A Collection of Memories
Chad Pry and Joshua… Read Full Bio ↴The Story of On the Take
A Collection of Memories
Chad Pry and Joshua Carpenter met in 1999 when they began playing in the new-wave/proto-punk/electro-clash band Piedmont Charisma. Like all bands, Piedmont Charisma had its shortcomings, and even though they were immensely popular and wildly successful, the band decided to call it quits because they were all addicted to amphetamines and could no longer bear the company of one another. It was 2004 when the members went their separate ways, Pry starting a lucrative law firm and Carpenter becoming a "home bum." Two years passed....
It was during this time that Pry met Justin Whitlow, who had cut his teeth in the bands "Reductio ad Absurdum," which is Latin, and "Cannibal Unicorn," which is not. At the time, Whitlow was desperately seeking a creative outlet, as both Reductio and "Tha Unicorn" had recently been dismembered, which is to say, all of the members of both bands quit being in the bands. Pry went up to Whitlow one day and was like, "Duder, do you want to start up a band where I play guitar and you play drums, and we'll call it 'On the Take'?" Whitlow was all, "Yeah, that would be totally awesome because when someone says that someone else is 'On the Take,' they mean that the person is a kidnapper." Pry knew that Whitlow was wrong, but he laughed good-naturedly and said, "You are so right about that, Justin!" Right then and there the two decided that this "On the Take," whatever it meant, would be their destiny. History was about to be made.
But first, they needed a bass player, preferably an extremely attractive woman. Someone matching the criteria was impossible to find, however, so Pry and Whitlow were forced to broaden their scope. But times were tight, and most of Asheville's bass players had sold their instruments to buy food and provisions what got them through the long, hot Carolina summer. Pry was walking under the bridge downtown when right there, protruding from the underneath of an emaciated dallywiddle bush, was the scabby, ant-covered foot of his one-time friend Joshua Carpenter.
Initially, Pry was filled with contempt for his old comrade; why should HE be able to sit there and get drunk all day and not hold down a steady job while upstanding American citizens (who were actually BORN here) should have to do all of the work? That gold-bricker! But then Pry thought, "Hey, you know, we used to make a pretty good team way back when, maybe he deserves a second chance at life." He pitched the idea to his drunken, illiterate friend. Carpenter's response surprised Pry: "Chadwicke Mapplethorpe Pry, look at me; I am homeless, penniless, and covered in scabs. I do not even know how to read or speak English properly. Why would you want someone like me to create beautiful music with you?"
"Because, old friend, you are the most strikingly handsome man that I have ever laid eyes on." Carpenter was in.
Then when Carpenter and Pry returned to the "On the Take House," where the band practiced and did most of their male bonding, they were surprised to find that a tallish man called "Andrew Riddle," after consuming seven 40-ounce containers of malt liquor, had inducted himself into the band. There was not much the other three members could do about it, especially Whitlow, who hasn't even been in this biography for several paragraphs. At any rate, the quartet, by adding a fourth member, was finally complete. It was time to bring the music to the people!
On the Take played their first show and it was sold out, just like all their subsequent shows have been and all of their future shows will be. Who knows what the coming years have in store for this fine group of talented young songcraftsmen? One thing is for sure: On the Take plays pop-tinged rock with hints of synth and can be compared to Guided by Voices, Brainiac, and the Unicorns. Also, they like to say that their glass is "half full."
Better Off
On The Take Lyrics
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Fight the wave
Don't worry with the suffering
They will call you mad and freak
Slowly crawl
Climb the walls
Face the strong as you lead the weak
In this world we live in
We can't take what belongs to it
Lies and tortures remains in my head all day
Feeling so down but I really don't know what to say
Years and years of pain I'm living like a stone
Don't wanna die this lonely but I'm better off alone
Step the clay
Paint it gray
Did someone tell you to believe?
Well, give up cause you won't see
In this world we live in
We can't take what belongs to it
Lies and tortures remains in my head all day
Feeling so down but I really don't know what to say
Years and years of pain I'm living like a stone
Don't wanna die this lonely but I'm better off alone
In this world we live in
We can't take what belongs to it
Lies and tortures remains in my head all day
Feeling so down but I really don't know what to say
Years and years of pain I'm living like a stone
Don't wanna die this lonely but I'm better off alone
The lyrics of "Better Off" by On The Take convey a sense of struggle and defiance in the face of adversity. The opening lines, "Find a way, Fight the wave, Don't worry with the suffering, They will call you mad and freak," suggest an encouragement to push through difficult times, even when others may not understand or support you. It speaks to the courage required to stand up against societal norms and expectations.
The lyrics continue with "Slowly crawl, Climb the walls, Face the strong as you lead the weak, Is it worth to let it bleed?" This could be interpreted as a call to gradually overcome obstacles and confront those who hold power, while also questioning the cost of continuing to endure pain and suffering. It explores the internal struggle of deciding whether the fight is worth it, or if it's better to let go and move on.
The next verse delves deeper into the impact of the world we live in, with lines like "Lies and tortures remains in my head all day" and "Years and years of pain I'm living like a stone." These lyrics convey a sense of despair and feeling trapped within a harsh and unforgiving reality. The repetition of feeling down, not knowing what to say, and living in pain suggests a sense of hopelessness and isolation.
The chorus repeats the sentiment that one is "better off alone" in this world. It emphasizes the struggles of seeking connection and companionship amidst the lies and torment that linger in the mind. It suggests that, despite longing for companionship, the singer believes they are better off on their own to avoid the loneliness and pain that often comes with relationships.
Overall, "Better Off" captures the emotions of someone facing the trials and tribulations of life. It explores themes of perseverance, questioning the worth of the fight, and the desire for freedom from suffering. The lyrics express the complexities of navigating a world full of challenges and the personal decisions one must make to survive and find a sense of peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Find a way
Find a solution or strategy to overcome obstacles
Fight the wave
Combat the challenges and difficulties
Don't worry with the suffering
Do not concern yourself with the pain and hardship
They will call you mad and freak
Others may criticize and label you as insane or abnormal
Slowly crawl
Make progress gradually and persistently
Climb the walls
Overcome barriers and limitations
Face the strong as you lead the weak
Confront the powerful while guiding the vulnerable
Is it worth to let it bleed?
Do the consequences justify enduring pain and suffering?
Step the clay
Take deliberate actions to mold your circumstances
Paint it gray
Create a bleak and gloomy picture
Did someone tell you to believe?
Has anyone instructed you to have faith?
Well, give up cause you won't see
Well, abandon hope because you will not succeed
In this world we live in
Within the reality we inhabit
We can't take what belongs to it
We cannot claim ownership of its possessions
Lies and tortures remains in my head all day
Falsehoods and torment persistently haunt my thoughts
Feeling so down but I really don't know what to say
Experiencing deep sadness, yet unable to express it
Years and years of pain I'm living like a stone
Enduring prolonged suffering, feeling numb and unfeeling
Don't wanna die this lonely but I'm better off alone
Desiring to avoid a solitary death, yet finding solace in isolation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ramon Lima
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind