Death Cab began as a solo project of Ben Gibbard, now the band's vocalist and guitarist. Gibbard took the band name from the satirical song Death Cab for Cutie, performed by The Bonzo Dog Band in The Beatles' 1967 experimental film Magical Mystery Tour. As Death Cab for Cutie, Gibbard released a cassette titled You Can Play These Songs with Chords; the release was surprisingly successful, and Gibbard decided to expand the band into a complete project. He recruited Chris Walla (who had also worked on the cassette) as an electric guitarist, Nick Harmer as bass guitarist, and Nathan Good to play drums.
The four released the LP Something About Airplanes on August 18th 1998. The album was favorably reviewed in the independent music scene, and in 2000 the band released We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes. Nathan Good left the band at some point during this album's production. His playing on “The Employment Pages” and “Company Calls Epilogue” were kept, but Gibbard played drums on all other songs.
Michael Schorr would first appear on The Forbidden Love E.P., released on October 24, 2000. In 2001, another LP was released, entitled The Photo Album. Limited editions of this album contained three bonus tracks, which were later released separately as The Stability EP.
In 2003, there was another change of drummer, with Jason McGerr of Eureka Farm replacing Schorr. McGerr would play drums on the next release, Transatlanticism.
Transatlanticism was released in October of 2003. It received critical praise and also became the band's top-selling album, with 225,000 copies sold during its first year out.
In spring of 2004, the band recorded a live E.P. titled The John Byrd E.P., named for their sound engineer. The E.P. was released on Barsuk Records in March 2004.
In November of 2004, Death Cab for Cutie signed a “long-term worldwide deal” with Atlantic Records, leaving their long-time label Barsuk Records. Gibbard stated on the official website www.deathcabforcutie.com that nothing would change except that “Next to the picture of Barsuk holding a 7", there will be the letter "A" on both the spine and back of our upcoming albums.” This was a marked change from Gibbard's earlier views on major-label relations, which he said “are set up to fuck you and take all your money.”. After signing to Atlantic, the band was still nervous about corporate economics, and encouraged fans to download its songs from the Internet.
The first and second singles off the band's Atlantic Record release Plans were “Soul Meets Body” and “Crooked Teeth”, respectively. The full album was released in August of 2005. Plans was somewhat well-acclaimed by critics and fans, and received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album of 2005. It achieved Gold Status in 2006 after charting on Billboard for 47 consecutive weeks.
The band released a touring DVD titled Drive Well, Sleep Carefully in 2005. Known for their contributions to animal rights, the band is supporting the activist group PETA in giving away copies of the DVD to promote animal rights.
In early 2006, the band announced the upcoming release of Directions, eleven short films inspired by songs from the Plans album, each directed by a different person. The videos were posted one at a time at the band's website and the DVD went on sale April 11, 2006.
On May 12, 2008 their album, Narrow Stairs, was released and was well received by both critics and fans. It was their first album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. The album contains the singles "I Will Possess Your Heart", "Cath..." and "Grapevine Fires".
The band's latest released The Open Door EP, which was released on March 31, 2009. Their main styles consist of slow progressive rock with dark lyrics.
The band's seventh album, Codes and Keys, was released on May 31, 2011. The album's first single was "You Are A Tourist".
On October 11, 2013, the band reportedly began working on their eighth studio album. This was then confirmed by the group's official Instagram profile in which an image was uploaded with the caption "DCFC LP8 begins". The new album will be produced by Rich Costey and is expected to be released in early 2015. In an interview with Stereogum, Gibbard said of the new album, "I do think from start to finish it's a much better record than Codes And Keys. If that record turned anybody off, I feel pretty strongly that this one could win them back. There are threads in this one that connect back to our earliest stuff that people love." On October 29, 2013, the band released a remastered tenth-anniversary version of their 2003 album Transatlanticism. The new album included a vinyl LP and MP3 download, with demos for all the songs from the album.
