The Murdocks formed in 2001 in Austin, Texas, centering around guitarist and singer Franklin Morris. The band released their self-titled EP in 2003, and their debut LP, Surrenderender, in 2005,both on Surprise Truck. After undergoing a line-up change which introduced drummer David Jones and bassist Kyle Robarge into the mix, the band released a new EP in 2008, titled Roar. This release featured a different style than the alternative edge heard on the two previous studio efforts. This new material featured a garage sound with plenty of indie power-pop and 60s influences to boot.
The Murdocks have toured nationally several times, playing over 200 shows with an extremely varied list of artists, including a show with Cake drawing a crowd of over 3,000. They have also played at South By Southwest, the CMJ Festival, and The Warped Tour. In addition to debuting on the CMJ Charts at #80, the band has enjoyed play on local radio stations.
The Murdocks released their second LP, titled Distortionist, on September 14, 2010. The record found the band oscillating wildly from power-pop to heavy screams, a polarity which has become the band's trademark.
Following a period in which the band fell dormant, with its members moving to different parts of the United States, joining various projects, and tending to their personal lives, the band quietly spent some four years working on their third album, titled III, and released the effort in May 2020.
III picks up where Distortionist left off, delving into heavier songs while still retaining the band's signature ear for hooks and melody, thanks in large part to the primarily live-tracked production of the band in coordination with Chico Jones.
OMG
Murdocks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I surround you, where did you go, I miss you already I swore I never would
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Shut my eyes
When I was a boy I was beneath the emptiness smiley happy everyone cares
Time moved weirdly along, it welcomed regretting, feasts of merriment
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Shut your mouth
Hey you there, write me some day
You'll make a lot far away and never come home
How we, shouted hooray, she got away I suppose its better there.
Why? Why?
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Step-outside-your-head.
Hey, you there, shout out my name so I'll know where you are.
Hey, you there, shout out my name so I'll know where you are.
The lyrics of Murdock's song OMG call attention to the feelings of disconnection and loneliness that often sneak up on us as we go through our lives. The first verse refers to the idea that as children, we are told not to touch certain things, and how this can create a feeling of isolation and strangeness. The singer is missing someone they feel close to, but perhaps this person has disappeared or moved away. The use of the phrase "Oh my God!" is a cry of desperation, as if the singer is overwhelmed by their emotions and doesn't know what else to say.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on their own childhood and how they tried to fit in with what they thought others expected of them. However, this facade led to a sense of emptiness, and as time passed, they began to regret the choices they had made. The use of the phrase "Shut your mouth" shows the frustration and anger the singer feels towards themselves for not being true to who they are.
The third verse switches to second person perspective and appears to address someone the singer admires. They encourage this person to pursue their dreams and get away from home, even though it may be difficult. The use of the word "feasts" suggests that perhaps the singer once felt joyous and celebratory, but now those feelings have faded away.
One possible interpretation of the chorus, "Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Shut your mouth" is that the singer is struggling to articulate their emotions. They feel overwhelmed and perhaps a little ashamed of how strongly they feel. However, the final plea to "step outside your head" suggests that the singer recognizes the importance of expressing oneself, even if it feels scary or uncomfortable.
Line by Line Meaning
When you were a girl you were strange from touching things someone told you never to
As a young girl, you were different because you were curious and touched things that someone warned you not to.
I surround you, where did you go, I miss you already I swore I never would
I was your support system, but you disappeared and I miss you even though I never thought I would.
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Shut my eyes
This situation is overwhelming and confusing, I can't rationalize it, I need to block it out.
When I was a boy I was beneath the emptiness smiley happy everyone cares
As a young boy, I felt empty, putting on a happy face for others even though inside I felt like no one really cared.
Time moved weirdly along, it welcomed regretting, feasts of merriment
Time passed strangely, accepting regrets and moments of happiness, like they are both a part of life.
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Shut your mouth
This is unbelievable and unpredictable, I can't make sense of it and I need you to stop talking.
Hey you there, write me some day
Hey, if you get a chance, reach out to me one day.
You'll make a lot far away and never come home
I know you'll become successful and leave home for good.
How we, shouted hooray, she got away I suppose its better there.
We celebrated your departure, but maybe it's for the better that you're gone.
Why? Why?
I don't understand why this is happening, I have so many questions.
Oh my God! Oh baby! Why's that sound so crazy? Step-outside-your-head.
This is so overwhelming that I need to step outside of my own head and take a breather.
Hey, you there, shout out my name so I'll know where you are.
Hey, if you're out there somewhere, call out my name so I can find you.
Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.