Shortly after forming they enlisted Milo Aukerman and made what started out a surf band into a full fledged punk unit. Descendents have diverged from their punk peers, perhaps because of the Beach Boys influences, and sang about topics that touched many young punks' lives like parents, food, girls and being rejected.
This band separated due to Milo actually going to college (he attended the University of California, San Diego) just like the title of their debut. This and other constraints have made them famous for their long hiatuses, which are sometimes a decade span in length. The band has now spread out across their country of origin and their future is somewhat uncertain.
Lead singer Milo Aukerman currently resides in Newark, Delaware. He was a biochemist for the internationally known DuPont Chemical company, which is based out of Delaware. However, whenever the end of Descendents seemed to be approaching, Milo popped up again and the band released a new record. Aukerman then later returned to his academic duties in teaching biochemistry. He then quit his academic life to pursue a career in music fulltime.
Catalina
Descendents Lyrics
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The Descendents’ song Catalina is a story of a person who is trying to escape from their troubles and problems. The singer’s room is a mess, but they don’t care as they are tired of sitting at the desk. The person is far away from someone who bothers them and is determined to get away from the troubles. The singer states that no one can tell them what to do or make them think they love them. This shows a sense of independence and self-reliance, which is essential for the singer's escape.
The singer shoots up in the arm to feel numb, which is a temporary escape from the pain. The person then sets off to Catalina, avoiding reading books that remind them of the problem. The singer speaks of filling their tank with squid, indicating that they are intended for a long haul. They also mention having all the rest they need on the deck of their boat, leaving no space for anyone else. They don't want to be wanted by anyone, especially the “whores” who cannot make them want them.
The singer conscientiously escapes, mainly because they cannot bear the pain of the past, and their thoughts are overwhelming them. However, their escape also comes with technical challenges as the boat's motor breaks down, and they run out of gas. Eventually, they are stranded, but they continue to fight for their escape. The singer tries to fix the motor and gets out of their head by putting on a Doors tape. The song ends with the singer stuck in Catalina, but their intentions to escape and return to their escape haven.
Line by Line Meaning
my room's a mess, but i don't care
I am not bothered about the disorganised state of my room.
i'm tired of sitting at my desk
I am bored of just sitting and working at my desk.
you can't bother me i'm far away from you
You cannot disturb me as I am in a far-off place away from you.
got to get away you can't ruin my day
I need to escape and you will not be able to spoil my day.
you can't tell me what to do
You have no authority to dictate my actions.
you can't make me think i love you
You cannot influence my feelings towards you.
shoot it in the arm, you can't hurt me
Even if you hit me, you cannot cause me any harm.
i'm on my way to catalina
I am heading towards Catalina Island.
and i'm not going to read your books
I have no intention of reading any literature that you may have given me.
my tank's full of squid and it's getting light
My fuel tank is full of squid and the morning is dawning.
and you whores, you can't make me want
Even if you try to seduce me, you will not be able to make me desire you.
'cause i got all the rest i need on the deck of my boat
I already have everything I require on my boat's deck.
and you can't take my heart when i'm here
You will not be able to affect my feelings as I am away from you.
'cause it's a long swim home for your cute little arms
It will be an arduous swim for you to return to me with your small arms.
i'll steal some gas, fix my motor
I will acquire fuel and rectify any issues with my boat's engine.
put on my beatles tape and get you out of my head
I will listen to The Beatles to take my mind off you.
ah yes, here i am, far away from everyone
I am now far away from all others as I desired.
and the only fish i smell is on the back of my boat
I can only smell the fish caught and stored on my boat.
i want to go but my motor's broken
Although I want to leave, my engine is inoperable.
there's no scotch tape, i'm out of gas, so it looks like i'm stuck here
I have no adhesive tape and no fuel, leaving me stranded and unable to move.
i'll steal some gas, fix my motor
I will obtain fuel and repair my boat's engine.
put on my doors tape and get you out of my head
I will listen to The Doors to forget about you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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