In 1990, Coomes, Weiss, and Brad Pedinov formed the band Motorgoat. The band released two self-released cassettes and one 7" single before dissolving in 1993. Quasi started recording as a duo in 1993. They played with various additional musicians in early live appearances, but eventually settled on playing live as a duo as well. They self-recorded and self-released a cassette and a CD in 1993. They recorded R&B Transmogrification in the Portland band Pond's basement recording studio and released it on Up Records in 1997. They released two more albums with Up: Featuring "Birds" in 1998 and Field Studies in 1999; both albums were recorded at Jackpot Studios in Portland, Oregon.
In 1998 and 1999 they toured the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Japan opening for and serving as the backup band for Elliott Smith (who Coomes had played with in Heatmiser) as well as touring on their own in the U.S. and Europe. In 2001 They home-recorded The Sword of God and released it on Touch & Go. Quasi had been somewhat political since its inception, but their opposition to the 2003 Invasion of Iraq showed through in a straight-forward way with the release of Hot Shit! in 2003, particularly in the songs "White Devil's Dream" and "Master and Dog." When the Going Gets Dark followed in 2006, released on Touch & Go in the U.S. and Domino Records in Europe, as with Hot Shit!.
In Spring 2009, the band announced that they had signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, and were due to release their already recorded next album in the latter half of the year. That album, entitled American Gong, was released February 23, 2010 to generally favorable reviews. It was their first and only album to feature third member Joanna Bolme. Following a tour of Japan, Europe, and the United States in support of the full length, Bolme left the band. A duo again, Sam and Janet are recording material for a new album.
A Case of No Way Out
Quasi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To a welcome of blood & screams.
Days roll past - any one might be your last -
As you run at your fleeting dreams.
& when you're gone, your ghost can carry on.
If you never taste it you don't know what it's about.
If you never face it, you're a case of no way out.
Day & night, darkness & light -
but in the end the darkness was your friend.
If you never taste it you don't know what it's about.
If you never face it you're a case of no way out.
They'll give you a fairy tail to take away your doubt -
If you just embrace it you're a case of no way out.
The lyrics of Quasi's song A Case of No Way Out delve into the realities of human existence, highlighting how life is a journey that starts with pain and ends with death. The opening lines, "Birth by birth, we're cast out on this earth, to a welcome of blood and screams", set the tone for the rest of the song. The line "Days roll past - any one might be your last - as you run at your fleeting dreams" emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.
The chorus of the song "If you never taste it you don't know what it's about. If you never face it you're a case of no way out" serves as a reminder that life is full of experiences, both good and bad, and it is important to live fully in order to truly understand what life is all about. The lines "Day & night, darkness & light - you'll be measured by the light of day but in the end, the darkness was your friend" talk about how our actions are often judged by society, but in reality, the truth about our lives lies in the darker and hidden parts of our existence.
The last line, "They'll give you a fairy tail to take away your doubt - If you just embrace it you're a case of no way out", emphasizes how people often cling to comforting lies and stories to avoid facing the harsh realities of life. But truly embracing life, both light and dark, is the only way to live fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Birth by birth, we're cast out on this earth,
From the moment we are born, we are thrown onto this planet.
To a welcome of blood & screams.
We enter the world with the sounds of pain and agony.
Days roll past - any one might be your last -
Every day that goes by could be the end of your life.
As you run at your fleeting dreams.
We chase after our goals and aspirations, even though they may be only temporary.
& when you're gone, your ghost can carry on.
After we die, our memories and legacy continue to live on.
If you never taste it you don't know what it's about.
Without experiencing something, you cannot truly understand it.
If you never face it, you're a case of no way out.
If you don't confront your fears or challenges, you will forever be trapped in them.
Day & night, darkness & light -
Life is made up of contrasting experiences and emotions.
You'll be measured by light of day.
Our actions and decisions are judged by society and others.
but in the end the darkness was your friend.
Sometimes the obstacles and struggles we face can teach us important lessons and make us stronger.
They'll give you a fairy tail to take away your doubt -
People may present false narratives or illusions to make you feel better about a situation.
If you just embrace it you're a case of no way out.
If you accept and believe in these illusions, you will remain stuck in them.
Contributed by Joshua F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ciel Phantomhive
Birth by birth, we're cast out on this earth
To a welcome of blood & screams
Days roll past - any one might be your last -
As you run at your fleeting dreams
& when you're gone, your ghost can carry on
If you never taste it you don't know what it's about
If you never face it, you're a case of no way out
Day & night, darkness & light -
You'll be measured by light of day
But in the end the darkness was your friend
If you never taste it you don't know what it's about
If you never face it you're a case of no way out
They'll give you a fairy tail to take away your doubt -
If you just embrace it you're a case of no way out
Jesse Millis
Love this song
dogpetdog
masterful and beautiful
fondfarewell2 !
This song is awesome.
stealthnegro001
Very Beatle-like. And that's a GOOD thing.
A
Reminds me of elliott's no name #5
Teddy
wow spot on