Bain Mattox is what Alternative Addiction calls, "hands down, the most tale… Read Full Bio ↴Bain Mattox is what Alternative Addiction calls, "hands down, the most talented unsigned artist in the country." Mattox sprung onto the Atlanta music scene in 2003 after winning Smith's Open Mic Madness. The twenty-one year old troubadour instantly became a favorite among locals and critics alike, with his every-man persona and an array of oddly tuned pawn-shop instruments. With the addition of a permanent backing band, a self-titled release under his belt, and a steady year and a half out on the road, he has developed gracefully into what Ernie Ball says, "is a highly innovative artist who is a "can't miss" in 2006.

In mid-2005 he began work on a second album with the intention of creating something organic, classic and real. True to his indie spirit, when it came time to record and funds weren't readily available, he called out to his grass-roots fan base for assistance. Loyal fans, eager for a second release, pre-ordered the upcoming album and a small back-log of unreleased demos, generating enough revenue for a completely fan-funded album.

Mattox's stunning sophomore release, Prizefighter [November 1, 2005] is already a knock-out with fans. "My goal was to spend the time and make an album that is easily accessible to people; something they could grasp onto and call their own," he says. He took the better part of 6 months off the road and came up with eleven tales of turmoil and triumph that bob and weave beautifully throughout this stark masterpiece. Mattox and his band recorded Prizefighter during an eight week lock-out with Producer John Briglevich (Goo Goo Dolls, Edwin McCain, Chuck D) at Sonica Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. "I wanted Prizefighter to be very much about my personal struggles this past year," says Mattox "I needed it to reflect who I am as a person and stand as an example for what you can accomplish if you just get up, dust yourself off, and keep going."

Mattox and his band are currently out on the road in support of Prizefighter. "I have had the pleasure of collaborating with a lot of really good musicians over the past two years," says Mattox, "but there's nothing more powerful than sharing a stage and making a record with my best friends." His current touring line-up includes long-time drummer Andy Bauer, keys and rhythm guitarist Rivers Pearce, bassist Mike Lamond and lead guitarist Chris Skogen. Mattox lives in Athens, Georgia, while the band resides in Atlanta, allowing them the privilege of calling both places "home".

Mattox has seen national success on MTV's Real World, Turner Network Television's NASCAR, Delta Airline's Campus Movie Fest, "Good Morning Atlanta" on CBS, and has performed live on FOX Charlotte, Q100's "The Bert Show", and Music Midtown 2004 alongside the Foo Fighters and Switchfoot. His last two Atlanta performances at The Roxy Theatre had over 1,000 in attendance and he has recently seen airplay on The UK's SKY Channel 905, XM radio, Atlanta, Ga.'s 99x, Macon, Ga.'s Q106, and Auburn, Al.'s TigerFM.

Mattox currently reigns as an award-winning artist for:
"Best Rock Band" and "Best Singer-Songwriter" Flagpole Music Awards (Athens, Ga.)
"Best Front-Man" Atlanta Music Guide Music Awards
"Best Singer-Songwriter" and "Best Instrumentalist" Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta
#1 on The Best Unsigned Band List Alternative Addiction
Creative Loafing says, "As long as Bain Mattox keeps writing simple, stunning, sad songs, he'll maintain both mainstream and indie cred."

Timebomb
Bain Mattox Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's the things that you miss
When you just seem to miss it
It's the hard times, hard times
It's the simple little kiss
When you don't want to kiss me
It's the hard times, hard times

I could fall for something sane

My cuts are bleeding napalm
I could fall for something sane
I am just a time-bomb

I got a bone to pick with all but my own business
Hard times, hard times
It's the Mr. Silhouette that's behind every summit
It's the hard times, hard times

I could fall for something sane
My cuts are bleeding napalm
I could fall for something sane
I am just a time-bomb

It's the same old step and
The same old step and song
You got me tickin' like a timebomb
The same old step and
The same old step and song
You got me tickin' like a timebomb
Like a timebomb... like a timebomb

I could fall for something sane
My cuts are bleeding napalm
I could fall for something sane
I am just a time-bomb

It's the same old step and
The same old step and song
You got me tickin' like a timebomb
The same old step and
The same old step and song

You got me tickin' like a timebomb
Like a timebomb... like a timebomb

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in this song focus on the idea of being a "timebomb," someone who is unstable and ready to explode emotionally. The verse "It's the things that you miss when you just seem to miss it, It's the hard times, hard times, It's the simple little kiss when you don't want to kiss me, It's the hard times, hard times," highlights the subtle moments and gestures that can be missed when a relationship is in a rough patch. The chorus "I could fall for something sane, my cuts are bleeding napalm, I am just a time-bomb" suggests that despite recognizing the need for stability, the subject feels as if they are dangerous and destructive, like a timebomb waiting to go off at any moment.

The second verse discusses feeling the need to take control of one's own life, addressing the idea of "business" and "Mr. Silhouette," who could represent external factors causing emotional turmoil. The repetition of "hard times" throughout the song emphasizes the struggle of maintaining emotional stability during difficult moments.

Line by Line Meaning

It's the things that you miss
The things that are missed the most in life.

When you just seem to miss it
When something is out of reach or just missed.

It's the hard times, hard times
The difficult moments in life.

It's the simple little kiss
The act of affection that is often taken for granted.

When you don't want to kiss me
When the passion is gone and love is no longer reciprocated.

I could fall for something sane
The desire to seek normalcy and stability in life choices.

My cuts are bleeding napalm
The emotional pain is intense and severe.

I am just a time-bomb
Living with the knowledge of being on the brink of a breakdown.

I got a bone to pick with all but my own business
Struggling with inner turmoil that is no one else's concern.

It's the Mr. Silhouette that's behind every summit
The dark forces that seem to always be at play.

It's the same old step and
The repetitive nature of life's patterns.