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.
Full Circle
Descendents Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A glint of brilliance when we all started to dig underground
We got bad reception down there, like we were from or on Mars
But everything became so clear, once I got all four bars
And now I've come full circle
Crash landing nineteen eighty
Time travel to the creepy crawl
Keep me alive
Once I saw it with my own eyes, everything started shifting gears
I listened to the true sounds of adolescence and had no fear
Just an alley cat, looking for some skank in the danger zone
And if I had one more minute, man, this is the last thing I wanna hear
And now I've come full circle
Crash landing nineteen eighty
Time travel to the creepy crawl
The big crux of intensity
Keep me alive
Notes and chords mean everything to me
Infected for life, I've got the disease
Like germs spreading throughout the land
If you were there, you understand
Keep me alive
Keep me alive
X marks the spot on the map where the treasure was found
The verse opens with a reference to a successful treasure hunt, wherein treasure hunters have found the treasure by digging underground. The act of uncovering hidden treasure mirrors the search for understanding and meaning in life. The struggle to discover one's purpose and identity is compared to digging for treasure. However, the journey to self-discovery is not easy, as evident from the line "We got bad reception down there, like we were from or on Mars," which suggests that finding oneself is a lonely and isolating experience that feels like it takes place on another planet.
However, this feeling dissipates as the songwriter succeeds in uncovering what they were searching for. They find clarity and meaning in life, represented by getting "all four bars" of reception. The references to the 1980s and the "true sounds of adolescence" suggest that the songwriter is nostalgic for a simpler time when they were coming of age. The "creepy crawl" and "big crux of intensity" likely refer to punk music shows, where the atmosphere was intense and lively. The song ends with a plea for music to keep the writer alive, indicating the therapeutic benefits of music.
Line by Line Meaning
X marks the spot on the map where the treasure was found
We knew where to look for what we wanted to find.
A glint of brilliance when we all started to dig underground
We initially had hope in our pursuit, and thought we were on the right track.
We got bad reception down there, like we were from or on Mars
In the pursuit of our goals, things became hazy and unclear.
But everything became so clear, once I got all four bars
The path became clear once we had all the necessary information at our disposal.
Once I saw it with my own eyes, everything started shifting gears
Once we have firsthand experience, it changes our perspective and approach.
I listened to the true sounds of adolescence and had no fear
I found comfort in something that was once new and unfamiliar.
Just an alley cat, looking for some skank in the danger zone
I was living my life dangerously, taking risks and seeking thrills.
And if I had one more minute, man, this is the last thing I wanna hear
Given more time, I don't want to hear any more noise or distractions.
Notes and chords mean everything to me
Music is of great significance in my life.
Infected for life, I've got the disease
My love for music will never go away; it's a part of who I am.
Like germs spreading throughout the land
The passion for music is contagious and far-reaching.
If you were there, you understand
Those who share a similar experience with me can relate and empathize.
Keep me alive
Music is a vital part of my existence and gives me life.
And now I've come full circle
The journey has led me back to where I began, but with greater insight and understanding.
Crash landing nineteen eighty
A reference to a significant moment in history or personal experience.
Time travel to the creepy crawl
Traversing through different eras or phases in life.
The big crux of intensity
The pivotal moment where everything comes together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MILO JAY AUKERMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matias
Increible estos pibes no paran de romperla, a veces mas a veces menos pero siempre la rompen!
Benji. B.
living legends!!!!!
Nordika X
I love you guys and would be honored to open for you one day! Never stop creating...(extra cheers for Stevenson)
George Reagan
probably my favorite song on this album.
Alan el Pendjo
This last album proves punk is not dead
František Podolský
awesome song
Luan Rosa
Minha música favorita desse ano aheuaheuae
Lukas Lopis
L Rosa e a minha tambem
Victor Schmidt
Luv it
Michael Kurtz
Since 87' & still f*@kin loving the Descendants. Fan 4 Life.