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
Momentum
Modern Life Is War Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm walking out the door
I feel lost here tonight,
Everything has changed since that summer before.
Stumbling forward
I'm glancing back.
There's no one in the window begging me to come back.
But I'm not yet ready for this day to be done.
'Cause I always come up short.
I'm always lusting for something more.
And so I push right into the night harder
And harder until my heart beats just right.
Across downtown and over the tracks.
Exhaustion finally taking hold
Down to the place I love where nobody knows.
Old photographs much too late at night.
I dream of times I wish I could leave behind.
And I always wake up ugly and dissatisfied.
I've gotta change my mind.
I've gotta change my life
Get down to the root of the problem
Cure my misdirection
'Cause all the laughs die at closing time
And I lie awake wondering why
I'm an all or nothing kid and
Why I've been feeling like nothing all of the time.
Where do I go? am I on my own?
The lyrics of Modern Life Is War's song Momentum detail the struggle of trying to find one's place in the world amidst the changes that come with growing up. The singer is leaving a home that no longer feels familiar and venturing into the night in search of something more. They are haunted by memories of the past, represented by old photographs that they dream of leaving behind.
The singer is plagued with a sense of dissatisfaction and a need for something more, but they are unsure of where to turn or what to do. They acknowledge the need to change their life and find the root of their problems, but are still searching for a way forward. The song's title, Momentum, speaks to this feeling of pushing forward, even when unsure of where one is going or what lies ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Down the old staircase
Starting a journey or path down memory lane, reflecting on the past.
I'm walking out the door
Leaving behind the security and safety of a familiar place.
I feel lost here tonight,
Feeling unsure or disoriented in the present moment.
Everything has changed since that summer before.
The past holds significance and events have had a lasting impact on the present.
Stumbling forward
Moving forward despite feeling uncertain or uneasy.
I'm glancing back.
Looking back on past experiences or people left behind.
There's no one in the window begging me to come back.
Feeling alone or unsupported in a journey towards personal growth.
The streetlights are burning.
Symbolizing that time keeps moving forward, regardless of one's personal struggles.
But I'm not yet ready for this day to be done.
Expressing a desire to make the most of every moment and opportunity.
'Cause I always come up short.
Feeling like personal accomplishments or goals are never fully achieved.
I'm always lusting for something more.
Craving more fulfillment or satisfaction in life.
And so I push right into the night harder
Determined to face challenges and work towards personal growth.
And harder until my heart beats just right.
Pushing oneself to find balance, peace, and happiness.
Across downtown and over the tracks.
Venturing into new and unfamiliar territory, both physically and emotionally.
Exhaustion finally taking hold
Acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of personal growth and exploration.
Down to the place I love where nobody knows.
Finding peace and solace in a place of personal significance.
Old photographs much too late at night.
Reminiscing on past experiences, particularly ones that hold emotional weight.
I dream of times I wish I could leave behind.
Reflecting on the more difficult and challenging aspects of the past.
And I always wake up ugly and dissatisfied.
Feeling unfulfilled or unhappy with the current state of life.
I've gotta change my mind.
Recognizing the need for personal growth and prioritizing one's mental and emotional health.
I've gotta change my life
Making changes in one's life in order to achieve greater happiness and fulfillment.
Get down to the root of the problem
Identifying the underlying issues that are holding one back from personal growth or happiness.
'Cause all the laughs die at closing time
Recognizing the temporary nature of life and the importance of making the most of every moment.
And I lie awake wondering why
Questioning the reasons behind personal struggles and challenges.
I'm an all or nothing kid and
Feeling like one's personality or outlook on life is extreme or intense.
Why I've been feeling like nothing all of the time.
Experiencing feelings of inadequacy or worthlessness, despite one's efforts.
Where do I go? am I on my own?
Feeling uncertain about the next steps in one's journey towards personal growth, and questioning one's independence.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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