Scared Of Chaka released a number of full lengths, 7" EPs, and split records throughout their career for labels like 702 Records, Empty Records, Dirtnap Records and Hopeless Records spin off Sub City Records. With the release of 2001's Crossing with Switchblades the band called it quits. David Hernandez now plays bass for The Shins.
All My Friends Are Ghosts
Scared Of Chaka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Despite commitments my escapes been mapped
Wasted, nodding on the floor
Exist in circle it's time I show myself the door
And when you feel alive
You hang out with the dead
You stay here your whole life
You ask me everyday
If I still feel the same
And I still feel the same I'm falling
One thousand others living just like this
Packing up hastily for momentary bliss
They promise to themselves that they won't even try to call
Escape this wretched hellhole
Don't worry they'll be back next fall
And when you feel alive
You hang out with the dead
You stay here your whole life
No matter what you say
You ask me everyday
If I still feel the same
And I still feel the same I'm falling
Something intangible has got its grasp around this town
It saps your will leaves you addicted to a helpless down
You'll bitch and moan and never fuck outside established ground
Doomed to play this movie over and over
You're old and getting older
These lyrics describe being stuck in a cycle of unfulfillment, despite attempts to escape it. The singer feels trapped and wasted, unable to break free from their bleak existence. The repetition of the phrase "And when you feel alive, you hang out with the dead" suggests that even when they find something that makes them feel alive, they are still surrounded by the lifeless and unfulfilled. They are constantly asked if they still feel the same, implying that they have been stuck in this cycle for a while and have yet to find a way out.
The second verse describes how there are many others like the singer, who pack up and leave in search of fleeting happiness but eventually return to the same dismal routine. The line "Something intangible has got its grasp around this town" suggests that the feeling of hopelessness and stagnation is not unique to the singer but instead pervades their whole community. The final line "You're old and getting older" highlights the sense of time passing with nothing changing.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction with a life that feels predetermined and unfulfilling, as well as a feeling of being stuck in a cycle that is difficult to escape.
Line by Line Meaning
One lifetime later I remain entrapped
Despite the passage of time, I am still stuck in the same situation
Despite commitments my escapes been mapped
I have already planned and prepared for my escape, even though I have responsibilities
Wasted, nodding on the floor
I am drugged out, barely conscious, and lying on the ground
Exist in circle it's time I show myself the door
I am living in a repetitive cycle and need to break free from it
And when you feel alive
When you are truly living your life
You hang out with the dead
You spend time with people who are stuck in a repetitive cycle, not really living
You stay here your whole life
You will remain in this state until you make a change
No matter what you say
Even if you tell yourself that things will change or you will leave, you won't unless you take action
You ask me everyday
You keep checking in with me to see if I still want to leave this situation
If I still feel the same
If I still have the desire to break free from this cycle
And I still feel the same I'm falling
I still want to leave this cycle, and it's causing me to feel like I'm losing control
One thousand others living just like this
Many other people are also stuck in this same cycle of repetitive behavior
Packing up hastily for momentary bliss
They try to leave quickly for temporary enjoyment, but always end up back where they started
They promise to themselves that they won't even try to call
They make a promise to not even attempt to try to change their situation
Escape this wretched hellhole
Get away from this terrible place/situation
Don't worry they'll be back next fall
They will inevitably end up back in the same cycle again, despite their attempts to escape
Something intangible has got its grasp around this town
A certain something has a hold on this area and its inhabitants
It saps your will leaves you addicted to a helpless down
This thing drains your motivation and leaves you feeling helpless
You'll bitch and moan and never fuck outside established ground
You'll complain about your situation, but never take any action to actually change it
Doomed to play this movie over and over
You are fated to repeat the same cycle endlessly
You're old and getting older
Time is passing you by and you are becoming older without making any progress or change
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chad Malone
These dudes played my basement in the mid 90s. Still have the LP. Quality band!
For every action there is a consequence
They're a fun band.
motosega
one of the few punk bands I used to listen to back in the day who still deserves loads of listens. Man I´ll never get tired of these sounds and melodies, such a marvellous band. Same as Gaunt <3
ryan mcgrath
Also, digger doesn t get enough love.
Corey B
One of my favorite bands in the entire world. I hope I get the chance to see em play again one day.
rae
I totally just realized that the guy leaning on the booth at 1:47 is Dave Hernandez, the singer. I'm really glad that he actually made it big as the bassist for The Shins. Go Dave :D!
Josh Long
this band is so underrated, awesome song
Joe Manginelli
Damn, first song i've listened to from them and i can relate. awesome band, awesome songs. wish i still lived out west to see them
David S
This feels so good. Reminds me of high school 2002
Luis Mendoza
Now that's the sound i wanted to hear.