No Motiv is an alternative rock and punk rock band from Oxnard, California … Read Full Bio ↴No Motiv is an alternative rock and punk rock band from Oxnard, California signed to Vagrant Records. As of 2006, No Motiv were the 'oldest' Vagrant band, having been with Vagrant Records longer than any other artist on the Vagrant roster. The current No Motiv line up includes former bassist Roger Camero behind the drum kit. Camero never left the band, but rather moved to the drums when drummer Pat Pedraza left the band to join alternative rock band From Satellite. Their first album, Cynical, was distributed by Edge Records. No Motiv eventually left Edge for unspecified reasons, though a 'falling out' is what is assumed.[citation needed] Their second album Scarred is a collection of unreleased demos and remixes also released by Edge Records. The band is known for rarely, if ever, playing songs from these two albums at their live shows. Friends of the band have also been noted as saying that there are demo tapes that sound better than the quality on Scarred.[citation needed] The band had its greatest success with the 2004 release Daylight Breaking, which reached #36 on Billboard's Top Independent albums chart.During the past two years, No Motiv has played only one live show. It took place on June 11, 2006, at the Livery Theatre in Ventura, CA, as a benefit show for the closing of the venue, as well as a reunion of legendy sadcore band The Whereabouts.

While No Motiv never released an official statement announcing their breakup, the band is considered to be on hiatus and inactive at the present time. Jeremy and Jeff reside in Ventura, CA, and have started recording material under a new band called Monster Hand. Max lives in Oxnard and has been recording material under a solo project called Gentlemen. Roger is enrolled in recording classes at Long Beach City College, resides in Irvine, CA, and is writing songs for school projects and for fun under the name He Fails Me.

All band members remain close friends to this day, and also are involved in many side projects in addition to the ones mentioned above, such as Hybrid Moments, Death Country Blues, and Machines.

Independence Day
No Motiv Lyrics

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It's getting complicated
I'm finding it difficult to go
Can't stop the walls from caving in on me
And I'm still finding out

Only if you understood
You would see you'd know by now
Things aren't quite so good

Why can't you understand me

Only if I could find it
Seems miles away
Only if I could have it
My independence day

It's funny how we always end
A stalemate on and on and on
Can't put the past behind me
You're still talking nonsensical

Only if we understood
Each other you'd know by now
Oh how I wish you could
Why can't you understand it

Only if I could find it
Seems miles away

Only if I could have it
My independence day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to No Motiv's "Independence Day" explore themes of feeling trapped and seeking freedom, both from external circumstances and internal conflicts. The opening lines set the tone of the song, with the singer expressing their frustration at feeling like things are getting more complicated and overwhelming. They feel like they're stuck in a situation they can't escape, with walls closing in around them.

Throughout the song, the singer is pleading with someone to understand them, to see things from their perspective. They feel like they're in a stalemate, unable to move forward or resolve issues from the past. The repeated refrain of "Only if..." highlights the sense of longing and the distance between the singer and their desired sense of independence.

The final lines of the song suggest that the singer's independence day is still out of reach, but they are still striving towards it. They want to find something that will help them break free and gain the autonomy they desire.

Overall, "Independence Day" is a poignant exploration of the struggle to find freedom, both externally and internally. It speaks to the universal desire to be understood and to feel in control of one's own life.

Line by Line Meaning

It's getting complicated
Life is becoming difficult and complex

I'm finding it difficult to go
I'm struggling to make progress

Can't stop the walls from caving in on me
I feel trapped and overwhelmed

And I'm still finding out
I'm still discovering things and learning

Only if you understood
If you could see things from my perspective

You would see you'd know by now
You would understand the situation by now

Things aren't quite so good
The situation is not good

Why can't you understand me
Why can't you empathize with my situation

Only if I could find it
If I could locate it

Seems miles away
It feels distant and unattainable

Only if I could have it
If I could obtain it