Since Defiance, Ohio formed in 2002 they have released four full length LPs, Share What Ya Got, The Great Depression, The Fear, the Fear, the Fear, Midwestern Minutes and several singles, B sides and split EPs. In the DIY spirit they release most of their music themselves, producing their own CDs, as well as allowing anyone to download all their music for free from their website (http://defianceohio.terrorware.com). When not releasing their own music, the band works with small independent record labels in order to produce their releases. Their three most recent albums were released on No Idea.
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The Temperature Is Dropping
Defiance Ohio Lyrics
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[Make] simultaneous maps of cities, states of heart, or the heart of states. And I keep on hoping, and I keep on asking to stay awake or hibernate. And maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, our marks can make it through the snow. But even words can wither in the frost, if all we ever know is this beating pulse that slows to less than one beat per minute before the spring thaw. Do we measure days or years? Or are we tired of waiting? And is it a luxury, or survival, or all that we have?
Defiance Ohio's song "The Temperature Is Dropping" is a ballad about the impending winter, as the title suggests. However, the song's lyrics explore more than just the weather. The lyricist questions whether or not it would be helpful to communicate through writing as the temperature drops and the possibility of icy lakes increases. The lyrics suggest that despite the cold and the ensuing isolation, the potential for communication may still be a possibility. It's clear that the author has a desire for human connection, with the repeated phrase "baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby." But even if street lights and cold nights are all that there is, finding solace in that connection may be enough.
The next stanza in the song suggests that the lyricist is grappling with the concept of time itself. They discuss the potential for mapping out cities and states alongside one's emotional state, but it's unclear whether this will provide any solace. The repetition of "maybe, maybe, maybe" further emphasizes the uncertainty.
As the song progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the lyricist is working through feelings of stagnation and a fear of death. They question whether they are measuring days or years and wonder if they are tired of waiting. The idea of a beating pulse that slows to less than one beat per minute before the spring thaw underscores the finality of winter and the possibility of stagnation.
Overall, Defiance Ohio's "The Temperature Is Dropping" is a poignant ballad about isolation, connection, and the fear of death. The lyrics skillfully explore the possibility of human connection even in the bleakest of times, while also acknowledging the potential for stagnation.
Line by Line Meaning
Would it help to write a letter, as puddles turn to icy lakes?
Is it worth trying to communicate our feelings, even as things become more difficult and strained?
The temperature is dropping, the temperature is dropping with every breath or life it takes.
Things are getting harder and colder around us, taking their toll on us and everything we hold dear.
And baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, I guess it wouldn't be bad - if street lights and the cold nights in between - were all we ever had.
Maybe we could find some comfort in the bleakness, if it was all we had ever known or had to look forward to.
Make simultaneous maps of cities, states of heart, or the heart of states.
Try to understand and reconcile the complex, interconnected systems of the world and the emotions they evoke.
And I keep on hoping, and I keep on asking to stay awake or hibernate.
We persist in searching for some solution, some way to weather this storm.
And maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, our marks can make it through the snow.
Perhaps we can still leave some kind of lasting impact or legacy, even in difficult times.
But even words can wither in the frost, if all we ever know is this beating pulse that slows to less than one beat per minute before the spring thaw.
Even our words, our passion and ideas, can be lost or forgotten if we give in completely to the harsh conditions around us.
Do we measure days or years? Or are we tired of waiting?
Are we focused on short-term survival, or are we still trying to imagine a long-term future?
And is it a luxury, or survival, or all that we have?
Is our persistence and hope a sign of privilege, or is it our only option to make it through these hard times?
Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.