Modern Life Is War 7-inch EP was released through Lifeline Records in early 2002. Their two subsequent studio albums, 2003's My Love. My Way. and 2005's Witness are now available through the Deathwish Inc. record label, which is owned and operated by Converge singer Jacob Bannon.
In mid-2005, after the release of Witness, guitarist Matt Hoffman and bassist Chris Honeck left the band. They were replaced by Sjarm 13 and Tim Churchman, respectively. On February 9, 2007, M.L.I.W. announced that they had inked a record deal with Equal Vision Records. The band's third full length album, Midnight in America, was released on August 21, 2007 to positive reviews.
On February 19, 2008, the band announced on their Myspace page that they would be breaking up, and that they were planning one final American tour, starting March 29 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and reconvening on April 26 in the band's hometown of Marshalltown. In a separate interview conducted several weeks before the tour, the band members discussed their hopes and achievements in playing together for the last six years: "I hope that we have made some people feel less alone. I hope we have motivated people to think for themselves; to be themselves and to take action. Punk rock changed our lives, and I hope that we as a band contributed something to keep the whole thing going. We are leaving soon, but the future is unwritten..."
In September 2012, the original lineup reunited and wrote an album in John Eich's basement. Modern Life is War formally announced its reunion in April 2013 and the intent to record and release the new album through Deathwish by September 2013. The band didn't expect to heavily tour during the reunion; as of April 2013, Modern Life Is War were only booked to headline This Is Hardcore Festival and a record release show. Retrospectively, Modern Life is War wished they hadn't broken up, but instead scaled back their efforts so they could do it, "without so much stress and life crushing commitment." The band released their fourth studio album Fever Hunting on September 9, 2013 through Deathwish, which was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge. Modern Life is War embarked on a six-date tour in celebration of the new album in October 2013.
Jeffrey Eaton - Vocals
John Paul Eich - Guitar
Matt Hoffman - Guitar
Chris Honeck - Bass
Tyler Oleson - Drums
Humble Streets
Modern Life Is War Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, this is all that we've got.
Listen to the streets in this town
and you'll hear a plea for dignity in a life without.
It's near midnight on Saturday Night.
These sad clowns will chatter till Sunday morning light.
We're common. We're desperate..
We'll do this our own way.
We worked all week and we're drinking tonight.
There's no end in sight in these humble streets.
Methamphetamine still rampant.
Churches and bars are full but the library is vacant.
Baby faced veterans and factory men
singing the same jukebox songs with bottles stuck to their lips.
So many children raised on welfare and T.V.
It's easy to see how the circle remains unbroken.
And I am one of the lucky ones...
We're common. We're desperate.
We'll do this our own way.
We grew up proud in these humble streets.
We can work every day. Watch T.V. every night.
There's no end in sight in these humble streets.
But I'm just singing my cheap white boy blues.
When I get back home I'll be drinking right next to you.
We're Common. We're Desperate.
I'll do this my own way.
Wherever I may roam this is where I remain.
And I belong to these humble streets.
The lyrics of Modern Life Is War's Humble Streets offer a poignant social commentary on the struggles of people residing in impoverished neighborhoods. The opening lines "No, this is not what we wanted. Yes, this is all that we've got" suggest a sense of resignation towards their living conditions. The stanza paints a picture of a town where the residents are united in their quest for dignity and a more fulfilling life. The phrase "It's near midnight on Saturday Night. These sad clowns will chatter till Sunday morning light" conjures an image of a grim reality where people seek solace in conversations that prolong through the night instead of looking for ways to better their living conditions.
The song highlights the harsh realities of life in these neighborhoods, with rampant drug use and a lack of access to education and resources. The lines "Methamphetamine still rampant. Churches and bars are full but the library is vacant. Baby-faced veterans and factory men singing the same jukebox songs with bottles stuck to their lips." provide a vivid portrayal of the hopelessness and despair that pervades these communities. The final verse, "But I'm just singing my cheap white boy blues. When I get back home I'll be drinking right next to you. We're Common. We're Desperate. I'll do this my own way. Wherever I may roam this is where I remain. And I belong to these humble streets" expresses a sense of belonging and acceptance of the conditions, despite recognizing the need for change.
Line by Line Meaning
No, this is not what we wanted.
The current state of life in these streets is not what we had hoped for.
Yes, this is all that we've got.
But unfortunately, this is the reality we are dealing with.
Listen to the streets in this town
and you'll hear a plea for dignity in a life without.
If you pay attention to the people and their struggles in this town, you'll hear their desperate cry for dignity amidst a life without many opportunities.
It's near midnight on Saturday Night.
These sad clowns will chatter till Sunday morning light.
Late on a Saturday night, despite the despair and hardship of everyday life, people in these streets still try to find happiness and escape, even if it's just temporary.
We're common. We're desperate..
We'll do this our own way.
The common people of these streets are desperate for a better life, and they will do whatever it takes to make it happen, even if they have to do it their own way.
We grew up strong in these humble streets.
We worked all week and we're drinking tonight.
Despite the challenges of growing up in these streets, the people here have grown strong and are proud of their work ethic. They still find joy in simple pleasures, like having a drink after a long week of work.
There's no end in sight in these humble streets.
Methamphetamine still rampant.
Unfortunately, the problems plaguing these streets – like drug addiction – show no signs of stopping.
Churches and bars are full but the library is vacant.
Baby faced veterans and factory men
singing the same jukebox songs with bottles stuck to their lips.
The people in these streets are limited in their options for leisure and education. They often turn to drinking and singing in bars to escape their reality.
So many children raised on welfare and T.V.
It's easy to see how the circle remains unbroken.
Generations of families in these streets struggle with poverty and a lack of access to resources. Without intervention, this cycle of hardship and dependence will continue on.
And I am one of the lucky ones...
We're common. We're desperate.
We'll do this our own way.
We grew up proud in these humble streets.
The artist acknowledges that despite being one of the lucky ones who escaped these streets, they will always identify with and be proud of their humble beginnings.
We can work every day. Watch T.V. every night.
There's no end in sight in these humble streets.
Even when people in these streets are working hard and trying to make a better life for themselves, the seemingly endless cycle of poverty and despair makes it difficult to envision a brighter future.
But I'm just singing my cheap white boy blues.
When I get back home I'll be drinking right next to you.
The artist acknowledges that their perspective may be limited, but they still find comfort in the camaraderie of their fellow street dwellers.
We're Common. We're Desperate.
I'll do this my own way.
Wherever I may roam this is where I remain.
And I belong to these humble streets.
In the face of adversity, the people of these streets will persevere and find ways to survive, even if they have to do it their own way. This sense of belonging and pride in their community is what keeps them going.
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.