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.
Knock 'Em Down
Firewater Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I don't know where I am but I know my destination
Well, I don't know where I am but I know my destination
Knock 'em down, Christian soldiers, knock 'em down
Well the devil likes his liquor and he smokes a big cigar
Well the devil likes his liquor and he smokes a big cigar
Well the devil likes his liquor and he smokes a big cigar
But he's always been a real good friend of mine
If there's a hell way down below, I bet you see someone you know
If there's a hell way down below, I bet you see someone you know
And we'll all have a fucking good time
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, another dead soldier hits the ground
Because our time on earth is brief, we don't want no strife or grief
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, knock 'em down
If there's a heaven in the air, don't expect to see me there
If there's a heaven in the air, don't expect to see me there
If there's a heaven in the air, don't expect to see me there
Knock 'em down, lords and ladies, knock 'em down
Well I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
Well I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
Well I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
And he never returns any of my calls
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, another dead soldier hits the ground
Because our time on earth is brief, we don't want no strife or grief
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, knock 'em down
I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
And he never returns any of my calls
Well the earth just keep on spinning 'round as history repeats
Well the earth just keep on spinning 'round as history repeats
Well the earth just keep on spinning 'round as history repeats
Knock 'em down, cocks and chickens, knock 'em down
And I hope you all remember me when I'm in my grave
And I hope you all remember me when I'm in my grave
And I hope you all remember me when I'm in my grave
Fill your glass, get off your ass, and knock 'em down
Knock 'em down, knock 'em down, knock 'em down
The song "Knock 'Em Down" by Firewater appears to be a rebellious anthem that questions the existence of heaven and hell and the role of religion in people's lives. The repeated line, "Well, I don't know where I am but I know my destination" emphasizes the uncertainty and confusion that the singer feels about their place in the world. The subsequent lines, "Knock 'em down, Christian soldiers, knock 'em down" and "Knock 'em down, lords and ladies, knock 'em down" mock the religious institutions and call for a revolt against their authority.
The singer's disbelief in God and his lack of response to their calls indicate a sense of abandonment and disillusionment with spirituality. Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest that people should focus on enjoying their time on earth rather than worrying about an afterlife or religious retribution. The line "Because our time on earth is brief, we don't want no strife or grief" reinforces this message.
Overall, "Knock 'Em Down" is a rebellious song that challenges conventional ideas about religion and the afterlife. It encourages individuals to live in the moment and not worry about eternal consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I don't know where I am but I know my destination
I may not know my current location, but I have a clear goal in mind.
Knock 'em down, Christian soldiers, knock 'em down
We must stand firm and forcefully push through any challenges in life.
Well the devil likes his liquor and he smokes a big cigar
The devil has certain vices and indulgences that he enjoys.
But he's always been a real good friend of mine
Despite his flaws, the devil and I have a strong bond.
If there's a hell way down below, I bet you see someone you know
It is likely that some familiar faces will be in the depths of hell.
And we'll all have a fucking good time
We will make the most of any situation and have fun no matter what.
Because our time on earth is brief, we don't want no strife or grief
Life is short, so we should strive to avoid conflict and hardship.
If there's a heaven in the air, don't expect to see me there
I am not sure if heaven exists, but even if it does, I doubt I will end up there.
Knock 'em down, lords and ladies, knock 'em down
We must not discriminate against anyone and treat everyone equally.
Well I don't believe in god cause he don't believe in me
I do not have faith in a higher power because I feel that I have been abandoned.
And he never returns any of my calls
I have tried to reach out to God but have never received a response.
Well the earth just keep on spinning 'round as history repeats
Time continues to move forward, but patterns of the past often repeat themselves.
Knock 'em down, cocks and chickens, knock 'em down
We should not take ourselves too seriously and have a good time, no matter how silly it may seem.
And I hope you all remember me when I'm in my grave
I want to leave a lasting impact on those around me, even after I'm gone.
Fill your glass, get off your ass, and knock 'em down
Let's enjoy life to the fullest, lift a glass, and push through any obstacles in our way.
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, another dead soldier hits the ground
We must never back down or give up, even when the going gets tough.
Well, I don't know where I am but I know my destination
Repeating this line emphasizes the importance of having a clear goal, despite not knowing one's current position.
So knock 'em down, knock 'em down, knock 'em down
This refrain serves as a rallying cry, urging listeners to keep pushing forward and achieving their goals.
Lyrics © Freibank Musikverlags und vermarktungs GmbH
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