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.
Study Humans
MxPx Lyrics
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I sit and watch them all go by
Every day's a new day to study humans
I sit and observe this girl named Bri with my eye
All those mannerisms and the funny things the do
Humans and their dogmas the defend so selfishly
I'm planning to take over cause I hate living on the moon
They won't get suspicious cause the soaps are on at noon
The opening lines of MxPx's "Study Humans" showcase the perspective of the song's narrator - a seemingly non-human being who spends their days observing and analyzing human behavior. The singer claims to "study humans" every day at school, watching as people go about their daily lives. One person in particular catches their eye - a girl named Bri. The singer takes note of the way humans carry themselves, their idiosyncrasies, and their deeply-held beliefs.
The phrase "humans and their dogmas they defend so selfishly" seems to criticize human beings for their rigid adherence to certain beliefs and customs, which the singer views as selfish and unnecessary. In contrast, the singer lives on the "moon" and wishes to "take over" the earth from humans, suggesting that they view humanity as inferior and ripe for conquest. The final line, "They won't get suspicious cause the soaps are on at noon," suggests the singer's confidence in their ability to remain undetected while conducting their research - perhaps they view humans as simple-minded, easily distracted creatures.
Overall, "Study Humans" offers a unique and intriguing perspective on human behavior, viewing our customs and beliefs from an outsider's perspective.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyday I go to school and study humans
I regularly attend school and pay close attention to human behavior.
I sit and watch them all go by
I observe people as they pass by without interacting with them.
Every day's a new day to study humans
Each day provides an opportunity to gain insights about human behavior.
I sit and observe this girl named Bri with my eye
I closely watch a specific girl named Bri to learn about her actions and tendencies.
All those mannerisms and the funny things the do
I notice the peculiar behaviors and actions of humans.
Humans and their dogmas they defend so selfishly
I recognize how humans hold steadfast to their beliefs and values, even if it seems self-serving.
I'm planning to take over cause I hate living on the moon
I have intentions of taking control because I despise the isolated living situation on the moon.
They won't get suspicious cause the soaps are on at noon
I believe that humans will not become suspicious of my plans because they are preoccupied with watching daytime television shows.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN ROBERT SETZER, MIKE HIMELSTEIN, RENATO CAROSONE, NICOLA SALERNO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind