MxPx started as three 15-year-old kids calling themselves Magnified Plaid pounding out music inspired by and similar to The Descendents and other Southern California punk rock bands. They didn’t really love their band name, however, which was a tribute to the original guitarist’s penchant for wearing one particularly loud plaid shirt. Consequently, the name was abbreviated to M.P., but in Yuri’s handwriting, periods become “X“‘s and since he made up the show posters for the band, the four-letter moniker stuck.
Andy Husted, the former guitarist, left the band in 1995 to continue college.
Andy was replaced by Tom to solidify the line-up that would take the band into their post-teen years. Maybe Tom’s background as a drummer made up for his relative inexperience playing guitar (he had only played for a year at the time). He and Yuri lock into backbreakingly fast rhythms that rank with vintage Minor Threat for speed and percussive attack. Mike then adds to the mix his signature sing-along melodies that call to mind SoCal punk bands from the early ’80s.
Bremerton had been a town most famous for its naval shipyards until MxPx caught the attention of Tooth & Nail Records when they played a “showcase” for the T&N label in 1993 in Herrera’s parents’ garage. Mike Herrera had practiced so much before the first show, he lost his voice.
MxPx released three albums with Tooth & Nail Records: Pokinatcha in 1994, Teenage Politics in 1995, and Life in General in 1996. After a falling out with Tooth & Nail, MxPx left the label and signed with A&M Records.
In July 2010 drummer Yuri Ruley announced he would be retiring from the band to focus on his family. Ruley played his last show with the band in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 18, 2010. In a recent video message from Mike, he stated that Tom and Yuri have both finished touring full time, but will continue to play one-off shows with the band.
Prove It to the World
MxPx Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't relax
I can't let go
I can't say no
Can't take the time
Can't make you mine
Can't know for sure
Can't find the cure
And what does this all mean?
And after all I've seen
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I'm gonna prove it to the world
So here I go
Can't ascertain
I can't refrain
I can't decline
I won't fall behind
I won't sit down
I won't leave town
I can't deny
And I won't cry
And what does this all mean?
And after all I've seen
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I'm gonna prove it to the world
So here I go
The lyrics to MxPx's song "Prove It To The World" reflect a sense of determination and boldness to take on challenges and prove oneself to the world. The singer opens up by listing off a series of things they can't do or can't find, such as holding back, relaxing, letting go, saying no, taking time or finding a cure. The use of the word "can't" implies a sense of frustration and limitations that may have previously held the singer back. However, the tone then shifts to a more optimistic one, as the singer declares that they are going to "prove it to the world". They won't be held down, they won't decline, they won't fall behind, sit down or leave town, they won't deny or cry. The repetition of phrases like "I won't" and "I can't" make the singer sound like they are on the brink of a breakthrough, perhaps fueled by a past situation in which they were doubted, underestimated or dismissed. By the end of the song, the singer is ready to take action and move forward with a sense of purpose and confidence.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't hold back
I cannot resist the urge to act.
I can't relax
I am unable to calm down or be at ease.
I can't let go
I cannot detach from something or someone emotionally.
I can't say no
I am incapable of refusing or rejecting offers or requests.
Can't take the time
I have a busy schedule and cannot create time for something.
Can't make you mine
I am incapable of attracting someone, making them interested or committed to me.
Can't know for sure
I am uncertain and unable to determine certain outcomes or results.
Can't find the cure
I am unable to discover the solution or remedy to a problem or situation.
And what does this all mean?
I am pondering what significance this has in my life?
And after all I've seen
Despite past experiences, I am still unsure.
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I am determined to convince everyone of my ability or worth.
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I am resolute in showing the world what I'm capable of.
I'm gonna prove it to the world
I am adamant in demonstrating my achievements or success to everyone.
So here I go
I am starting the journey of proving myself to the world.
Can't ascertain
I cannot determine the facts or truth behind something.
I can't refrain
I am incapable of restraining myself from doing something.
I can't decline
I am unable to refuse or reject invitations or offers.
I won't fall behind
I will not allow myself to be surpassed by others.
I won't sit down
I will not remain inactive or indifferent to my situation.
I won't leave town
I will not give up or abandon my goals or aspirations.
I can't deny
I cannot refuse recognition or acceptance of something.
And I won't cry
I will not allow myself to be discouraged or upset by difficulties.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MICHAEL HERRERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind