At its core, Mechanical Pterodactyl’s focus is on melody and introspective lyrics. Through production techniques and creative uses of instruments such as guitars, synths, brass, woodwinds, strings, drum machines and percussion a different sonic landscape is created for each song.
Yen Nguyen has been a producer and working musician for ten years; most notably as drummer for live hip-hop act Casual Projects, and contemporary bluegrass act Mustered Courage. He has produced albums and tracks for artists such as Mustered Courage, Tom Woodward (The Orphanage) and Xani Kolac (The Twoks).
Mechanical Pterodactyl is currently mastering its new album, ‘Watercolours,’ due for release in mid 2012.
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Mechanical Pterodactyl Lyrics
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And you run for your life,
Like a coin that's spinning on the edge of a knife
And when the fire's gone out
And it's safe to return,
Do you light another to see what it burns?
You cough it up just like you've always done,
What's a gun to a soldier when the war is won over?
What's a gun to a soldier now?
And when your scars are gone,
When you've healed your insides,
Think of what they looked like,
They're what kept you alive
As the smoke begins to fill your lungs,
You cough it up just like you've always done,
What's a gun to a soldier when the war is won over?
When the war is behind you,
Don't look over your shoulder,
What's a gun to a soldier?
The lyrics to Mechanical Pterodactyl's song "Revolver" delve into themes of survival, resilience, and the aftermath of conflict.
In the first verse, the alarm represents a moment of danger or crisis when one must quickly react and flee to preserve their life. The reference to a spinning coin on the edge of a knife suggests the precariousness of the situation and the uncertainty of the outcome. It conveys a sense of being caught in a dangerous and unpredictable situation.
The second verse shifts to a quieter, reflective moment after the danger has passed. The fire being gone out signifies the end of a threat or a difficult period. Now that it is safe to return, the question arises: Should one continue to ignite new fires, potentially inviting more trouble? It becomes a metaphorical question about the consequences of exploring the unknown and risking the stability that has been obtained.
The chorus explores the resilience and coping mechanisms of a soldier who has survived the war. The smoke filling the lungs reflects the enduring scars, both physical and emotional, that have been acquired in the conflict. Coughing up the smoke symbolizes the soldier's ability to release and process the pain they have endured. The lyrics then question the significance of a gun to a soldier now that the war is won. It highlights the paradoxical concept that a weapon, which once served as a means of survival and defense, becomes less relevant and less meaningful in times of peace.
In the final verse, the focus shifts to the aftermath of the war and the process of healing and moving forward. The scars that had once marked the survival become a reminder of the strength and resilience that kept the person alive. The lyrics encourage reflecting on what those scars looked like, implying that they hold a deeper significance and should not be forgotten.
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the idea that once the war is over, it is important not to dwell on the past or remain trapped by it. The question "What's a gun to a soldier?" resurfaces, suggesting that the weapon loses its purpose and relevance in the face of a completed war. It serves as a reminder to let go of the burdens and traumas of the past and focus on moving forward without constantly looking back.
Line by Line Meaning
When the alarm's been rung
When the warning signs are evident
And you run for your life
And you escape for your own safety
Like a coin that's spinning on the edge of a knife
Like a precarious situation with uncertain outcomes
And when the fire's gone out
And when the danger has subsided
And it's safe to return
And it's secure to go back
Do you light another to see what it burns?
Do you ignite another challenge to explore its consequences?
As the smoke begins to fill your lungs
As the negative effects of your actions start affecting you
You cough it up just like you've always done
You try to expel it out of your system as you've always done
What's a gun to a soldier when the war is won over?
What's the significance of a weapon to a soldier when the conflict is resolved?
What's a gun to a soldier now?
What's the purpose of a firearm to a soldier at this moment?
And when your scars are gone
And when your wounds have healed
When you've healed your insides
When you've tended to your inner self
Think of what they looked like
Reflect on how they appeared
They're what kept you alive
They're what prevented your demise
When the smoke begins to fill your lungs
When the negative consequences start affecting you
You cough it up just like you've always done
You try to rid yourself of it as you've always done
What's a gun to a soldier when the war is won over?
What's the significance of a weapon to a soldier when the conflict is resolved?
When the war is behind you
When the past conflict is no longer affecting you
Don't look over your shoulder
Don't dwell on the past
What's a gun to a soldier?
What's the relevance of a firearm to a soldier?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Yen Nguyen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind