The would-be next album, "Dear Tommy" (2016), was scrapped, and was meant to be re-worked for a subsequent release, however the fate of album is unclear, as on August 10, 2021, Ruth Radelet, Adam Miller and Nat Walker announced the breaking up of Chromatics. Later that day the label, Italians Do It Better, and Johnny Jewel's representative, also confirmed the breakup. Their last album is "Closer to Grey" (2019), which has a companion album, "Faded Now" (2020).
The band originally hailed from Seattle and formed in 2002 as a quartet featuring vocalist Adam Miller, drummer Hannah Blilie, guitarist Devin Welch, and bassist Michelle Nolan. That lineup debuted in 2002 with a Calvin Johnson-produced 7" on Gold Standard Laboratories -- a split with Die Monitr Batss -- and followed with the similarly GSL-issued Chrome Rats vs Basement Ruts LP.
While Chrome Rats was critically hailed, Chromatics couldn't keep it together, and Miller was soon the only member in good standing (Blilie, Welch, and Nolan went on to form the similar-sounding Shoplifting). Unworried, Miller added guitar and drum programming to his vocal duties and tapped bassist Nat Sahlstrom for the 2003 GSL 7" Ice Hatchets. That was followed by the February 2004 full-length Plaster Hounds (which featured the percussion work of Get Hustle's Ron Avila), and a repositioning of the Chromatics axis to greater reflect its dub and no wave influences.
This lineup too dissolved and Adam Miller relocated Chromatics to Portland, teaming up with Glass Candy's Johnny Jewel, Ruth Radelet on lead vocals, and Nat Walker on percussion and saxophone. The new lineup of Chromatics had a more lo-fi electronic sound as opposed to the earlier dub and no-wave sounds.
Into the Black
Chromatics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rock and roll is here to stay
It's better to burn out than to fade away
My my, hey hey
Out of the blue and into the black
They give you this, but you paid for that
And once you're gone, you can never come back
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten
This is the story of Johnny Rotten
It's better to burn out than it is to rust
The king is gone but he's not forgotten
Hey hey, my my
Rock and roll can never die
There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye
Hey hey, my my
"Into the Black" by Chromatics is a cover version of Neil Young's "My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)", which was released in 1979. The opening lines, "My my, hey hey, rock and roll is here to stay," indicate that the song is an ode to the enduring power of rock and roll music. The lyrics hint towards the fleeting nature of fame, the importance of living life to the fullest and the dangers of complacency.
The lines, "It's better to burn out than to fade away" suggest that it's better for musicians to go out with a bang, rather than to grow old and decline. This may be connected to the tragedies of legendary musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. The lyrics caution against complacency in life and urge the listener to live life to its fullest, as once you're gone, you can never come back.
The song also references the story of Johnny Rotten, the lead singer of the Sex Pistols, a punk rock band from London. Rotten was known for his wild and controversial behavior on stage, and the lyrics suggest that although his reign as "king" may be over, his legacy will live on forever. The closing lines, "Rock and roll can never die, there's more to the picture than meets the eye", reinforce the idea that music transcends time and that there is always more to discover and uncover.
Finally, the cover version by Chromatics is distinct from the original, as it features a haunting and ethereal synth-pop sound that adds a layer of mystery to the song's already introspective lyrics. The re-interpretation creates a unique atmosphere that touches on the theme of impermanence and the human desire for transcendence.
Line by Line Meaning
My my, hey hey
This song is about the enduring power of rock music and its ability to capture the spirit of rebellion and freedom.
Rock and roll is here to stay
Despite changes in popular music, rock and roll will always have a place in the hearts of music lovers.
It's better to burn out than to fade away
It's better to go out in a blaze of glory than to fade into obscurity.
My my, hey hey
Reiterating the opening lines for emphasis.
Out of the blue and into the black
Moving from a state of stability to one of uncertainty and potential danger.
They give you this, but you paid for that
People often receive something unexpected or undesired, and have to pay a price for it.
And once you're gone, you can never come back
Once a situation has changed or a decision has been made, it's impossible to go back in time and undo it.
When you're out of the blue and into the black
Foreshadowing the idea that life can change abruptly and unpredictably.
The king is gone, but he's not forgotten
Acknowledging that even though certain figures or trends may no longer be in the public eye, their impact and legacy continue to be felt.
This is the story of Johnny Rotten
Referencing a specific individual known for his countercultural influence in the world of music.
It's better to burn out than it is to rust
Reaffirming the earlier sentiment that it's more noble and honorable to go out in a blaze of glory than to fade away unnoticed or unappreciated.
The king is gone but he's not forgotten
Repeating the idea that even though certain entities may no longer be present, their shadow continues to loom large over the cultural landscape.
Hey hey, my my
Closing the song with a final reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of rock and roll.
Rock and roll can never die
Reasserting the idea that no matter what changes may occur in popular music, rock and roll will always have a place in people's hearts and minds.
There's more to the picture
Suggesting that there is always more to any given situation or experience than initially meets the eye.
Than meets the eye
Ending the song on this note of mystery and intrigue, encouraging the listener to contemplate the deeper meanings and implications of the lyrics and music.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Neil Young, Jeff Blackburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@victoria8412
My my, hey hey
Rock'n roll is here to stay
It's better to burn out than to fade away
My my, hey hey!
Out of the blue into the black
I give you this, but you pay for that
Once you're gone, you can't never come back
When you're out of the blue, into the black!
The king is gone but he's not forgotten
This is the story of Johnny Rotten
It's better to burn out than it is to rust
The king is gone but he's not forgotten
Hey hey, my my
Rock and roll can never die
There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye
Hey hey, my my
@user-kf3ji8rr9j
Whoever reading this. Your music taste is damn good
@kimsung2384
Haven’t heard it yet mate! Listening for the first time
@hunterzolomon9934
Greetings From Germany ❤️
@mohitrahaman9454
ikr, all the best 2u2
@mongezibuthelezi1032
Thank you
@noddy1569
@@hunterzolomon9934unser guter Musikgeschmack brachte uns hier her bro
@NotDurk
From the ashes, through the bridge, the shepherd will rise.
@mustafarahem175
My ass he well
@notzachpowers
This show is getting insane i love it
@jeremyenyart7221
@Zachary Powers me too