1) Fireworks is a pop … Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Fireworks is a pop punk band from Detroit, Michigan consisting of David Mackinder, Tymm Rengers, Chris Mojan, Kyle O'Neil, and Brett Jones. They are a group of individuals creating a sound with enough pop quality to keep your little sister's attention, and enough edge to rid them of "guilty pleasure" status. Hailing from stereotypically suburban metro Detroit, Fireworks is comprised of five electric personalities with endless influences. Together they create a unique blend of "infectious, well-written punk with an undeniable sense of melody." They are currently signed to Triple Crown Records and Run For Cover Records.
www.myspace.com/fireworks
2) Fireworks was an early '90s garage rock band from Dallas, Texas, that consisted of: Darin Lin Wood (Blacktop, Black Snakes, Red Devils, Jackknife, '68 Comeback and Cat Fur), James Arthur (Necessary Evils, AAAA New Memphis Legs, A Feast of Snakes, Viva L'american Death Ray Music, CC Riders and Golden Boys) and Janet Walker (Blacktop and Cat Fur).
3) Fireworks is a christian poprock band from the 70's/80's. Fireworks started as a vocal trio with Marty McCall, Gary Pigg and Gwen Moore singing backup vocals on songs by B.J. Thomas and Amy Grant. In 1977 they released their debut on Myrrh Records with a pop/adult contemporary sound, but switched to a more rock-infused sound when they changed record labels to MCA. Marty McCall went on to be a part of the popular vocal group First Call. Their pre-MCA second album, Shatter The Darkness, is considered by some to be their high musical watermark.
4) The Fireworks are an indiepop band based in London/Brighton UK. Started in 2011 by Matthew Rimell (Big Pink Cake), the lineup now includes Emma Hall (ex-Pocketbooks), Isabel Albiol (ex-Things in Herds) and Shaun Charman (ex-The Popguns/The Wedding Present). A first EP was released on Shelflife in early 2013 with the previous drummer Carys, with another EP expected later in the year. FireworksGoPop.
Show Me Your Vanishing Act One More Time
Fireworks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Their book is fiction and lacks a spine
They'll catch your ears
They'll build you up inside
Recycled one liners, don't compromise
I can clearly see what's on the screen
A distorted image of the industry
But the heart on your sleeve is so hard to believe
Things will change when you're back and home and you're all alone
You build yourself up so you can be different just like everyone else
Oh well, we're pointing the finger if you couldn't tell
Our hearts are not on your sleeves
They're where they should be
Live for yourself and
Nobody else and
Fuck what they sell
The lyrics to Fireworks' "Show Me Your Vanishing Act One More Time" speak to the superficial nature of the music industry and the pressure on artists to conform to a certain image or sound. The opening lines urge the listener to look beyond the surface of what they are being presented with, as the "book" being sold is nothing but a work of fiction that lacks substance. The following lines describe the tactics used by the industry to draw in listeners with catchy, albeit recycled, phrases that don't offer anything new or unique. Despite this, the singer can see through the facade and recognizes the distorted image being portrayed by the industry.
The chorus then speaks to the difficulty in maintaining authenticity in an industry that prioritizes reputation over musical integrity. The line "you build yourself up so you can be different just like everyone else" speaks to the pressure on artists to conform to a certain image or sound in order to gain popularity, ultimately resulting in everyone sounding the same. The verse following the chorus describes the isolation that comes with being back home, post-tour or post-fame, and the realization that the industry is built on smoke and mirrors. The song ends with a call to live for oneself and ignore the industry's influence.
Overall, "Show Me Your Vanishing Act One More Time" is a commentary on the inauthenticity and hollowness of the music industry. The lyrics speak to the difficulty in maintaining musical integrity while also building a reputation in an industry that prioritizes image over substance.
Line by Line Meaning
Open your eyes and read between the lines
Pay close attention to the subtext and implications of what is being said or written.
Their book is fiction and lacks a spine
The information provided is fabricated and lacks integrity or backbone.
They'll catch your ears
They will captivate your attention with their words or music.
They'll build you up inside
Their words or music will inspire or uplift you emotionally.
Recycled one liners, don't compromise
The phrases or ideas expressed are clichéd and lack originality. Do not settle for mediocre standards.
I can clearly see what's on the screen
The dishonest motives and agendas behind the music industry's facade are recognizable.
A distorted image of the industry
The public perception of the music industry is a skewed or falsified version of reality.
But the heart on your sleeve is so hard to believe
It is difficult to trust the sincerity of those who appear to be open and honest about their innermost feelings and emotions.
Reputation means everything when music means nothing.
Commercial success and public perception are prioritized over the artistry and creativity of the music itself.
Things will change when you're back and home and you're all alone
Your perspective on the world and the industry may shift when you are no longer surrounded by its influences and distractions.
You build yourself up so you can be different just like everyone else
You try to create an identity that sets you apart from the masses, but in doing so, you may just blend in further.
Oh well, we're pointing the finger if you couldn't tell
The criticism and blame being directed towards others is implicit, but obvious.
Our hearts are not on your sleeves
We do not wear our emotions on our sleeves like others in the industry.
They're where they should be
We keep our emotions private and do not let them interfere with our work or public image.
Live for yourself and
Find your own purpose and fulfillment in life on your own terms.
Nobody else and
Do not let others dictate what you should do or how you should feel.
Fuck what they sell
Do not conform to society's expectations or values, and do not be influenced by commercialism.
Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.