It was started by former Jawbox members J. Robbins and Bill Barbot. Before Jawbox split in 1997, Robbins and Barbot had begun jamming with Robbins' former Government Issue bandmate and drummer, Peter Moffet. When Zach Barocas left Jawbox for New York, Moffet was briefly asked to fill in for Barocas. However, this Jawbox lineup was not to be, and Jawbox called it quits shortly afterwards. However, the musicians' familiarity gave them a distinct advantage, and Burning Airlines was born fully formed, and off and running to a very quick start. Taking their name from a Brian Eno song, Burning Airlines quickly released their first EP, and shortly thereafter their debut CD Mission: Control! was released in 1999 on DeSoto Records.
Being unable to tour full-time, Bill Barbot bowed out of Burning Airlines and long time friend and Jawbox roadie, Mike Harbin took over as bassist. This lineup would do some extensive touring and record their second release, "Identikit" on DeSoto Records in 2001. Shortly afterwards, Benjamin Pape was added as second Guitarist/keyboards/vocalist. Burning Airlines then suddenly and abruptly split up in 2002.
The band release two full length albums, a self-titled EP and "split" releases with At The Drive-In and Braid.
Burning Airlines were involved in a minor controversy, after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. Burning Airlines were in the middle of a major North American Tour, when the attacks occurred. Many clubs refused to display the name "BURNING AIRLINES" atop their marquees so shortly after the attacks. The band had considered changing their name, but after some time and reflection, decided the name was still appropriate, and had taken a new meaning and relevancy.
Carnival
Burning Airlines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stalled in the sky and loved it
Blacked out, the stars above the lot still shone on you
Wired on raw good luck
We'll never get far enough above
The sordid and sticky low-rent show that moves below
I'm finding my own way around
When are the tents coming down?
Savoring stale confections
And magically cheap consessions
To faith in a framework built to stand a test of days
I can still smell the money
A net beneath everything that falls
Into the gap between love and pornography
I'm finding my own way around
Our carnivalesque common ground
When are the tents coming down?
The medicine show comes around
To peddle a prescription now
To medicate mistrust of crowds
The pitch coming on sickly proud
There's no way around
There's no way around
And there's no way the carnival tents are coming down
The Burning Airlines song Carnival tells the story of the disorienting and sometimes terrifying experience of being on a carnival ride. The lyrics use vivid imagery to describe the physical sensations of being on a ride, from the tilting and whirling to the feeling of being stalled in the sky. Despite the potentially frightening experience, the singer of the song loves it and feels a sense of exhilaration from being so high above the mundane and sordid world below. As they look down, they are reminded of the "sordid and sticky low-rent show that moves below," implying that the carnival ride is a temporary escape from the less glamorous aspects of life.
The song's central theme is the tension between the carnival and the world below it. The singer is finding their own way around this “carnivalesque common ground," but admits that there seems to be no way around the carnival tents, which will remain even after the ride is over. The metaphor of the carnival as a more exciting and attractive version of reality suggests that there is a desire to escape from the mundane world and indulge in moments of wild abandon. However, in the end, the carnival is still a façade that hides something darker underneath.
Line by Line Meaning
Tilt and whirl, rise and plummet
Describing the ups and downs and roller-coaster ride of life.
Stalled in the sky and loved it
Enjoying and embracing a moment of stillness amidst all the chaos.
Blacked out, the stars above the lot still shone on you
Even in moments of darkness or confusion, there is always something to hold onto or look towards.
Wired on raw good luck
Feeling invincible or lucky, but perhaps not recognizing the role of hard work or chance in success.
We'll never get far enough above the sordid and sticky low-rent show that moves below
Despite our best efforts, we can never fully escape or rise above the chaos and mess of the world around us.
I'm finding my own way around
Finding one's own path through life and not following the expectations or norms of others.
Our carnivalesque common ground
Recognizing the similarities and shared experiences that we all have despite our differences.
When are the tents coming down?
Questioning when and how the chaos and insanity of life will come to an end.
Savoring stale confections
Finding pleasure or comfort in things that may not necessarily be good or fresh.
And magically cheap concessions
Being easily lured or enticed by things that are not necessarily valuable or authentic.
To faith in a framework built to stand a test of days
Believing in something that is strong and durable enough to withstand the test of time.
I can still smell the money
Being aware of, or perhaps even tempted by, the allure of wealth and financial success.
A net beneath everything that falls
Feeling supported or protected, even in moments of failure or uncertainty.
Into the gap between love and pornography
Acknowledging the complicated and often confusing relationship between intimacy and sexuality.
The medicine show comes around
The idea of a cure-all solution or quick fix to life's problems.
To peddle a prescription now
Trying to sell someone on a particular belief or ideology.
To medicate mistrust of crowds
Using something, whether it be a tangible product or an idea, to numb or alleviate feelings of fear or distrust in society or groups of people.
The pitch coming on sickly proud
The act of trying to persuade or sell someone on something, even if it may not be completely truthful or beneficial.
There's no way around
Acknowledging that there is no easy or straightforward solution to life's problems.
And there's no way the carnival tents are coming down
Realizing that chaos, confusion, and craziness are a fundamental and unchanging part of life.
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