The band first released their highly sought after, self-titled, 6-song 12" on Freewill Records in 1994, followed by a s/t 7" on freewill and 2 split 7" records with various bands (Sineater, Jimmy Eat World [Richter would sing back-ups on JEW's major label debut, Static Prevails], plus a 7-inch compilation on Germany's X-Mist label called For Want Of, named for the Rites of Spring song). The band later released a split 10"/CD with Kansas City's Boys Life on LA's Crank! Records, and then their self-titled swan song, the "Stereo" album, which was released on the Lincoln, Nebraska label, Caulfield Records. The band called it quits in May, 1996, but played two separate unannounced/word of mouth house shows later in the year(one at thanksgiving and the final show on new year's eve). Later, Caulfield released an anthology CD of Christie Front Drive's earliest recordings. Most recently, Christie Front Drive re-united for a one-off show in September of 2007 as a part of the third annual Denver Music Fest.
Members of the band have resurfaced in: Antarctica, the 101 and Golden City (Richter), The Mighty Rime (McDonald), The Blue Ontario (Marschall and Begin), the Prole Art 3 (Marschall), the Reports (McDonald), the November Trio (McDonald), And Guppies Eat Their Young (Marschall) and the 101 (Richter). Marschall was also credited as an engineer on the Apples in Stereo's album, The Discovery of the World Inside the Moone. Richter's pre-CFD bands, Lilawatt and Turnkey, each released a 7" single in the early '90s wherein Richter only played guitar; Lilawatt's/Turnkey's singer, Steve Revitte, is now a renowned recording engineer in NYC (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Liars, Beastie Boys). Today, Christie Front Drive's earliest material, especially their debut 12" and 7", have been known to go for $150 on eBay.
Saturday
Christie Front Drive Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whole
I cut you down; I cut you down
For being anywhere
Anywhere
Cause you're so
Cause you're so
Beat your head down
I'll be your
I'll be your
Headstand down
You've got your headstand down
Don't fall down
The lyrics to Christie Front Drive's song Saturday seem to be describing someone who is being criticized or ostracized for simply existing or being present somewhere. The lines "I cut you down; I cut you down for being anywhere" suggest that the singer is actively trying to tear down this person for no real reason. The repetition of the word "anywhere" emphasizes the sense of aimless, baseless aggression.
The next lines, "Cause you're so sold" suggest that the reason for this aggression is because the person in question is perceived as being too eager to please or fit in. The use of the word "sold" implies that this person has compromised their integrity or authenticity in order to fit in or be accepted.
The rest of the lyrics seem to suggest that the singer is attempting to dominate or control this person, perhaps out of a sense of insecurity or fear. The lines "Beat your head down, I'll be your headstand down" suggest a sort of violent control or dominance. However, the final line "Don't fall down" might be seen as a warning or a plea to the person to persevere and resist the singer's attempts to tear them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Anywhere
I don't care about location, time, or circumstances.
Whole
The entirety of the situation is relevant.
I cut you down; I cut you down
I criticized you harshly and repeatedly.
For being anywhere
Your actions were inconsequential and not focused enough.
Cause you're so
Because you're very distinctive and unique.
Cause you're sold
Because you are influenced by others without realizing it yourself.
Beat your head down
Repress your will and desires aggressively.
I'll be your
I will take control and handle things for you.
Headstand down
I'll reverse your opinions or ideas no matter how absurd.
You've got your headstand down
You've already submitted and don't resist my influence anymore.
Don't fall down
Don't collapse under the weight of my judgment and power.
Contributed by Evan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.