Royal Bangs are an American music group from Knoxville, TN. Formed in 2005,… Read Full Bio ↴Royal Bangs are an American music group from Knoxville, TN. Formed in 2005, the trio is composed of Chris Rusk (drums), Ryan Schaefer (keyboard, vocals, electronics), and Sam Stratton (guitar). Royal Bangs released their debut LP We Breed Champions in 2008 through Audio Eagle Records, an independent record label founded and run by Patrick Carney of The Black Keys. The following year, German label City Slang released the album in Europe where British music magazine Uncut described the record as "belting garage rock, quirky indie rock and bamboozling electronica, all served up in one smart and super-confident package, rather like a chirpier, younger, less navel-gazing Radiohead."

They released Let It Beep in 2009, on Audio Eagle Records in the US and City Slang in Europe.

1993
Royal Bangs Lyrics

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i am 1993
i am 1993
feel such power within me
know that i can be

i am 1993
i am 1993
i am milkshakes at the max

we are best friends to the max

i am so for real
i am so for real
kool keith told me so
i sold t shirts at his show

i am 1993
i am 1993

but you killed all my babies
when i took the train to leave

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Royal Bangs’ “1993” appear to be a nostalgic reflection on the power and significance of the year 1993. The repetition of the affirmation “I am 1993” suggests a strong identification and connection to that time period. The lyrics also express a sense of personal strength and potential, with the singer declaring that they “feel such power within me” and “know that I can be” whatever they desire.

The reference to “milkshakes at the max” and “best friends to the max” further aligns the song with a carefree, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of youth and innocence. However, the mood shifts in the final verse with the line “but you killed all my babies / when I took the train to leave.” This abrupt turn suggests a loss of innocence or feelings of betrayal associated with the passage of time and leaving things behind.

Overall, “1993” can be interpreted as a wistful ode to a specific time period that represents both personal empowerment and youthful freedom, as well as the bittersweet sadness that can come with the passage of time and the loss of what was once cherished.

Line by Line Meaning

i am 1993
The singer identifies themselves with a year that carries significance to them.

i am 1993
Reiterating their self-identification with the year 1993.

feel such power within me
The singer feels a strong sense of personal empowerment.

know that i can be
The artist is confident in their ability to achieve their goals and aspirations.

i am milkshakes at the max
The artist associates themselves with a cultural reference from the 90s, possibly signifying a carefree and nostalgic attitude.

we are best friends to the max
The singer has a close bond with someone, possibly reminiscing on past friendships from 1993.

i am so for real
The singer emphasizes the authenticity of their identity and feelings.

kool keith told me so
The artist received validation from a prominent figure in the hip-hop community, possibly reflecting a desire for recognition and respect.

i sold t shirts at his show
The artist had a job selling merchandise at Kool Keith's concert, suggesting they have experience working in the music industry.

but you killed all my babies
The artist experienced a betrayal or loss that deeply affected them, potentially referring to creative works or personal relationships.

when i took the train to leave
The singer associates this painful experience with a specific moment in their life, implying a sense of moving on or leaving behind something from their past.

Writer(s): Brandon Biondo, Chris Rusk, Ryan Schaefer, Harry Gibson, Sam Stratton Copyright: Royal Bangs Publishing

Contributed by Harper H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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