Newbury Park, CA's Hotwire included guitarist/vocalist Rus Martin, guitaris… Read Full Bio ↴Newbury Park, CA's Hotwire included guitarist/vocalist Rus Martin, guitarist Gabe Garcia, bassist Dan Hartman, and drummer Brian Borg. The four came together after playing in various metal, punk, and hardcore combos throughout high school. As Hotwire, the sound became riff-heavy metal with vocals and dynamics influenced by post-hardcore types like Refused and Quicksand. The band recorded a few demos, and began playing shows throughout the suburban sprawl of Southern California alongside bands like Incubus, Linkin Park, Hoobastank, and Audiovent; all of which would find fame on major labels looking for the next loud thing. Soon, Hotwire got its chance, as well, and signed with RCA in December 2000. After working with a variety of big-name producers, the band issued a promotional four-song EP in late 2002. The set generated buzz for Hotwire's debut full-length Routine, which dropped in June 2003. Its release was timed to coincide with the band's appearances on that summer's Ozzfest.

Soon after The Routine was released, band went on hiatus and disbanded. Vocalist Rus Martin joined alternative rock band Skyscraper Frontier and guitarist Gabriel Garcia formed The Transfatal Express, both under Coming Home Records.

In late 2010 vocalist Rus Martin helped form Rock/Alternative band Fake Figures with Atreyu guitarist Travis Miguel and former Scars of Tomorrow bassist Bob Bradley. The band released their debut EP Hail The Sycophants in December 2011 and are current playing shows and writing material for a follow-up.

not today
Hotwire Lyrics

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I'm calling
I'm calling you now
Yeah!
I'm calling a traitor
Who's never lost a beat
Who's always killing me

Now we all know you got shot down

You got shot down
How does it feel to be shot down?

You're so predictable
It's so sensational
Don't change a thing
You're so predictable
It's so sensational
Don't change a thing

It's too late for anger
When will you see the truth?
When will you ever learn?

Now we all know you got shot down
You got shot down
How does it feel to be shot down?

You're so predictable
It's so sensational
Don't change a thing
You're so predictable
It's so sensational
Don't change a thing

Just like we said you would
You got shot down
Yeah, just like we said you would
Well, how does it feel?
Just like we said you would
Well, how does it feel
Just like we said you would
Well, how does it feel?

Now we all know you got shot down
You got shot down

Don't change a thing

Don't change a thing
Yeah, ah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hotwire's "Not Today" are an indictment of someone who has been dishonest or disloyal. The singer is calling out a "traitor" who has never lost his rhythm, and who is constantly causing harm to the singer. The song taunts the person who has been "shot down," asking repeatedly how it feels to have been caught in the act. The singer is pleased that their prediction has come true, and the person has been discovered for what they really are. The song goes on to criticize the person for being "predictable" and clinging to their ways, despite the harm that it causes.

On one level, the song can be interpreted as a simple taunt or insult to someone who has done the singer wrong. However, the lyrics can also be read as a comment on society as a whole. The idea that people are predictable and unchanging, despite the damage they may cause, is a universal truth. This theme makes the song more relatable, and could help to explain its enduring popularity.

Overall, "Not Today" is a powerful, fast-paced rock song that captures the frustration and anger that people feel when they have been lied to or betrayed. The lyrics offer a sense of validation to listeners who may be going through something similar, and remind us to stand up for ourselves and call out wrongdoing when we see it.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm calling
I am trying to reach out to you

I'm calling you now
I am trying to reach out to you right now

I'm calling a traitor
I am attempting to contact someone who has betrayed me

Who's never lost a beat
Who has never missed a step or failed in their actions

Who's always killing me
Who is always making things difficult or causing harm to me

Now we all know you got shot down
It is commonly understood that you have failed or been defeated

You're so predictable
Your actions are easy to anticipate or expect

It's so sensational
It is very impressive or exciting

Don't change a thing
Do not make any alterations or improvements

It's too late for anger
Being angry now will not help the situation

When will you see the truth?
When will you understand the reality of the situation?