The only two consistent members are Jon Snodgrass (guitar, vocals) and Paul Rucker (drums). It is a running joke in the band that their bassists never last long, and this gave rise to the title of their fourth album Who Wants To Play Bass? They have at points included Marko Desantis of Sugarcult and Bad Astronaut and Chad Price of ALL and Drag The River.
After a hiatus, they reformed to tour for the second half of 2007.
Martyr
Armchair Martian Lyrics
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don't defend me
don't, don't, don't
i'm the only martyr here
don't wait beside me
wouldn't even sit down here
if you listened to me at all
i'm the only martyr here
and if i could get any smarter
please don't call my home
it's not your life it's mine
breathing could be harder
i'm the only martyr
i might wait, celebrate
you wouldn't need to sit down here
if you listened to me at all
oh well fine, fine enough to die
i'm the only martyr here
i'm the only martyr here
even though you're not the one
i'd look right through you
safe with you not having fun
i'd look right through you
i never try, i'm Patsy Kline
The lyrics to Armchair Martian's song "Martyr" speak to a sense of isolation and martyrdom that the singer experiences. They reject any attempts at protection or defense from others, feeling alone in their struggle. The song speaks to a desire to be understood without necessarily needing anyone to sit with them or try to solve their problems. The singer acknowledges that they are the only martyr present, suggesting that others may not understand or be able to relate to their experiences.
The repeated refrain of "oh well fine, fine enough to die" speaks to a sense of hopelessness and resignation. Despite this, the singer seems to embrace their status as a martyr and suggests that they may even celebrate it. The lines "even though you're not the one / i'd look right through you / safe with you not having fun / i'd look right through you" suggest a significant disconnect between the singer and others, indicating that they may have trouble relating or connecting with others.
Overall, "Martyr" by Armchair Martian speaks to feelings of isolation and martyrdom in the face of struggle. While the lyrics can be interpreted in a number of ways, they suggest a deep sense of internal conflict and a lack of external support.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't protect me
I don't need anyone to shield me from harm.
don't defend me
I don't need anyone to justify my actions or beliefs.
don't, don't, don't
I am resolute in my decision and don't want anyone to interfere.
i'm the only martyr here
I accept the consequences of my choices and will bear any burden alone.
don't wait beside me
I don't need anyone to stay with me through hard times.
wouldn't even sit down here
I wouldn't want anyone to be in the same situation as me, it's not worth it.
if you listened to me at all
No one has really heard what I'm trying to say and therefore can't understand my decision.
oh well fine, fine enough to die
I have accepted that my decision may lead to my death, but I believe it's worth it.
i'm the only martyr here
I will take on the burden and sacrifice alone, without expecting anyone to join me.
and if i could get any smarter
I don't have all the answers and am willing to learn more if it means making a better choice.
please don't call my home
I don't want anyone to try and change my mind or convince me otherwise.
it's not your life it's mine
The decision only affects me and isn't anyone else's business.
breathing could be harder
The path I'm taking isn't easy, it's difficult and even could be dangerous.
i'm the only martyr
I have committed to this decision and will live with the consequences.
i might wait, celebrate
I am ready to face whatever comes my way and will celebrate the victories along the way.
you wouldn't need to sit down here
I wouldn't want anyone else to be in this position because I value their life and happiness.
even though you're not the one
Others may try to understand but ultimately no one else is affected the way I am.
i'd look right through you
I am focused on my own path and vision and am not concerned with anyone else's opinions or perspectives.
safe with you not having fun
Although I value others, I don't want them to be affected or in danger because of me.
i'd look right through you
I remain steadfast in my choices and beliefs, and am not swayed by others' opinions or arguments.
i never try, i'm Patsy Kline
I am unyielding in my beliefs and choices, even in the face of opposition or adversity.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.