After self-releasing 2007's All Lies and 2008's Lullaby Death Jams EPs to little attention, the band was effectively broken up by the end of 2008. In January 2009, Japandroids signed to Unfamiliar Records for the release of their debut LP Post-Nothing, deciding to continue on temporarily. The album quickly and unexpectedly rose to wide critical acclaim after its April release. King and Prowse were subsequently signed to Polyvinyl and toured extensively throughout 2009 and 2010, playing more than 200 shows in 20 countries and earning praise for their extremely energetic live performances. A compilation of Japandroids' self-released EPs, entitled No Singles, as well as a series of three 7" singles, "Art Czars," "Younger Us," and "Heavenward Grand Prix" were released in the meantime. The tour ultimately concluded on October 27, 2010.
After working on new material throughout 2011, Japandroids announced in March 2012 that their second LP, Celebration Rock, would be released internationally on June 5, prefaced by the single "The House That Heaven Built" on May 15. Similarly to its predecessor, Celebration Rock was also widely acclaimed by critics.
Adrenaline Nightshift
Japandroids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Riding the wind
Waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin
When the plunder of the poets
Thunder of a punk's guitar
Beat life to my body
Sulking drunk at the back of a bar
Alright
Whoring my heart
On the wings of a western night
Busting my guts
On a riot dose of paradise
When a red-blooded daughter
Slowed my gunfire run to rest
With her Blitzkrieg love
And a roman candle kiss
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
Hurricane home to crusade alone
Wounded and thin
Still waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin
When I muscle up some money
I'll rattle the Sabre of the streets
'Cause death's got no respect for love
And youth no respect for me
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
There's no high like this
Adrenaline nightshift
The lyrics of Japandroids' song Adrenaline Nightshift is a tale of a journey filled with excitement and rebellion. The persona in the song has hitchhiked to hell and back, and as a result, has been riding the wind while waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin. The bonfire, in this context, signifies a revolution, the breaking of the norm, and the birth of something new. The persona is looking for a chance to break free from the conventional way of life and experience the excitement of something new.
As he waits for the bonfire to begin, he experiences different things that make his life exciting. He indulges in alcohol and whiskey, whoring his heart out on the wings of a western night. He also experiences the thrill of rebellion, busting his guts on a riot dose of paradise, and enjoying the chaos and disorder that comes with it.
In the end, the persona finds love with a red-blooded daughter who slows down his gunfire run to rest with her Blitzkrieg love and roman candle kiss. However, he still yearns for something more, something that gives him the ultimate adrenaline rush. The chorus of the song reiterates this desire – "there's no high like this – adrenaline nightshift."
Line by Line Meaning
Hitchhiked to hell and back
I have traveled recklessly and fearlessly, experiencing both the depths of despair and the heights of elation.
Riding the wind
Living life fast and free, taking risks and chasing adventure wherever it may take me.
Waiting for a generation's bonfire to begin
Hoping for a cultural revolution, where everyone rises up and breaks down the barriers that hold them back.
When the plunder of the poets
The times when artists are robbed of their creative ideas and expressions.
Thunder of a punk's guitar
The raw, rebellious energy of punk music.
Beat life to my body
Music has given me the strength and vitality to keep going, even when all seems lost.
Sulking drunk at the back of a bar
Times when I feel defeated and hopeless, seeking solace in alcohol and seclusion.
Whoring my heart
Giving up pieces of myself without reservation or concern for the consequences.
On the wings of a western night
Leaving behind everything I've ever known and chasing down adventure in the vast expanse of the unknown west.
Busting my guts
Working tirelessly to achieve success, no matter the cost to my physical or mental health.
On a riot dose of paradise
Taking drugs and other hedonistic measures to escape reality and enter a blissful state of euphoria.
When a red-blooded daughter
When a passionate and fierce woman caught my eye.
Slowed my gunfire run to rest
Her presence had a calming effect on me, allowing me to slow down and take a moment to appreciate life.
With her Blitzkrieg love
Her love was powerful and all-consuming, like a powerful military attack.
And a roman candle kiss
A passionate and explosive kiss, filled with fireworks and passion.
Hurricane home to crusade alone
Returning home feeling battered and bruised, but still determined to fight for a better future.
Wounded and thin
Physically and emotionally drained, but still moving forward with determination.
When I muscle up some money
When I finally amass enough money to make a difference and create change.
I'll rattle the Sabre of the streets
I'll use my power and influence to challenge the status quo and fight against injustice.
'Cause death's got no respect for love
No matter how much we love or are loved, death is an inevitable and cruel part of life that shows no mercy.
And youth no respect for me
Despite my experience and wisdom, younger generations may disregard my opinions and ideas simply because of my age.
There's no high like this
There is no feeling quite like the rush and excitement of living life to the fullest and taking risks.
Adrenaline nightshift
Living life on the edge, fueled by adrenaline and a desire for adventure.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian King, David Prowse
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind