“This record has really given me the opportunity to say everything that I can’t articulate in my day to day life. ‘Blacking Out the Stars’ is about reaching for that relationship that you’ve always wanted, and realizing
it’s no longer there.”
Milbradt learned the art of telling a story in a song with help from Minneapolis music legend and national songwriting star Dan Wilson.
The lead singer/songwriter of Semisonic boasts writing credits
stretching from Mike Doughty to Jason Mraz to the Dixie Chicks. In
Milbradt, Wilson was able to help steer a little focus and connect
creativity with feelings.
In “Blacking Out the Stars” Milbradt and band mates Brad Bivens (bass) and Dan Deurloo (drums) offer a sound that blends an edgier Nada Surf/Death Cab for Cutie with a dash of mainstream melodies like Better Than Ezra/Matchbox 20. The EP’s single “Stars” matches spite with spirit in Milbradt’s contempt of a past relationship.
The band’s 2003 album “New Life” was a tightly constructed, hook-heavy and hum-worthy song display. Also produced by Wilson, the album included fan favorite “End of the Line,” a somber story of a girl leaving behind the life she knows, while finding inspiration in uncertainty. The song is still in rotation at Minneapolis’ Drive 105.
The band has been steadily touring to support “New Life” and 2000’s “A Brighter Mess” over the last several years. Epic Hero has played dates with Ben Folds, Semisonic, Dishwalla, Soul Asylum, Blue October, Switchfoot, Something Corporate, Phantom Planet, Lit, the Heartbreaker's side project The Dirty Knobs, and even a few dates with country act Rascall Flatts. Epic Hero has performed at CMJ and on Santa Barbara's KTYD and KCOP, and Los Angeles’ Mark and Brian Show on KLOS. TV appearances have included performances on Fox TV's Minneapolis and Green Bay affiliates, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis and the adolescent-focused “Whatever” show on Kare-11 in the Twin Cities.
The band has sold more than 7,000 records -- 300 apiece at the Ben Folds concert and after the Mark and Brian appearance.
For Epic Hero, 2006 is nowhere near the “end of the line” rather a time to stretch out emotionally and physically plot the next step. Judging by the overall growth of the last few years there’s a lot to look forward to.
End Of The Line
Epic Hero Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Searching for the California Sky
With 8 bucks in her pocket
And a suitcase full of dreams that never die
She breathes real deep and sets her mind
Upon the unknown
She cries so hard when she hears
Seger on the radio
Her eyes so bright
I know that you see the trees made of gold
And I'll see the wonder in your eyes unfold
I know that you will be perfectly blind
When you see your one stop short
Of the end of the line
She breathes into the window
Draws her name and wipes it with her sleeve
She takes just a moment
To Reflect on all the things that made her leave
She laughs while the world is sleeping
Through the night
She throws her arms in the air
Smiles and says "good-bye"
The Worlds wide open
Her eyes so bright
I know that you see the trees made of Gold
And I'll see the wonder in your eyes unfold
I know that you will be perfectly blind
When you see your one stop short
Of the end of the line
I know that you see the trees made of Gold
And I'll see the wonder in your eyes unfold
I know that you will be perfectly blind
When you see your world stop short
Of the end of the line
The lyrics of "End of the Line" by Epic Hero tell the story of a woman who takes a journey to California with only 8 dollars in her pocket and a suitcase full of dreams. Despite the uncertain and risky nature of her journey, she is determined to pursue her dreams and break free from the mundane routine of her life. She draws her name on the train window and reflects on the reasons that made her leave her old life behind. The woman feels a sense of liberation as she laughs and throws her arms in the air while the world is sleeping at night.
The lyrics describe the excitement of exploring the unknown and the optimism that comes with having a fresh start. The lines "The world's wide open, her eyes so bright" portray the sense of adventure and the potential for great things to come. The song implies that the journey is more important than the destination, as we see the woman enjoying the moment and the thrill of the adventure despite knowing that it will eventually come to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
She Takes the westbound train
The epic hero is embarking on a journey, leaving behind everything she knows and taking a leap into the unknown.
Searching for the California Sky
The epic hero is seeking new possibilities and better things in life, embodied by the endless California sky.
With 8 bucks in her pocket
The epic hero starts with very little, proving that true heroism lies not in material possessions, but in courage and determination.
And a suitcase full of dreams that never die
The epic hero has a vision for herself and is driven by her passion and desire to achieve greatness, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
She breathes real deep and sets her mind Upon the unknown
The epic hero embraces the challenges that lie ahead, taking a deep breath and committing herself to her journey with a clear and focused mind.
She cries so hard when she hears Seger on the radio
The epic hero is moved by the power of music and the memories and emotions it evokes, even as she faces the unknown and uncertain future.
The world's wide open
The epic hero sees endless possibilities before her, recognizing the potential for growth and transformation that lies ahead.
Her eyes so bright
The epic hero is filled with hope, optimism and wonder, even as she embarks on a challenging journey.
I know that you see the trees made of gold And I'll see the wonder in your eyes unfold I know that you will be perfectly blind When you see your one stop short Of the end of the line
The epic hero's journey is filled with beauty and wonder, and she is capable of seeing things that others cannot. At the same time, she recognizes that the end of the line may come sooner than expected, and that even the most prepared hero can be blindsided by an unexpected challenge.
She breathes into the window Draws her name and wipes it with her sleeve She takes just a moment To Reflect on all the things that made her leave
The epic hero takes a moment to reflect on her past and the experiences that led her to this moment. She acknowledges her fears and doubts, but is determined to push forward and pursue her dreams.
She laughs while the world is sleeping Through the night She throws her arms in the air Smiles and says 'good-bye'
The epic hero is unafraid and undeterred, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. She embraces the unknown with a sense of adventure and joy, and is confident in her ability to overcome any obstacle that comes her way.
Writer(s): Daniel Dodd Wilson, Justin Milbradt
Contributed by Katherine L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.