Joe Achtzener (bass), Matt Matis (vocals/guitar), Josh Pearson (drums) and David Saylor (guitar/vocals) combine catchy lyrics, melodic vocals, killer guitar solos, mind blowing bass licks and monster drumming to create what has been deemed “the up-and-coming sound of what has come to be expected in the clubs of Arlington and Fairfax counties” (Burke Connection, November 2006). Having played the metro area consistently for the past two years, Fistful of Fifties have become regulars at such venues as Laughing Lizard Lounge and TT Reynold’s while also gaining recognition as Fire Station 8’s Band of the Month for October 2006 and Cue-la-palooza 2005’s Battle of the Bands winner. Fistful of Fifties have been featured in the Washington Post’s Fairfax Extra and gained local notoriety through air play on Locals Only Radio and a recent spot on DC101’s Local Lix (Clear Channel Broadcasting).
In the summer of 2006, Fistful of Fifties released their first self-titled EP, recorded at Nothing But Noise Studios. Not a band to let their influences put a strong hold on their music, Fistful of Fifties are continuously writing new songs ranging from the occasional softer ballad to hard rock, allowing enough diversity for their on stage antics to reach every type of fan.
killing me
Fistful of Fifties Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Deception left confused
Labeled down, you’re thinking of yourself
Eyes burn from sleight of hand
Chlorine from your skin
Choking while you’re thinking of yourself
You’re killing me
You’re bringing me down
You’re killing me
You’re killing me now You’re breaking out
You’re bringing me down
Want what you don't own
Green eyes take control
Falling out
You’re thinking of yourself
Time take my wounds away
Actions penetrate
Through my spine
You’re thinking of yourself.
You’re killing me
You’re killing me now You’re breaking out
You’re bringing me down
You’re killing me
You’re killing me now You’re breaking out
You’re bringing me down
Cuz you’re thinking of yourself
You’re thinking of yourself You’re thinking of yourself You’re thinking of yourself
You’re killing me
You’re killing me now You’re breaking out
You’re bringing me down
You’re killing me
You’re killing me now You’re breaking out
You’re bringing me down Cuz you’re thinking of yourself
The lyrics to Fistful of Fifties's song Killing Me reveal a frustration with someone who is repeatedly putting their own needs and desires above those of others, causing harm and pain in the process. The singer feels as though they have been vulnerable and trusting, only to be deceived and left confused by this other person's actions. The metaphor of eyes burning from "sleight of hand" and "chlorine from your skin" conveys a sense of toxicity and harm that is being inflicted on the singer. Despite this, the person who is causing the pain continues to think only of themselves, wanting what they don't own and taking control with their green eyes. The repetition of the phrase "you're thinking of yourself" emphasizes the self-centered nature of this person's actions and the harm it is causing to others.
Overall, the song speaks to the damage that can be done by those who prioritize their own wants and needs over the well-being of others. It also highlights the frustration and hurt that can result when someone is repeatedly subjected to this kind of behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Trust easily abused
When trust is given easily, it can always be taken advantage of
Deception left confused
Being deceived can lead to confusion and uncertainty
Labeled down, you’re thinking of yourself
When someone is labeled or put down, their focus can become solely on themselves and their own feelings
Eyes burn from sleight of hand
Being tricked or deceived can cause pain and discomfort
Chlorine from your skin
A reference to the physical discomfort caused by chemicals such as chlorine, used here to express the painful feeling of constantly being deceived
Choking while you’re thinking of yourself
The constant focus on oneself can lead to feelings of suffocation and being overwhelmed
Want what you don't own
The desire for something you don't have can be all-consuming
Green eyes take control
Green eyes can be a metaphor for jealousy or envy, which can take over a person's emotions and actions
Falling out
A loss of connection or friendship
Time take my wounds away
Healing takes time and cannot happen instantly
Actions penetrate
Actions can have a deep impact and can hurt others
Through my spine
A reference to the physical pain caused by emotional hurt, as the spine is the central support for the body
You’re thinking of yourself
Repetition of the line emphasizes the theme that the actions of the other person are purely self-centered and harmful to others
Cuz you’re thinking of yourself
The cause of the pain and harm is the other person's self-centeredness and lack of consideration for others
Contributed by Bailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.