Their debut album, Decadence, was released in August 2004 and featured the modest alternative radio hit "Beating Heart Baby". It was produced by Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura, famous for his work with groups including Gorillaz and Handsome Boy Modeling School. The band issued Popaganda in 2006, which featured the singles "Lying Through Your Teeth" and "Graduation Day"
The current members are:
Daryl Palumbo: Vocals
Jessie Nelson: Keyboards/Backup Vocals
Jarvis Morgan Holden: Bass Guitar
Sammy Siegler: Drums
Craig Bonich: Guitar
At The Speed of a Yellow Bullet
Head Automatica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hid a rifle on the right
When she said "I see a tunnel
And at the end I see a light"
I see fire on the water
On the right bank and the left
And she smiles when she wears the iron curtain as a dress
Come on
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
Come on
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
I see a preacher with a secret
And he dare not make a sound
I see the smoke and fire
And the market burning down
I see a tulip on the grave
Of a lover who confessed
I'm a soldier and a poet
But I'm a dancer at best
I said come on
Come on
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
Come on
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
I said come on
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
Come on
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
Yes baby yes
I'm burnin houses baby
I'm burnin bridges baby
Yes baby yes
I'm burnin houses baby
I'm burnin bridges baby
I drove a tank in on the left
I hid a rifle on the right
When she said "I see a tunnel
And at the end I see a light"
I see fire on the water
On the right bank and the left
And she smiles when she wears the iron curtain as a dress
I said come on
Come on
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
Come on
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
I said come on
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
Come on
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
The lyrics of "At The Speed Of A Yellow Bullet" by Head Automatica are rife with ambiguity and surreal imagery, which create a sense of disconnection and disorientation. The song seems to be an allegory for a relationship that is fraught with tension and conflicting emotions. The singer describes driving a tank and hiding a rifle, suggesting a military or aggressive presence, but then switches to talking about a tunnel and a light, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for hope or escape. Meanwhile, there are references to a preacher with a secret, a burning market, and a tulip on a lover's grave, which all add to the sense of unease and unpredictability in the song.
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the idea of "seeing the truth" and "telling the truth," even if one's eyes or mouth are "sewn up." This phrase could be interpreted as a commentary on the difficulty of communication in a relationship, or as a broader statement about the importance of honesty and self-awareness. The repeated refrain of "come on" also adds to the urgent, slightly aggressive tone of the song, and could be interpreted as a plea to overcome obstacles and embrace vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
I drove a tank in on the left
I took charge and made my entrance with force
I hid a rifle on the right
I was ready for any challenge or threat from any direction
When she said "I see a tunnel And at the end I see a light"
She saw a hopeful future amidst the darkness
I see fire on the water On the right bank and the left
I see destruction on both sides, in every direction
And she smiles when she wears the iron curtain as a dress
She embraces and finds beauty in obstacles and challenges
You're tellin me to see the truth even with my eyes sewn up
You're asking me to perceive reality beyond my physical senses
You're tellin me to tell the truth even with my mouth sewn shut
You're asking me to speak out and be honest despite oppression or suppression
I see a preacher with a secret And he dare not make a sound
I see a leader with hidden flaws and weaknesses who cannot reveal their true self
I see the smoke and fire And the market burning down
I witness chaos and destruction in society
I see a tulip on the grave Of a lover who confessed
I see a sign of love and honesty in the midst of death and loss
I'm a soldier and a poet But I'm a dancer at best
I am versatile and adaptable, able to navigate any situation with grace and creativity
I'm burnin houses baby I'm burnin bridges baby
I am willing to let go of the past and destroy anything that holds me back
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind