Formed in 1989 by college friends Zabrecky and Celso Chavez (guitar), the pair took their name from a suspected murderer mentioned on television show America's Most Wanted. Initially performing as a duo, they mixed haphazard punk-folk compositions with store-front theatre to some measurable success, primarily performing at LA art/coffeehouses (Be Bop Records, Jabberjaw, Pik-Me-Up). The following year, longtime friends and former schoolmates Robert O’Sullivan (guitar/organ/keyboards) and Rich Truel (drums) were enlisted and together a fuller musical range was explored. Chronicling their hometown's east side slacker life with a pop-rock sensibility, the band smartly incorporated influences from the Talking Heads, Human Hands, Wall of Voodoo, Dream Syndicate and Camper Van Beethoven.
By 1992 Possum Dixon had logged a number of mini-tours and produced a number self-released 45" singles and cassettes which included "Music for a One Bedroom Apartment", "Nerves", "Watch the Girl Destroy Me", and a three single box-set released by Pronto Records. Along the way a strong following was built and eventually the band found themselves part of a flowering LA art and coffeehouse scene.
Secretly rehearsing by night in a warehouse (where Zabrecky worked as a mailroom clerk by day), hiding their equipment with boxes when they finished, the band diligently polished club-tested material and assembled what would become their first full length major label debut. They eventually found internal harmony without consciously trying. Chavez's disjointed guitar playing wasn't for lack of trying; O'Sullivan's piano crashes weren't for lack of talent. Truel's drumming and Zabrecky's spy-infused bass riffs were all part of a bigger picture about a band who found their own voice from the close confines of practice and proximity to each other in their daily lives. The band also wasn't without lending a helping hand. Beck, a young anti-folk singer with nothing to his name but a beat-up guitar, would frequently get up on stage before the band played to test his latest material. Zabrecky later recorded a bass track on his first Geffen release, Mellow Gold.
Elevators
Possum Dixon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm waiting for the doors to close so I can really show you.
You're interior is playing with my insides.
And every time I close the door you watch a suicide.
Oh me and elevators we're going to the go-go.
Me and elevators we're going to the picture show.
Don't you know I can't love you like a girl.
One of these days you're gonna find out, when the door's closed.
I'm wasted in the elevator.
Don't you know I'm wasted in the elevator?
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Possum Dixon's song Elevators seem to be about unrequited love and a strong attraction to someone. The first verse talks about how the persona is not your typical type and how they really want the person they are talking to. They are waiting for the door to close so they can "really show" the person, which could mean that they want to kiss or express their feelings for them. The "interior" of the person they are attracted to is "playing" with their insides, which could mean that they are stirring up strong emotions within them. However, every time the persona closes the door, the person they are attracted to "watch(es) a suicide", which could mean that they are ignoring the persona or rejecting them in some way.
The chorus talks about how the persona and elevators are going to the "go-go" or the "picture show", which could mean that they are going somewhere exciting or fun. The persona acknowledges that they cannot love the person they are attracted to in the same way a girl can, and that they are being set up and brought down by them. The persona seems resigned to the fact that the person they are attracted to will eventually find out how they feel when the door is closed.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be about unrequited love and the frustration that comes with it. The persona is attracted to someone who is not interested in them, and they are struggling with their feelings and the reality of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a type and you know I really want you.
I am not a typical person, and I have a strong desire for you.
I'm waiting for the doors to close so I can really show you.
I am eagerly anticipating the moment when the elevator doors close, so I can reveal my true self to you.
You're interior is playing with my insides.
Your interior design is affecting me emotionally.
And every time I close the door you watch a suicide.
Every time I close the elevator door, it feels like a small death, and you are a witness to it.
Oh me and elevators we're going to the go-go.
Elevators and I are going to a lively event.
Me and elevators we're going to the picture show.
Elevators and I are going to the movies.
Don't you know I can't love you like a girl.
I cannot love you in the same way as a woman would.
You all set me up and bring me down.
You have a significant influence on my emotions, both positively and negatively.
One of these days you're gonna find out, when the door's closed.
Eventually, you will discover my true feelings about you when we are alone in the elevator.
I'm wasted in the elevator.
I am emotionally drained while in the elevator.
Don't you know I'm wasted in the elevator?
Are you aware of how much the elevator affects me emotionally?
[Chorus]
Refrain from repeating the same lines.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CELSO CHAVEZ, ROBERT O'SULLIVAN, ROBERT ZABRECKY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason S
Full of possumy goodness are they - underrated band. The have some terrible stuff fo sho, but they have some great tunes as well.