Firewater is a rock group founded by Tod A. in 1995. He describes them as a… Read Full Bio ↴Firewater is a rock group founded by Tod A. in 1995. He describes them as a "wedding band gone wrong".

After Tod left his previous group, Cop Shoot Cop, he quickly regrouped and formed Firewater to explore the styles of music Cop Shoot Cop had only hinted at, including klezmer, cabaret, ska, jazz, and gypsy forms. More than one source described the original Firewater lineup as an "indie rock supergroup", based on members such as Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, Yuval Gabay of Soul Coughing, Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields, and Hahn Rowe. This original lineup proved unable to tour, and Tod recruited new musicians for the band's first tour. While the lineup has changed over the years, with many different musicians appearing on different albums and tours, Tod remains the singer, songwriter, and bassist of Firewater.

Firewater has released six albums, and has seen some success, especially in Europe and on United States college radio stations.

Their previous album, Songs We Should Have Written, is a collection of cover songs. It includes songs written by Robyn Hitchcock, The Rolling Stones ("Paint It Black" reinterpreted as a crawlingly slow raga which "shove(s) a few downers down the song's throat to counter the original version's adrenaline-fueled fire" ), and a "dark and sweet" take of Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On", described as "10 times more ominous and 20 times more pleasurable" than the original. The album also includes a modern rendition of the Johnny Cash anthem "Folsom Prison Blues".

Their latest album, The Golden Hour, has been recorded with various local musicians and friends when Tod A went on sabbatical and travelled through Thailand, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and Israel. The record was released May 6 in 2008. The band is currently (October, 2008) touring in support of the album.

Another Perfect Catastrophe
Firewater Lyrics

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Ain't nothing like it
When it's twisting and reeling
They'll put the boot right in your eye
Because when the floor turns into wall
And then the wall becomes the ceiling
Oh what a lovely way to die

Another perfect catastrophe

Is waiting to happen
Is watching for the moment to transpire
Another perfect catastrophe
Is dying to go down
It's only looking for the
Perfect place and time

Oh wouldn't you love
To be my partner in crime
So many tricks that we could try
So if you want to find out
What it would feel like to be my
Co-conspiritor
Open up the door and step inside

Another perfect catastrophe
Is waiting to happen
Is looking for the moment to transpire
Another perfect catastrophe
Is just dying to go down
It's only watching for the
Perfect place and time

When retreat is not an option
And remorse just ain't your style
There must be something left to do
Because every tragedy is a comedy
Unless you're the victim
Then you're just another monkey at the zoo

Another perfect catastrophe
Is just waiting to happen
Is watching for the moment to transpire
Another perfect catastrophe
Is just dying to go down

It's only looking for the
Perfect place and time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Firewater's "Another Perfect Catastrophe" are a commentary on the thrill of danger and the human propensity for self-destruction. The first verse describes the rush of adrenaline that comes with pushing oneself to the limit, even if the risk of injury or death is high. The singer speaks of the twisted thrill of having a boot put in their eye, underscoring the idea that some people revel in danger and are willing to endure physical harm to experience it.

The second verse suggests that the singer is inviting someone to join them in their reckless pursuits. The line "so many tricks we could try" implies that the two of them could engage in a variety of dangerous behaviors together. The chorus is a warning that disaster is imminent, but it also suggests that this is part of what makes the adventure so appealing. The line "every tragedy is a comedy unless you're the victim" suggests that the singer feels a sense of detachment from the danger because they are not directly affected by its consequences, but rather are watching from a safe distance.

The final lines of the song offer a bleak commentary on the nature of human life. The singer compares those who seek out danger to "monkeys at the zoo" who are trapped in a cage and forced to perform for the amusement of others. This final image emphasizes the idea that even those who engage in dangerous behaviors are ultimately trapped by their own impulses and desires.

Line by Line Meaning

Ain't nothing like it
There's nothing quite like the thrill of danger

When it's twisting and reeling
When chaos and unpredictability are present

They'll put the boot right in your eye
People will take advantage of your vulnerability

Because when the floor turns into wall
When the situation turns completely upside down

And then the wall becomes the ceiling
And it seems like there's no way out

Oh what a lovely way to die
The danger is exhilarating and tempting

Another perfect catastrophe
Another disaster waiting to happen

Is waiting to happen
It's just a matter of time

Is watching for the moment to transpire
It's anticipating the perfect opportunity to strike

Is dying to go down
It's eager for the chaos and destruction to occur

It's only looking for the
It's searching for the optimal circumstances