The band was formed as a way to explore performance art and music, which the members desperately needed to express. Choosing toy instruments and live drums out of necessity, CCIS began to experiment with a series of analog recording devices. The instruments gave way to crude drum machines and 'Frankenstein' type home-made instruments.
Championed by local radio station WXPN DJ Lee Paris they recorded the single "Cakes in the Home" (with the B-side containing "Kitchen Motors" and "Mechanical Breakdown") for his Go Go label (GO GO R001). This was followed by "Signals from Pier Thirteen" (Press Records P 2001) in 1981 produced by John Wicks at Third Story Recordings. This 12" EP contained the songs 'Cardboard Lamb' and 'Flying Turns' which are two of the bands most recognizable tracks. This record has been regarded as influential to the techno industrial genres and was an early inception of what is now known as the 'electro' sound. This record is still highly sought-after by collectors and fans today.
Flying Turns
Crash Course in Science Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
release the railing you want fall
at the nervous center
it's not threatening at all
you begin to spin around
take your hand
touch the ground
and later you're all there
select the left or right
monitor the height
adjusting slightly
and knowing that you might
lining up against the wall
release the railing you want fall
at the nervous center
it's not threatening at all
you begin to spin around
take your hand
touch the ground
it has to end somewhere
and later you're all there
The lyrics of Crash Course In Science's song "Flying Turns" describe the experiences of someone who is riding a roller coaster. The first stanza talks about the initial fear and apprehension that comes with standing at the starting point of the ride. The person has to release the railing to start the ride, but despite the nervousness, they find that the center isn't as threatening as they thought it would be. The second stanza talks about the actual ride experience. The person spins around, touches the ground and then the ride ends. The last line suggests that it takes some time to fully recover from the ride.
Overall, the lyrics are simple and straightforward, using metaphors to describe the experience of being on a roller coaster. However, there is a deeper meaning that can be inferred from the lyrics. The idea of lining up against the wall and releasing the railing can be connected to overcoming fear and taking a risk. Just like in life, the ride has to end eventually, but the experience stays with you.
Line by Line Meaning
lining up against the wall
Positioning yourself against a wall
release the railing you want fall
Letting go of the railing to experience the thrill of falling
at the nervous center
Being in the middle of the ride, where it's most intense
it's not threatening at all
Contrary to what you might think, the ride isn't actually dangerous
you begin to spin around
Starting the ride, feeling the sensation of movement
take your hand
Reaching out to touch something as the ride progresses
touch the ground
Feeling the ground beneath you as you spin around
it has to end somewhere
Realizing that the ride will eventually come to a stop
and later you're all there
Feeling like yourself again after the ride is over
select the left or right
Choosing which side of the ride to take
monitor the height
Staying aware of how high up you are on the ride
adjusting slightly
Making small changes to your position on the ride
and knowing that you might
Being aware that you could fall, but accepting the risk
Contributed by Maya M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.