As a group, S.T.U.N. are unified in delivering a message, both through their lyrics and through their music. Some of the topics S.T.U.N. deal with on EVOLUTION OF ENERGY are the Government’s growing control of the globe through lies and deception, the healing power in finding your own answers, the warning of the trap of blind compliance, the cowardess and effect of judgment, and the celebration of love and chaos until equality is accomplished. Their name says it all: it’s an acronym for Scream Toward the Uprising of Non-Conformity. Influenced as much by linguist Noam Chomsky and author Daniel Quinn as they are by The Clash or Jane’s Addiction, S.T.U.N’s message is central to their music. “Our music is a call for unity and awareness,” says Neil Spies, guitarist and songwriter/lyricist. “When I grew up, every effort was used to force me to comply with the thought process that whoever was in authority was right – and that’s rarely the truth. We’re here to prove that if you are brave enough to fight adversity for what you believe in that you will have your own message to send that will enlighten the world.
“We’re not pushing opinions on anyone – everyone should question everything, and make decisions for themselves,” Spies continues. “We feel that we have a responsibility, though. When I was a kid, music saved and taught me you can’t feel more alive then when you are part of revolution. When we talk to the kids, they really seem to be starving for a band to fight the “play it safe,” fabricated passion state of the music industry right now. We are playing for them.”
The members of S.T.U.N. were equally absorbed by Jane’s Addiction, Radiohead, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Super Furry Animals, Pixies, and David Bowie. “We believe in melody, but these don’t feel like traditional melodies to me,” says singer Christiane J. understating one of the many distinctive elements of the band’s incendiary music. Produced by Sean Slade (Radiohead, Hole, The Cure, 60 ft. dolls, Sebadoh, Circle Jerks, Boo Radleys), and mixed by Slade and Paul Kolderie (Pixies, Dinasour Jr., The Lemonheads, Billy Bragg,) and Andy Wallace (Nirvana, At the Drive-in, Rage Against the Machine, Jane’s Addiction, System of a Down) EVOLUTION OF ENERGY is a record that runs on both adrenalin and free-moving intensity.
True to their no-frills aesthetic, the S.T.U.N. saga is short, sweet and to the point. Formed just under three years ago in Los Angeles around the uncompromising music and liberating message of Spies, the group’s members found themselves experiencing a process akin to creative osmosis. “There was a chemistry between us from the moment we met,” asserts lead singer Christiane J. “The challenge was to build on that and take it to the next level.”
“We played any where we could and every chance we got,” said drummer Bobby Alt. “We played parties, local clubs, and eventually, record company showcases. It was a quick, but natural progression, and what meant most to us was the music seemed to make an immediate connection with all different types of music fans.”
S.T.U.N. slowed down their lightning fast ascent long enough to carefully consider their choice of producer. “We chose Sean Slade because he had a real understanding of the bands that influenced us and how those influences came out in our music,” continues bassist Nick S. Recorded at Slade’s Q Division Studios in Boston over the proverbial forty days and forty nights, EVOLUTION OF ENERGY took shape quickly and decisively. “We came in totally prepared, mentally and physically,” says Spies. “The focus was on capturing as much of the sensory overload from our live shows as we could, while still using studio technology to bring out new aspects of music. Slade allowed just the right amount of improvisation and experimenting which I think is lacking in records these days.” Geffen heard the finished record, and signed the band to a deal in the Spring of 2002.
S.T.U.N. is political and thought provoking – all the while somehow instilling a unified, entertaining, celebratory atmosphere. Their audience crosses over the genre-divide: there are people who are into hip-hop coexisting with people who are into punk. You never know what’s going to happen next at our shows. They are never the same, that’s how it should be. S.T.U.N.’s live shows have been described as “sensory overload.” or, as Neil describes it, chaos. “It’s chaos with a reason,” he says. “It’s chaos that creates love and unity.”
“We’re still playing for certain audiences that have not seen our live show before,” Christiane adds. “So when we tour, people are in shock – and then there’s anarchy. On stage, I’m in freefall. I’ve never jumped out of a plane without a parachute, but that is how I would explain the feeling I get when I’m performing.”
“I don’t write about myself right now. I did everything I could to write about what everyone in the world is going through and could relate to,” says Neil. “There’s so much that I’ve learned. There’s so much I’ve come to understand. I got bruised going against the grain and not accepting things I knew were lies -- but I also found a beauty and an urgency in life from it, and that’s what S.T.U.N. is about living in the moment. We are just a moment away. 05.03
Get Out
S.T.U.N. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get out of your own way, hey, hey
Love hurts
Now you look out, who's left with no words?
Your heart's a balloon, but then it bursts
It doesn't take a cannon, just a pin
Your skin's not covering
Love has got to fight for its existence
The enemy has armies of assistance
The amorous, the glamorous, the kiss
A fist, listen to this, oh
Get out of your own way, oh, I
Get out of your own way, oh, I
I could sing it to you all night, all night
If I could, I'd make it alright, alright
Nothing's stopping you except what's inside
I can help you, but it's your fight, your fight
Fight back
Don't take it lyin' down, you got to bite back
The face of liberty's starting to crack
She had a plan up until she got smacked in the mouth
And it all went south
Like freedom
The slaves are lookin' for someone to lead them
The master's lookin' for someone to need him
The promised land is there for those who need it most
And Lincoln's ghost said
Get out of your own way, oh, I
Get out of your own way, oh, I
I could sing it to you all night, all night
If I could, I'd make it alright, alright
Nothing's stopping you except what's inside
I can help you, but it's your fight, your fight
Get out of your own way
Get out of your own way
Get out of your own way
Get out of your own way
Get out of your own way
Blessed are the arrogant
For there is the kingdom of their own company
Blessed are the superstars
For the magnificence in their light
We understand better our own insignificance
Blessed are the filthy rich
For you can only truly own what you give away
Like your pain
The song "Get Out" by S.T.U.N. is essentially a song about overcoming obstacles, particularly the ones that we put in our own way. The lyrics talk about how love can hurt, but also how it's worth fighting for, even if there are forces trying to tear it down. The song also touches on themes of political upheaval and the struggle for freedom, with references to Liberty and Lincoln's ghost.
The opening lines "Get out of your own way, hey hey" set the tone for the whole song, as it urges listeners to stop letting their own doubts and fears hold them back. The chorus is particularly powerful, with the repeated refrain of "I can help you, but it's your fight, your fight" serving as a call to action.
The verses of the song touch on different themes, from the vulnerability of opening up to someone to the struggle for political freedom. The lines "The slaves are looking for someone to lead them / The master's looking for someone to need him" are particularly poignant, as they highlight the ways in which people can be controlled and manipulated by those in power. Ultimately, though, the song is about empowerment and taking control of your own life.
Line by Line Meaning
Get out of your own way, hey, hey
Stop being your own obstacle or hindrance.
Love hurts
Love can be painful.
Now you look out, who's left with no words?
You're left speechless and alone after a breakup.
Your heart's a balloon, but then it bursts
You have intense feelings of love, but they can be fragile and end suddenly.
It doesn't take a cannon, just a pin
The smallest thing can damage your heart or relationship.
Your skin's not covering
Your emotions are exposed and vulnerable.
And resistance
You can't fight love or change.
Love has got to fight for its existence
Love must overcome obstacles to thrive and survive.
The enemy has armies of assistance
The obstacles to love can be many and powerful.
The amorous, the glamorous, the kiss
Even attraction and desire can be obstacles to love.
A fist, listen to this, oh
Even violence can be an obstacle to love.
I could sing it to you all night, all night
I'm here to help and support you through anything.
If I could, I'd make it alright, alright
I wish I could make everything okay for you.
Nothing's stopping you except what's inside
You are the only one holding yourself back.
I can help you, but it's your fight, your fight
I can support you, but ultimately you have to face your challenges alone.
Fight back
Stand up for yourself and don't let obstacles defeat you.
Don't take it lyin' down, you got to bite back
Don't be passive, be bold and assertive.
The face of liberty's starting to crack
Freedom is fragile and can be lost or damaged.
She had a plan up until she got smacked in the mouth
Even the best plans can be thrown off course by unforeseen events.
And it all went south
Everything went wrong or didn't work out as planned.
The slaves are lookin' for someone to lead them
People who are oppressed or struggling need someone to help guide them.
The master's lookin' for someone to need him
People in positions of power or control often crave validation and attention.
The promised land is there for those who need it most
There is hope for those who are struggling to find a better life.
And Lincoln's ghost said
Referencing Abraham Lincoln, a historical figure who fought for freedom and equality.
Blessed are the arrogant
People who are overconfident or self-important may find success and power.
For there is the kingdom of their own company
They are content with their own accomplishments and status.
Blessed are the superstars
Celebrity and fame can bring wealth and admiration.
For the magnificence in their light
Their success and image is impressive and captivating.
We understand better our own insignificance
Experiencing the greatness of others can make us feel small or inadequate.
Blessed are the filthy rich
Wealth brings power and influence.
For you can only truly own what you give away
Generosity and giving are more valuable than material possessions.
Like your pain
Acknowledging that pain is a universal experience that connects us all.
Get out of your own way
Stop being your own obstacle or hindrance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL DAVID HEWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind