1998 by Dyslexic/Choke Inc.
Daterape Nation (1994, Johanns Face Records) - (2x7")
Sassy's Cute Band Alert (1994, Dyslexic Records) - (7")
Split with Sidekick Kato
Easy Instructions For Complex Machinery (1995, Johanns Face Records - (LP/CD)
Daterape Nation / Jerk Lessons (1996, Johanns Face Records) - (CD)
A compilation of two earlier releases
Now's Not a Good Time (1996, Rocco Records) - (CD/10")
Led Zeppelin III (1997, Fueled By Ramen) - (7")
Oblivion/Apocalypse Hoboken (August 1997, Harmless Records) - (7")
V.M.Live #34 (1997, VML Records) - (7")
Also released as a CD under the name V.M.Live Series 1, Volume 8
Monchichi (1997, Dick Records) - (Promo 7")
House of The Rising Son of a Bitch (1998, Kung-Fu Records) - (LP/CS/CD)
Inverse, Reverse, Perverse (1999, Suburban Home Records) - (CD)
Microstars (1999, Kung-Fu Records) - (LP/CS/CD)
Four CD Box Set (2002, Self-Released) - CD
Disc 1 - 1990-1993
Disc 2 - 1994-1995
Disc 3 - 1995-1997
Disc 4 - 1997-2000
Great Escape
Apocalypse Hoboken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm feeling a bit risque
I'm gonna go get loaded
On another wasted day
I'm feeling kind of peaked
I'm lookin a little frayed
I'm gonna go get fucked up
On another wasted day
Everything I wanted was in a dream
Happiness I find in a bottle
Elation I suck through a pipe
Relaxation I get with a needle
The Great escape is the only thing I've ever had
I knew a man named Henry Brown
He tried to kick a habit
Making cars was his source of income
If he liked it then he had to have it
On the nod and its Tuesday night
He's gotta find a main line
The Great Escape is the only way
Henry's run out of time
The lyrics of Apocalypse Hoboken’s “Great Escape” delve into the self-destructive nature of addiction and the resulting need to escape reality. The persona is feeling dangerous and risqué, seeking solace in drugs and alcohol, as they deal with the frustrations of their everyday life. The use of imagery in “a viper in a sea of green” suggests that the persona is an outsider in society, someone who is isolated and looking for ways to cope. They find temporary happiness in their vices, but it is short-lived and ultimately unfulfilling.
The second verse tells the story of Henry Brown, who is also battling addiction. Despite having a job as a car maker, he is still consumed by his desire for drugs, and on this particular Tuesday night, he needs to find his fix. The song highlights the desperation of addiction, as Henry is running out of time to satisfy his cravings. The Great Escape represents the only way out of their realities and ultimately, the only thing they have ever really had.
The lyrics, therefore, present a bleak picture of addiction, where the individuals are struggling, and the only reprieve they have is to escape from their harsh realities in a haze of drugs and alcohol. The song portrays addiction as a vicious cycle where the only escape is through further abuse, making it a poignant commentary on the addiction cycle.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feeling kind of dangerous
I have an urge to do something risky or reckless
I'm feeling a bit risque
I'm in the mood for something naughty or daring
I'm gonna go get loaded
I'm going to drink heavily or use drugs
On another wasted day
This isn't the first time I've spent a day like this
I'm feeling kind of peaked
I'm not feeling well, physically or emotionally
I'm lookin a little frayed
I'm worn out, stressed, or anxious
I'm gonna go get fucked up
I'm going to intoxicate myself in a variety of ways
I'm a viper in a sea of green
I'm a dangerous person in a peaceful, innocent environment
Everything I wanted was in a dream
My desires and wishes are unrealistic or unattainable
Happiness I find in a bottle
Alcohol is my way of escaping my problems and finding temporary pleasure
Elation I suck through a pipe
Drugs like cocaine provide me with a feeling of intense pleasure and euphoria
Relaxation I get with a needle
Heroin or other narcotics are my way of easing my anxiety and stress
The Great escape is the only thing I've ever had
My only freedom or escape from life is through substance abuse
I knew a man named Henry Brown
The singer is telling a story or sharing an anecdote about someone else
He tried to kick a habit
Henry attempted to stop using drugs or alcohol
Making cars was his source of income
Henry had a job in the automotive industry
If he liked it then he had to have it
Henry had an addictive personality and couldn't control his desires
On the nod and its Tuesday night
Henry is experiencing the effects of a drug that makes him drowsy
He's gotta find a main line
Henry is looking for a way to inject drugs directly into his veins
The Great Escape is the only way
The only way for Henry to find relief or escape is through drug use
Henry's run out of time
Henry's addiction has taken over his life and may lead to his demise
Contributed by Madelyn W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.