The band has released five albums: "3/5" (1997), "The Cat and the Cobra" (1999), "Go Forth" (2001), "Let's Stay Friends" (2007) and "Root for Ruin" (2010). "Inches", a compilation of the non-album singles the band released between 1995 and 2004 was released in April 2004.
Bringing Us Down
Les Savy Fav Lyrics
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You're bringing us down
You're bringing us down
Hear the symphony in the five man band
Trying to sympathize but you can't understand
Set my mind to interbarometer
Move so slow from desk to dresser
It took five years just to get down
Who put up the flag?
We haven't got a door yet
If they storm the fort tonight leave the pistol by your bed
We have jeopardized our situation
Disengage the ammunition
We are on a mercy mission
Bringing us down
Who put up the flag?
We haven't got a door yet
If they storm the fort tonight take the pills beside your bed
Jeopardized our situation
Disengage the ammunition
We are on a mercy mission
Take away the golden epaulettes
From the fallen dead cadets
Let's arrange it as their epitaph
Throw the bodies in the acid bath
Drag the sea coast and go for the gusto
The man with the plan said the foreman must go
If the chief don't fight let the chief go ahead
The squad and the scout will stay in bed
If the chief says jump I'll say “not I”
If the chief says jump I'll say “how high?”
The lyrics to Les Savy Fav's song “Bringing us Down” encourage the listener to think about power – whether it’s political, institutional, or communal. The song employs vivid language and symbolism to make its point. The five-man band represents the working class, and the falling dresser symbolizes the obstacles that they must overcome. The song portrays the desperation of the working class in their struggle against economic deprivation and oppressive systems of power. In this context, the lyrics are a call for unity among the working class, a plea to disengage aggression and redirect energy into peaceful resistance, and a warning that we are all at risk of becoming victims of oppressive systems of power.
The lyrics also explore the idea of sacrifice. The lines “Take away the golden epaulettes / From the fallen dead cadets” suggest that the power of the privileged is inherently violent and requires the sacrifice of the working class – a commonly held Marxist idea. The dismal imagery of the fallen cadets and the imperative to throw the bodies in the acid bath highlight the extent to which the working class is willing to go to revolt against power. The song’s themes can feel overwhelming to some listeners, but they encourage us to think critically about power, oppression, and privilege.
In conclusion, Les Savy Fav's lyrics for “Bringing us Down” probe the complex and oppressive systems of power in our society. The song invites listeners to think critically about our power structures and the sacrifices required to prevent further harm to a vulnerable working class. By using imagery, symbolism, and vivid imagery to convey the desperation of the working class, the song encourages us to resist oppressive systems of power.
Line by Line Meaning
You're bringing us down
Your behavior and actions are negatively impacting us.
Hear the symphony in the five man band
There is beauty and harmony in a group of five people working together.
Trying to sympathize but you can't understand
You are attempting to be empathetic, but you lack the ability to truly comprehend the situation.
Set my mind to interbarometer
I have focused my thoughts on achieving emotional balance.
Move so slow from desk to dresser
I am moving sluggishly and without purpose.
It fell down without a sound
Something has collapsed or ended quietly and unexpectedly.
It took five years just to get down
An endeavor has required a significant investment of time.
Who put up the flag?
We are questioning who has taken ownership of a situation or responsibility.
We haven't got a door yet
We are lacking the necessary means of protection or control.
If they storm the fort tonight leave the pistol by your bed
We anticipate and prepare for a potential threat or attack.
We have jeopardized our situation
Our actions have put us in a precarious position.
Disengage the ammunition
We must stop provoking conflict and aggression.
We are on a mercy mission
Our goal is to help and heal, not to harm or destroy.
Take away the golden epaulettes
From the fallen dead cadets
We must remove signs of status or success from those who have passed away.
Let's arrange it as their epitaph
Throw the bodies in the acid bath
We are planning a grim and macabre ritual for those who have died.
Drag the sea coast and go for the gusto
We must search every nook and cranny with determination and enthusiasm.
The man with the plan said the foreman must go
Our leader has decided that someone in charge must be removed from their position.
If the chief don't fight let the chief go ahead
The squad and the scout will stay in bed
We will support our leader's decision, even if it means we have to sacrifice ourselves or our comfort.
If the chief says jump I'll say “not I”
If the chief says jump I'll say “how high?”
My response to authority varies depending on the level of trust and respect I have for them.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HARRISON HAYNES, SETH JABOUR, SYD BUTLER, TIM HARRINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind