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.
So Long Superman
Firewater Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a suggestion for ya
Check for kryptonite before ya
Try to break a horse
Hey, ho, here we go now
Pulling onto the freeway
Just like any other weekday
'Cause I'm gone
And now nothing seems to matter
Traded in my silver platter
For an empty plastic tray
There was nothing left worth waiting for
The kids burned down the candy store
I'm puttin' my dreams in storage
And I'm waiting for a train
So long, Superman
I'll light a candle for ya
Say a prayer when California
Falls into the sea
L.A., I never knew ya
Goodbye, good riddance to ya
Go to hell and hallelujah
You never meant much to me
I don't care
Where the track leads I will follow
I felt like Lou Ferrigno
Tearing at the seams
I couldn't take that town no more
A whole world I ain't seen before
So I gave up the gravy
For sweet obscurity
Woo hoo
So long, Superman
I'm taking a vacation
I'll miss your medication
It helped to ease the pain
I'll see you back in Reno
Outside the Grand Casino
In your old El Camino
Singing in the rain
No plans
I go where the machine goes
The past is a placebo
Dissolving in a drain
I sleep beside the railroad tracks
No more rent ot income tax
I've got no fixed address now
I'm waiting for a train
I don't care
Where the track leads I will follow
I felt like Lou Ferrigno
Tearing at the seams
I couldn't take that town no more
The kids burnt down the candy store
So I gave up the gravy
For sweet obscurity, hey
The song "So Long Superman" by Firewater narrates a story of a person who has given up on their life in Los Angeles and embarks on a journey to find peace and a simplistic way of living. The song begins with a suggestion to Superman to check for kryptonite before trying to break a horse. This line could refer to the fact that no one is invincible, not even Superman, and everyone should be careful before they attempt something impossible. The song's narrator then speaks about leaving Los Angeles and not having any regrets, as they traded in their silver platter for an empty plastic tray. This line could mean that they left a life of luxury for a simple, carefree one.
The singer describes not caring about where the train will go and states that they are waiting for a train to take them away. The song's chorus of "So long, Superman" signifies letting go of the superhero dreams and looking for a new start. The line "I felt like Lou Ferrigno tearing at the seams" refers to the weightlifter who played The Incredible Hulk on the TV show. This line could mean that the singer felt like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't.
Overall, the song's lyrics reflect the character's disillusionment with the city lifestyle and a desire to live a simple, unpretentious life. They decide to step onto the unknown path and explore the journey ahead, hoping to find comfort, obscurity, and a better understanding of oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
So long Superman
Farewell, Superman
Got a suggestion for ya
Here's a piece of advice
Check for kryptonite before ya
Make sure there's no weakness that could expose you
Try to break a horse
Attempt a difficult task
Hey, ho, here we go now
Let's get moving
Pulling onto the freeway
Entering the highway
Just like any other weekday
Typical day of the week
Except there's no remorse
Without regret
'Cause I'm gone
Because I've left
And now nothing seems to matter
Everything has lost importance
Traded in my silver platter
Gave up a life of luxury
For an empty plastic tray
For a life of simplicity
There was nothing left worth waiting for
No reason to stay
The kids burned down the candy store
Chaos and destruction ensued
I'm puttin' my dreams in storage
Delaying my aspirations for now
And I'm waiting for a train
Preparing to leave town
I'll light a candle for ya
A gesture of respect
Say a prayer when California
A wish for safety during a disaster
Falls into the sea
During an earthquake or other natural disaster
L.A., I never knew ya
Los Angeles was never my true home
Goodbye, good riddance to ya
I'm happy to leave this place behind
Go to hell and hallelujah
Mixed feelings about the past
You never meant much to me
Lack of emotional attachment
Where the track leads I will follow
Willingness to adventure wherever the path leads
I felt like Lou Ferrigno
A powerful feeling
Tearing at the seams
Frustration with previous situation
A whole world I ain't seen before
Excitement for new experiences
I gave up the gravy
Letting go of past comforts
For sweet obscurity
Embracing a simpler life
I'm taking a vacation
Taking a break
I'll miss your medication
I'll miss the temporary comfort
It helped to ease the pain
Masking emotions with drugs
I sleep beside the railroad tracks
Living a nomadic lifestyle
No more rent ot income tax
Freedom from the burdens of society
I've got no fixed address now
No permanent home
I'm waiting for a train
Anticipation of future journeys
The kids burnt down the candy store
Chaos and destruction ensued
For sweet obscurity, hey
Acceptance of a simpler life
Contributed by Riley W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.