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.
Christmas Vacation
Descendents Lyrics
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You were depressed, you were really messed up
You know I understand
But why did you not talk to me
Why didn't you help me prepare for the nightmare
You took a vacation into oblivion
You were so low and I felt like I didn't know you
Christmas vacation you took a vacation from me
But it keeps falling back down off the shelves in my head
A twinge of pain now, a shudder of disgust
As I shield my eyes from my own memory
I knew all about your plans
I really did understand
But you didn't let me know
I wasn't invited to go
Christmas vacation you took a vacation from me
I watched in desperation as you stumbled before my eyes
She needs beer, she doesn't need me, I finally realized
My anger and pain in all your fun, you couldn't recpgnize
I stopped caring long before you started to cry
The song “Christmas Vacation” by punk band Descendents tells a powerful story about a person who struggles with depression and substance abuse during the holiday season. The singer expresses his anger and disappointment over his loved one's behavior during this time, as they took a “vacation into oblivion” and left him feeling abandoned and alone.
The lyrics capture the complex emotions of dealing with someone who is coping with mental health issues, as well as the frustration of feeling powerless to help. The line “I knew all about your plans / I really did understand / But you didn't let me know / I wasn't invited to go” highlights the sense of exclusion and isolation that often accompanies this type of situation.
The chorus of “Christmas vacation, you took a vacation from me” emphasizes the sense of loss and separation that the singer experiences during this time. He watches helplessly as his loved one sinks deeper into addiction and self-destruction. Despite his efforts to provide support and understanding, he cannot break through the wall of depression that surrounds her.
Overall, the song is a powerful portrayal of the impact of mental illness on relationships and the difficulties of navigating these challenges during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
You were depressed, you were really messed up
You were unhappy, struggling with life and had hit rock bottom
You know I understand
I empathize with your situation
But why did you not talk to me
If you had confided in me about your problems, it would have helped
Why didn't you help me prepare for the nightmare
You didn't inform me or take any measures to ease your crisis
You took a vacation into oblivion
You escaped your problems by losing yourself in oblivion
You were so low and I felt like I didn't know you
Your depressive state had changed who you were and I couldn't recognize you
Christmas vacation you took a vacation from me
You chose to spend the holiday season without me, without my help
Once it ended, I mended myself
After the holidays, I started to heal myself
But it keeps falling back down off the shelves in my head
However, the memories of that period come back to haunt me repeatedly
A twinge of pain now, a shudder of disgust
Recollections of your behavior and our past are now causing me discomfort and unease
As I shield my eyes from my own memory
I try to avoid thinking too much about what happened
I knew all about your plans
I was aware of what you were going through and what you intended to do
I really did understand
I comprehended the motivations behind your actions
But you didn't let me know
You didn't communicate with me, so I couldn't offer any support
I wasn't invited to go
I wasn't included in your journey towards recovery
Christmas vacation you took a vacation from me
You chose to go on this trip to escape, without me and my help
I watched in desperation as you stumbled before my eyes
I saw you struggle and suffer, feeling helpless and frustrated
She needs beer, she doesn't need me, I finally realized
I came to understand that you were using alcohol to cope and didn't want my assistance
My anger and pain in all your fun, you couldn't recognize
You couldn't see how much you were hurting me by indulging in self-destructive behavior
I stopped caring long before you started to cry
I had already given up on you and your recovery before you broke down and cried
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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