Shotmaker’s catalogue comprises three 7”s, two full length LP’s and a 12” split EP.
The group parted ways in 1996, but released their double CD retrospective The Complete Discography: 1993-1996 in 2000, comprising the entirety of their recorded material, including several tracks exclusive to compilations and three unreleased songs. 33 of the 43 tracks were lifted straight from vinyl due to DAT tapes being lost.
From their first 7” (pulled due to its controversial cover illustrating a child holding a pistol) to their final LP, Shotmaker’s success lies in the intermingling of explosive riffs and complex, flowing rhythms, creating tensions best exhibited in Table, where tempos and time signatures shuffle in and out at break-neck speed. However, a number of disparate moods are explored, such as the abrasive curve or the restrained controller.controller. The trio approach catchy on 10/22/94, and an untitled instrumental track on their final album includes nothing but acoustic guitar played over radio frequency white noise.
The lyrics are rather ambiguous, sung and screamed with an urgency that complements the unyielding compositions. There is a sincerity about something, but just exactly what is open for interpretation.
Shotmaker’s members went on to play in such bands as the short lived 30 Second Motion Picture, Three Penny Opera and more recently The Grey.
Driver
Shotmaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I roll the dice.
So I see what I got,
Disregard all the previous trials,
Roll takes flight.
Never again.
To listen to my heart.
To listen to my heart.
Dread,
Replaces what I am.
Now it's started again,
And it replaces thoughts in my head.
Now it′s fucking my turn.
Now it's fucking my turn.
Now it's my turn.
I know what I′m thinking.
Now it′s fucking my turn.
I know what I'm thinking.
It′s my turn,
So I roll the dice.
So I see what I got,
Disregard all the previous trials,
Roll takes flight.
Now it's fucking my turn.
Now it′s fucking my turn.
Now it's fucking my turn.
I know what I′m thinking.
And now it's my turn.
I know.
In the song "Driver" by Shotmaker, the lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and self-assertion. The repetition of "it's my turn" emphasizes the desire to take control and make decisions independently. Rolling the dice symbolizes taking a chance and embracing uncertainty, as if the singer is ready to face the consequences of their actions and see what fate has in store for them.
The phrase "disregard all the previous trials" suggests a refusal to be held back by past experiences or mistakes. It reflects a determination to move forward and not be limited by fear or regret. The line "never again, to listen to my heart" indicates a break from relying solely on emotions and instead relying on reason and personal agency.
The lyrics also express a sense of struggle and self-doubt, with phrases like "sick and lonely" and "dread replaces what I am." These lines hint at feelings of isolation and unease, but the repeated assertion of "now it's my turn" suggests a resolve to overcome these negative emotions and take control of one's own destiny.
Line by Line Meaning
It's my turn,
I am taking control now.
So I roll the dice.
Taking a chance to see what happens.
So I see what I got,
Discovering what my options are.
Disregard all the previous trials,
Ignoring past failures and starting fresh.
Roll takes flight.
The outcome of my actions becomes apparent.
Never again.
No longer will I make the same mistakes.
To listen to my heart.
To follow my instincts and desires.
Sick and lonely.
Feeling ill and isolated.
Dread,
Intense fear and anxiety.
Replaces what I am.
Overwhelms and changes my identity.
Now it's started again,
The cycle begins anew.
And it replaces thoughts in my head.
It consumes my mind and thoughts.
Now it's fucking my turn.
Now I have the opportunity to take control.
I know what I'm thinking.
Having a clear understanding of my thoughts.
Now it's fucking my turn.
Now it's my chance to take control.
Now it's fucking my turn.
Now it's my opportunity to seize.
Now it's my turn.
I have the moment to act.
I know what I'm thinking.
I am fully aware of my thoughts.
And now it's my turn.
Now it's my chance to take action.
I know.
I am aware and informed.
Contributed by Aaliyah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Bandit-em1sw
One of the best live bands in the genre.
@tronman9227
Never saw live... But I'll never forget hearing them at 13 for the first time in in 2002, still hear them in music coming out today and referencing them goes nowhere, but this band means a lot to music.