As part of the 2014 Record Store Day, the band released its first live album, a vinyl-only double LP recorded during various 2012 tour dates with Magik*Magik Orchestra. Included within the packaging was a code for a digital download of the recording.
On August 13, 2014, after 17 years as a member of Death Cab for Cutie, guitarist and songwriter Chris Walla decided to part ways with the band, with his last performance occurring on September 13, 2014 at the Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. Walla states that he plans to "...continue making music, producing records, and erring on the side of benevolence and beauty whenever possible." When asked in an interview about Walla's involvement in the eighth album, McGerr confirmed that Walla "played on everything and has been involved all the way through, even in the mixing. Even though he's played his last show with us, he's still been involved in everything involving this record."
Champagne From a Paper Cup
Death Cab for Cutie Lyrics
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I'll keep my mouth kept shut from under lock and key
That's rusted firm, no lie
Cause all these conversations wind on and on
Drinking champagne from a paper cup
Is never quite the same
And every sip's moving through my eyes
At half past two, about time to leave
Cause the DJ's playing rhythm and blues
A sad-sorry state, stutter step to those slammin' grooves
As I'm waiting around for you
The first stanza of this song is describing a situation where the singer has had a drink or two and feels confident enough to offer someone a ride home. However, they are aware of the danger of driving under the influence and vow to keep quiet, sealing their lips "under lock and key." The metaphorical use of "rusty locks" only serves to emphasize the importance of keeping a lid on things. Perhaps the singer is also aware of their tendency to ramble on in conversation, hence their desire to keep their mouth "kept shut." It seems like the conversations are endless and have no conclusion, leaving the singer feeling frustrated and trapped.
The second stanza describes the act of drinking champagne from a paper cup, which is not as glamorous or satisfying as drinking from a crystal glass. The singer implies that every sip sends a sensation that goes straight to their brain. The time is nearly 2.30 am, and it's time to leave. The DJ is playing a slow set of rhythm and blues songs, which only accentuates the melancholic feeling of the moment. The singer is waiting for someone, and they are growing impatient.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the emptiness of modern life, where every seemingly grand and romantic moment is reduced to something banal and mundane. The shiny wrapping may appear appealing, but the packaging doesn't always reflect the true nature of what's inside. The singer feels trapped in a cycle of repeating patterns, with no end in sight.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I'm drunk enough to drive you home now
I am now intoxicated to a degree where I feel like driving you home would be feasible without any negative consequences, despite the potential dangers it poses.
I'll keep my mouth kept shut from under lock and key
I will refrain from speaking about sensitive or controversial topics by being silent and keeping my thoughts 'locked' and hidden from others.
That's rusted firm, no lie
The information I am not disclosing is deeply ingrained in me and is unlikely to escape or be revealed, as it is a well-kept secret.
Cause all these conversations wind on and on
The prolonged conversations I have been involved in are tiring and frustrating me, as they keep going with no end in sight.
Drinking champagne from a paper cup
Celebrating or indulging in a luxurious experience that is less grandeur, less fancy, and less rich than expected.
Is never quite the same
The feeling and intensity of joy and gratification experienced are different from what I had anticipated from this seemingly joyous event.
And every sip's moving through my eyes
My perception of the world is constantly changing as I consume more and more alcohol, causing me to view things differently and become more emotional.
And up into my brain
The consumption of alcohol is altering my brain's function, thoughts, and actions, affecting my mood and behavior.
At half past two, about time to leave
It is getting late, and it is about time to exit the party or event.
Cause the DJ's playing rhythm and blues
My mood has shifted, and I feel down or sad because the DJ has switched to a melancholy and somber music genre.
A sad-sorry state, stutter step to those slammin' grooves
Feeling apologetic or full of regret, stumbling awkwardly and out of beat to the upbeat music in a drunken state.
As I'm waiting around for you
I am patiently and eagerly waiting for you to finish whatever you are doing, so we can depart and go home together.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank
on I Will Follow You Into The Dark
This song sucks