Zach Smith is noted for his unique style of bass-playing, as he combines strumming (the most prevalent of his techniques), popping, and slapping. He uses an Alembic Stanley Clarke bass and is currently working on a solo project entitled Systems Officer. Smith tends to write most of the instrumental parts of Pinback's songs while Rob Crow's forte is lyric-writing. At their concerts, they are known for giving away limited edition tour EPs. Both feel strongly about keeping their music in the independent scene, free from excessive media attention and corporate pressures that could affect the band's original sound.
Offline P.K.
Pinback Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Blown cover.)
(Break. Fix.)
Shock, fast
(Dead computer.)
The shock was fast
(Up to speed and then rewinding)
I'm testing all circuits, to see if they all work
I'm throwing on all switches, to see which ones don't work
The shock was fast
(Blood sucker.)
(Fat lip.)
Shock, fast
(Silver bullet.)
The shock was fast
(Now I need a part to hide in.)
(Now I need a play.)
I'm testing all circuits, to see if they all work
I'm throwing on all switches, to see which ones don't work
(Wish that I could leave my room tonight.)
(The fast attack on my compressor's way too bright.)
(Think I got the threshold on too tight.)
(Just restart and hope that everything will be alright.)
Mail off the rebate and send it to me.
It's wearing itself out.
It's running itself out.
Feel like a two-fer
Let's repair the machine
It's wearing itself out.
It feels like it could just go on forever
The lyrics to "Offline P.K." by Pinback seem to describe a situation where the singer is experiencing technical problems with their equipment. The repeated line "The shock was fast" could be referring to a sudden loss of power or malfunction that has caused the singer's computer to die. The following lines, "Up to speed and then rewinding" and "Up another grade" seem to suggest frustration with the system's performance, perhaps harkening to a need to push for upgrades or improvements.
Throughout the song, the singer seems to be troubleshooting the issue, testing circuits and switches to see what works and what doesn't. The lines "Now I need a part to hide in" and "Now I need a play" suggest a desire to escape from the stress and frustration of dealing with technical problems.
The final lines of the song, "It feels like it could just go on forever," seem to capture the endless cycle of issues that can come with relying on technology. The repetition of the chorus and the use of fragmented lines add to the chaotic feeling of the song, evoking a sense of urgency and confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
The shock was fast
Something happened unexpectedly and suddenly, possibly leading to a loss of cover or requiring immediate action. An issue arose that needs fixing.
(Blown cover.)
A situation of secrecy has been exposed or compromised.
(Break. Fix.)
Take a pause from the current activity to fix the problem that has arisen.
Shock, fast
The unexpected event is a serious one and has a major impact.
(Dead computer.)
The issue is affecting the technological infrastructure in a very significant way.
Up to speed and then rewinding
Attempting to grasp or adapt to a new situation, but then something goes wrong, forcing a return to the initial state.
Up another grade.
Pushing oneself to be better or to advance further despite the setback.
I'm testing all circuits, to see if they all work
Investigating every aspect of the situation to see where the problem lies.
I'm throwing on all switches, to see which ones don't work
Experimenting with different variables to try and fix what's wrong.
(Blood sucker.)
Someone or something is drawing resources, attention or energy from the artist.
(Fat lip.)
The singer has been dealt a wound, possibly physical or emotional.
(Silver bullet.)
A potential solution to the problem has been found, but it may be too good to be true.
Now I need a part to hide in.
Feeling like it's better to stay out of the way or avoid confrontation; preferring to work behind the scenes.
Now I need a play.
In need of an escape or entertainment from the current situation.
Wish that I could leave my room tonight.
Feeling trapped or stuck in the current situation and wishing for a way out.
The fast attack on my compressor's way too bright.
The problem is overwhelming or too intense; possibly caused by a quick and unexpected event.
Think I got the threshold on too tight.
The current approach or method used may be too rigid or inflexible, causing issues.
Just restart and hope that everything will be alright.
Trying to reset or start over with the expectation or hope that everything will work out.
Mail off the rebate and send it to me.
Ignoring the underlying problem and asking for an external solution or resource.
It's wearing itself out.
The current solution or resource is becoming less effective over time.
It's running itself out.
The current solution or resource is being depleted or exhausted.
Feel like a two-fer
Feeling like two problems or situations are present or combined.
Let's repair the machine
Finding a way to fix the underlying issue and return to normalcy.
It feels like it could just go on forever
Feeling like the problem is never-ending and may require a new or different approach to solve.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pepii Sama
The shock was fast
Shock, fast
The shock was fast
Blown cover.
Break. Fix.
Dead computer.
Up to speed and then rewinding
Up another grade.
I'm testing all circuits to see if they all work
I'm throwing on all switches to see which ones don't work
The shock was fast
Shock, fast
The shock was fast
Blood sucker.
Fat lip.
Silver bullet.
Now I need a part to hide in.
Now I need a play.
I'm testing all circuits to see if they all work
I'm throwing on all switches to see which ones don't work
Wish that I could leave my room tonight
The fast attack on my compressor's way too bright.
Think I got the threshold on too tight.
Just restart and hope that everything will be alright.
Mail off the rebate and send it to me.
It's running itself out.
Feel like a two-fer
Let's repair the machine
It's wearing itself out.
It feels like it could just go on forever.
Antonio Pineda
This song just hits different can't find another one like it
Mitch Strongarm
thats pinback for ya
cheese sandwich
this song is so good, from the non typical drumming to the mesh of guitar sounds, what a combo
Tara
One of my favorite songs ever by them. So so good
pleuvonics
i just squirm in my seat thinking about how amazing this band is...and end bit of this song? love it love it love it
Deep Dungeon, San Diego
Do u know about thingy and heavy vegetable? Don't mind the names rob crow is a big nerd, they are both incredible and fronted by.. well you'll be able to tell pretty quick, you should check em out
Sandra W
Still my jam in 2020 💃🏽💚
david entendu
Always my most favorite Pinback song
Patrick T
It probably is their best!
persephone melinoe _7
💖