The road to this point wasn’t a direct path for this former metal/hardcore drummer. After a series of faltered attempts, James found his voice and new purpose for his music when he began writing songs following a move to Denver, Colorado. “It was funny that I played in these dark hyper-aggressive bands because I’m actually a pretty even keeled guy,” states James. “Somehow when I started to write the songs for Portrait of a Friend, I found myself taking the energy of my earlier bands but now bringing to my songs a sense of melody, meaning, and optimism that was always a part of me, but just never expressed.” That’s an ironic statement considering James began expressing himself musically at such a young age. Growing up in a musical household, James’ parents spotted him one day beating rhythmically to household items whenever music was playing. With that, James got his first set of drums at the age of 4, and thus began his musical career.
On his debut effort, Portrait of a Friend delivers an amped up, expressive array of melodic beats, inspiring lyrics, and raw energy; proving once and for all that Indie Rock and Electronic music are not mutually exclusive. Early stand-out tracks include the songs Hollywood Love Story and New Beginning; each filled with unabashed optimism reflected in their upbeat hooks and complimenting lyrics as well as the romantic declarations of Fall and its seemingly inevitable ending in, What I Did to Myself.
Portrait of A Friend provides for us insight into the essence of James Egbert’s world; his friends, his family, his relationships and how these factors shape, mold and paint his being. This insight however is pretty universal: internal conflict, hope, insecurity, individual morality. In some ways, in Portrait of a Friend, James Egbert has created a portrait of us.
Metal Collides
Portrait of a Friend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The glamour inside seems more important
Fist on the wheel, but not in control
The glamour inside seems more important
He didn't see it coming, didn't hear it coming
The glamour inside seems more important
Horn honks, rubber begs to hold but slips over wet pavement
The glamour inside seems more important
Bang! Bang! The asphalt holds a scene now
Bang! Bang! Channel three goes live
Bang! Bang! What are we to do now
Metal collides
A body on the ground
It didn't put up a fight
Glass shattered upon trying
Trying to catch him in midflight
Paramedics rush
His life is still worth saving
Can't say the same about the car that he crushed
Lives wouldn't be lost if he was paying attention
The lyrics to Portrait of a Friend’s song, “Metal Collides,” speaks to recklessness and the distractions that prevent individuals from paying attention to their surroundings, leading to devastating consequences. The opening lines, “Not watching, not listening / The glamour inside seems more important,” suggests that the individual is not focused on driving, but rather the superficiality of their appearance or status. This theme is reiterated throughout the song, as the glamour is deemed more important than control, hearing, and ultimately, life. The line, “Fist on the wheel, but not in control / The glamour inside seems more important,” further emphasizes how the individual is more concerned with their image rather than their well-being or that of others.
The chorus, “Bang! Bang! The asphalt holds a scene now / Bang! Bang! Channel three goes live / Bang! Bang! What are we to do now / Metal collides,” describes the aftermath of the collision, as it is witnessed by bystanders and caught on camera. The violence of the imagery in this chorus contrasts with the lackadaisical attitude of the individual driving, further highlighting the consequence of their lack of attention. The final verse, “Lives wouldn't be lost if he was paying attention,” emphasizes the tragedy and loss of life that could have been prevented if the individual was focused on driving rather than the distractions in their environment.
Overall, “Metal Collides” is a powerful commentary on the dangers of distracted driving, and the profound impact that reckless behavior can have on individuals and their communities. The use of vivid imagery and emotive language creates a sense of urgency and responsibility, challenging listeners to remain vigilant and prioritize safety while operating a vehicle.
Line by Line Meaning
Not watching, not listening
Not paying attention to what is happening around
The glamour inside seems more important
Being more focused on and impressed by appearances and material things
Fist on the wheel, but not in control
Holding onto the steering wheel tightly, but not having actual control over the situation
He didn't see it coming, didn't hear it coming
Being unaware of what was about to happen
Horn honks, rubber begs to hold but slips over wet pavement
The car struggles to stop in the rain, and the brakes screech with no avail
Bang! Bang! The asphalt holds a scene now
A graphic collision has caused significant damage to the street
Bang! Bang! Channel three goes live
The incident is being broadcasted as a news story
Bang! Bang! What are we to do now
Expressing confusion and desperation for a solution
Metal collides
The song's title is repeated, emphasizing the metal-on-metal crash that has occurred
A body on the ground
Someone has been seriously injured or killed in the accident
It didn't put up a fight
The victim was unable to defend themselves from the impact
Glass shattered upon trying
The car's windshield or windows broke when trying to stop or swerve
Trying to catch him in midflight
Attempting to rescue or help the person who was thrown from the car
Paramedics rush
Emergency medical professionals arrive to provide critical care
His life is still worth saving
Despite the intensity of the accident, the person has a chance of surviving
Can't say the same about the car that he crushed
The car was completely destroyed and cannot be repaired
Lives wouldn't be lost if he was paying attention
The driver's inattention and poor choices caused significant harm and possible death
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.