Fifteen released their first record in 1991 on Lookout records. It was singer/guitarist Jeff Ott's vision to create music that didn't just rock, but had something important to say as well. After four records on Lookout, two on Grass Records, three on Sub City Records, and three more on indefinite self-published labels, Fifteen were viewed as the leaders in the political-punk music scene. They tackle such burning issues as homelessness, drug abuse, needle exchange, environmental destruction and the government's use of counterintelligence measures to violate activist's civil rights. Fifteen first broke up in 1996 after the self-released "extra medium kickball star."
They reformed in 1998 and released Hush and Survivor then disbanded 2000 with Jeff Ott stating that the anti-commercial DIY ethics of punk rock made it too expensive for him to have a band while raising a family.
The band had a total of fifteen members during its existence: Jeff Ott, Jack Curran, Mikey Mischief, Mark Moreno, Jean Repetto, Lucky Dog, Chris Flanagan, John Ogle, Jessie Wickman, Joe Cable, John Quintos, Scott Pierce, Jim Prior, Lisa D. and Vanessa Bain.
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Fifteen Lyrics
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I swear "I'll be on time" is what I say just to say it
Now I got missed calls, my voice mail got phone bills waiting
I'm always smoking weed and wondering why my memory is failing
The other day forgot my keys and froze my ass off waiting
I try my hardest to make light of things and stop complaining
But all this shit is hard and I'm rethinking all my choices up to now
And if it were as simple as "I'm tired, I think I'm gunna head out"
Would've taken the long way home with a smile
Wouldn't give any goodbyes
I hate seeing you cry
And I'm tired
If there was an easy way to go about it
I would've done it by now
The lyrics of "No Parachute" portray the feeling of falling helplessly in love, even though the person knows that there are no guarantees and there is a risk of getting hurt. The first verse describes the singer's nerves when approaching the person they are interested in and their tongue-tied behavior that comes from being so drawn to someone they admire. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the singer feels like they are falling deeper, with no way to stop or protect themselves, as the ties and strings of the heart are stronger than anything else.
The second verse starts with the singer wishing for a moment where they could express their feelings and be the person who can provide everything for the one they love. Then, the bridge highlights the contradictions of the situation, where the singer recognizes that they are "crashing" but not "burning" and that they should "hold [their] ground" instead of giving in to the temptation. However, they end up enjoying the falling sensation and letting themselves become more vulnerable.
Overall, the song is a depiction of the beauty and pain of falling in love, of recognizing the risk but still choosing to take the leap with no regrets, even if that means there is no parachute to save them from the fall in case it doesn't work out.
Line by Line Meaning
I see you there and I know just what to say
I am confident and completely aware of what I need to say to you.
Try to speak but the words get in the way
Despite my confidence earlier, I stumble and fail to articulate my thoughts properly.
I'm feeling clumsy, stumble and mumble
I am feeling uncomfortable and struggling to express myself eloquently.
Hit the ground so hard when you smile
Your beautiful smile has a powerful impact on me - I am suddenly struck with extreme emotion.
It's like I'm staring
At the sun
Your radiant presence is blinding and overwhelming to me, like looking at the sun.
Let the wind take me wherever it's going
I am letting fate guide me in my journey towards you.
And I can make it to the floor of the ocean
Nothing can hold me back from reaching you, not even the depths of the ocean.
As gravity pulls me closer to you
The strong pull of attraction I feel towards you draws me closer.
My heart strings are the ties that bind me
Like a prisoner to the truth
My emotions for you are so strong that they have become an unbreakable bond, holding me captive to my feelings for you.
'Cause it feels like I'm falling
With no parachute
My feelings for you are so intense and overwhelming that it feels like I am free falling without any safety net to break my fall.
If only for one moment I could fly
I could be that guy to give you everything
I wish I could have that one shot to prove my worth to you and give you everything you deserve.
It's a lesson I should be learning
Up to now it feels like I'm crashing
I know I should learn from my mistakes and get better, but right now it feels like I keep messing up and crashing.
But I'm not burning
I'm not burning
Despite my failures, I haven't given up hope yet and won't let it consume me.
Oh, I should hold my ground now
But I kinda like this
I know I should be more resolute and stand my ground, but I find the experience exhilarating and thrilling.
No parachute (Parachute, parachute)
No parachute (Parachute, parachute)
(Parachute)
No parachute
I am fully aware of the risks involved, but I am still willing to take the plunge and see where it leads me.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: daphne Elephtheriadou
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@barkerfreak1
That's better than a lot of mainstream rap songs today.
@ThatGurlRiRi77
“Nervous is what they really are” lol 😂 that’s my favorite part.
@michaelhamilton4193
Mine too!
@mikewirth7044
I loved how booger ended with a middle finger lmao
@danieldrakeford1668
Where is Barry Sobel? my man kicked that verse like he was one of the Beastie Boys
@raymondsolisjr.1262
Best part of the song. My opinion
@A..D..D
I was very young when I first saw the movie and thought he was one of the Beastie Boys
@dewayneridley7696
i love the revenge of the nerds
@raymondsolisjr.1262
The first two movies were the 80s
@WrestlingWeekly
Lipsy sounds like MCA from the Beastie Boys, doesn't he? Or is it just me?