Pulley's debut, Esteem Driven Engine, was released in 1996 by Epitaph. Riddle joined No Use for a Name full-time soon afterwards and was replaced by Tyler Rebbe. Follow-ups included 60 Cycle Hum in 1997 and their eponymous third album in 1999.
They also released Together Again for the First Time (after the death of Jim Cherry) and Matters, both showing their disillusionment with the aging out of the 'old' scene.
Soberbeah
Pulley Lyrics
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Suburban homes all in a row screened in porches,
Swimming pools deluxe electric garage doors
And trampolines, parkway where the grass grows,
Solar panel lighted Christmas trees.
I'm far away from where I wanna be
Suddenly appreciates the inside foundations
I'm far away from where I want to be.
What happens next to be
You'll know high rise in the city elevators
Up to the hundredth floor doormen with their
Whistle blow taxi lights they come and go go
Ahead and piss your day away
The opening lyrics of the song “Soberbeah” by Pulley may seem like a description of a typical suburb, filled with materialistic possessions such as luxurious homes, well-maintained yards, screened-in porches, and swimming pools. However, as the song progresses, the lyrics depict a feeling of disconnection and discomfort from this lifestyle - “I’m far away from where I wanna be”. The singer emphasizes the facade of these possessions by mentioning the “cracked foundations” of the suburban homes, highlighting the emptiness that lies within this lifestyle.
As the song progresses, the singer’s desire for something else grows stronger, depicted in the following verse that speaks of a high rise in the city with elevators up to the hundredth floor. Despite the glamour and excitement of city life, the lyrics take a sarcastic tone with the mention of “doormen with their whistle blow” and “taxi lights they come and go go”, portraying the superficiality of this lifestyle as well. Ultimately, the singer encourages the listener to not waste their time and “go ahead and piss your day away”.
In summary, the song “Soberbeah” by Pulley is a commentary on the flaws and emptiness of both suburban and city lifestyles, inviting the listener to consider what truly matters in life.
Line by Line Meaning
All the trees they line the yards
Describing the suburban landscape with rows of identical homes and neatly lined yards.
Suburban homes all in a row, screened in porches, swimming pools deluxe, electric garage doors and trampolines, parkway where the grass grows, solar panel lighted Christmas trees.
Further details of the suburban lifestyle, including luxurious amenities and decorations like solar-powered Christmas trees.
I'm far away from where I wanna be
The singer is dissatisfied with their current location or situation.
Suddenly appreciates the inside foundations
Developing an appreciation for the underlying aspects of life, rather than just the superficial trappings of suburbia.
Cracked yeah that we know for sure
A recognition of the imperfections and flaws that may exist within oneself or society.
I'm far away from where I want to be
Reiteration of the singer's dissatisfaction with their current situation.
What happens next to be, you'll know
Embracing the uncertainty and unpredictability of life's next steps.
High rise in the city, elevators up to the hundredth floor, doormen with their whistle blow, taxi lights they come and go go
Contrasting the suburban lifestyle with the hustle and bustle of city life, where doormen are needed to control the constant flow of taxis.
Ahead and piss your day away
A dismissive attitude towards wasting time on trivial or meaningless activities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES PAUL III CHERRY, JORDAN LIEBERMAN, MIKE HARDER, SCOTT RADINSKY, TYLER REBBE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind