As a band they wrote enough material to record a five song EP entitled "Sleep Comes In Interludes," which was recorded in Oneonta and produced by TJ Foster who was their former bandmate in The Cast Before The Break.
After releasing the EP, Athletics continued to write more material, until a cohesive group of songs were ready to record a full length record. The band recorded their debut full length record in Oneonta, NY over the course of a few months in the winter and spring of 2010. The tracks were produced by Moving Mountains' Greg Dunn, and later released on Deep Elm records as the album "Why Aren't I Home?" on October 26, 2010.
Jordan
Athletics Lyrics
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Like creatures that exist that God didn't create.
My body speaks to me and I understand.
It makes me say to it, "your wish is my command." Like feeling tired but wanting to stay awake, or spending money to cover up a mistake.
Like running fast but always taking long breaks.
Just like the feelings that she said she didn't fake.
I want to see the best version of me.
The me that I know is not my friend at all.
Trust himself to drink 'till there's a smile on his face.
A drink can trust a man to have another sip.
A man can trust a sip to stop his trembling lips.
Like reading half and never open it again.
Saying I was there when I ain't ever been.
How I feel about the way God taunts.
The same is the way I give my body what it wants.
I want to see the way I want to see.
I'm all alone.
I'm not my friend at all.
I'm dead to me.
I'm just a body.
Is a man really alive if he can't control his own life?
In Athletics's song "Jordan," the lyrics describe the struggle to control one's own body and desires. The first verse uses the metaphor of living like animals with no real shame, creatures that exist that God didn't create. This suggests a sense of primal, raw desire that cannot be controlled. The second verse speaks about how the body speaks to the singer and they understand; it makes them say to the body, "your wish is my command." This highlights the struggle to resist temptations such as feeling tired but wanting to stay awake, or spending money to cover up a mistake. The third verse focuses on trust - a man can trust himself to spend his life away or drink until there's a smile on his face, and a drink can trust a man to have another sip. This highlights the sense of addiction and dependency that can form, where the body craves something regardless of the consequences.
The fourth verse turns the focus inward, as the singer wants to see the best version of themselves. They believe the "me" they know is not their friend at all, suggesting a sense of self-loathing or discomfort with one's own desires. The final verse poses a question: "Is a man really alive if he can't control his own life?" This encapsulates the central struggle of the song - the need to control one's own body and choices, but also the sense that this can be an impossible feat.
Overall, the song "Jordan" explores the idea of primal desires and the struggle to control one's own body and choices. It highlights the addictive nature of certain behaviors and the sense of inner turmoil that comes from wanting to resist but feeling unable to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Living like animals with no real shame.
Living without any moral standards and behaving like wild animals.
My body speaks to me and I understand.
Being in touch with one's bodily needs and desires.
It makes me say to it, "your wish is my command."
Giving in to bodily desires and letting them control one's actions.
Like feeling tired but wanting to stay awake, or spending money to cover up a mistake.
Experiencing conflicting desires or making impulsive decisions.
Like running fast but always taking long breaks.
Being inconsistent in pursuing one's goals or ambitions.
Just like the feelings that she said she didn't fake.
Doubting someone's sincerity or honesty.
I want to see the best version of me.
Striving to improve oneself and reach one's full potential.
The me that I know is not my friend at all.
Feeling disconnected or dissatisfied with one's self.
A man can trust himself to spend his life away.
Having a destructive or addictive behavior.
Trust himself to drink 'till there's a smile on his face.
Abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism or escape from reality.
A drink can trust a man to have another sip.
Falling into a pattern of addiction or dependency.
A man can trust a sip to stop his trembling lips.
Relieving anxiety through substance abuse instead of seeking proper help.
Like reading half and never open it again.
Starting something but never finishing it or lacking commitment.
Saying I was there when I ain't ever been.
Lying or exaggerating about one's experiences or accomplishments.
How I feel about the way God taunts.
Feeling resentful or conflicted about one's spirituality or religion.
The same is the way I give my body what it wants.
Having a self-destructive or unhealthy relationship with one's own body.
I want to see the way I want to see.
Desiring to have control over one's own perspective and perception.
I'm all alone.
Feeling isolated or lonely.
I'm not my friend at all.
Being harsh or critical towards oneself and lacking self-compassion.
I'm dead to me.
Feeling disconnected or out of touch with one's own identity or sense of self.
I'm just a body.
Reducing one's existence to purely physical or materialistic aspects.
Is a man really alive if he can't control his own life?
Questioning the meaning of life and the importance of personal agency and control.
Contributed by Skyler W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
A Museical Enterprise
Dat bass