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.
Talk Of The Town
MxPx Lyrics
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It's not what I expected
I guess I must have known all along
I'd always be rejected
Now I see who's for real for twice in my life
At least I got a direction in my life
And I'm not pinned down, 'cause I know what I want
No one's gonna tell me what to do or what I've done
Now I see who's for real for twice in my life
(For twice in my life)
At least I got a direction in my life
(In My life)
And I'm not pinned down 'cause I know what I want
And I know how to get there
(Know how to get there)
No one's gonna tell me what to do or what I've done
MxPx's song "Talk of the Town" is a song about rejection and finding one's way in life. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been rejected or overlooked in the past and is finally realizing that it's for the best. The line "I've seen you come around, It's not what I expected" implies that someone has returned into the singer's life, but it hasn't turned out as they may have hoped. The following line "I guess I must have known all along, I'd always be rejected" suggests that this is not a new experience for the singer and perhaps they had expectations that were not met.
The chorus of the song is about finding direction in life and not letting others dictate what one should do. The lyric "At least I got a direction in my life" implies that the singer had been lost or unsure of their path before. However, now they know what they want and how to achieve it. The lyric "No one's gonna tell me what to do or what I've done" suggests that the singer is no longer seeking approval or validation from others.
Overall, the song is a testament to finding one's path in life despite setbacks and rejection. The song encourages the listener to trust their instincts and go after what they want.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen you come around
I have noticed your presence in my life
It's not what I expected
Your presence was not as I imagined it would be
I guess I must have known all along
Deep down, I was aware of what was going to happen
I'd always be rejected
I knew I would never be accepted by you
Now I see who's for real for twice in my life
I have learned who is genuine and trustworthy two times in my life
At least I got a direction in my life
Although it has been difficult, I have found a purpose for myself
And I'm not pinned down, 'cause I know what I want
I am free to pursue my goals because I have a clear understanding of what I desire
And I know how to get there
I possess the knowledge and skills to achieve my aspirations
No one's gonna tell me what to do or what I've done
I refuse to allow others to dictate my actions or pass judgment on my past decisions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MICHAEL ARTHUR HERRERA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind