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.
Outside
Burning Airlines Lyrics
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a ceremony with a serried edge is the price to fly in a cage of wire.
displaying the scars where my hands were tied, martyr to sinner in record time, while she took the orange from the autumn sky, so sublime.
so we said goodbye.
what's the price to fly in a cage of wire?
boys spin by on a mobile inside her knowing ambivalent mind, but isn't this one more alive? where am i?
and where's my right mind?
outside of the aviary tonight, would i still fly?
The lyrics to Burning Airlines' song "Outside The Aviary" speak to the theme of desire and madness entwined in a destructive relationship. The singer is reflecting on the cost of being in this relationship - a "cage of wire" that may offer the illusion of freedom but ultimately imprisons them. The image of a "ceremony with a serried edge" speaks to the idea of a wedding or commitment ceremony, but one that comes with a sense of danger or violence.
The lyrics describe the singer's transformation from a martyr to a sinner, highlighting the destructive nature of the relationship. The partner in question takes "the orange from the autumn sky" - a symbol of beauty and vitality - adding a sense of tragedy to the proceedings. Ultimately, the relationship comes to an end, and the singer questions what life will be like "outside of the aviary." The use of the word "fly" suggests both the desire for freedom and the metaphorical sense of flying too close to the sun and being burned. The ambiguity of the lyrics adds to the sense of uncertainty, as the singer wonders whether they will be able to escape the cycle of desire and madness in future romantic endeavors.
Line by Line Meaning
clarity lost out to desire, and i married the madness in her eyes.
I gave up on having a clear understanding of the situation because I was blinded by my desire for her, and I ended up committing to her wild and unstable personality.
a ceremony with a serried edge is the price to fly in a cage of wire.
In order to be trapped in this kind of a relationship, I had to go through some sort of commitment ceremony. It was like being in a birdcage that had sharp edges.
displaying the scars where my hands were tied, martyr to sinner in record time, while she took the orange from the autumn sky, so sublime.
I have physical and emotional scars from being trapped in this relationship. I went from being a devoted follower to a sinner in a very short time. Meanwhile, she was able to enjoy the beauty of life without being affected by the chaos around her.
so we said goodbye.
Eventually we both realized that we were better off without each other and we ended things.
what's the price to fly in a cage of wire?
Is it worth it to be trapped in a relationship that is restricting and painful?
boys spin by on a mobile inside her knowing ambivalent mind, but isn't this one more alive? where am i?
She attracts a lot of attention from other people, but it seems that I am the one who is truly alive and thinking for myself. I feel lost in her presence.
and where's my right mind?
I am questioning my own sanity and decision-making abilities in this situation.
outside of the aviary tonight, would i still fly?
If I were outside of this constraining relationship, would I still be able to find my freedom and happiness?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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