1) Slapstick was a Chi… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Slapstick was a Chicago-based (many members were from Elgin, IL) ska/punk band active from 1993-1996, consisting of Brendan Kelly (vocals), Dan Andriano (bass), Dan Hanaway (trumpet), Matt Stamps (guitar), Rob Kellenberger (drums), and Peter Anna (trombone). They toured extensively and played endless shows in the greater Chicagoland area. They were signed to Asian Man Records. Reports exist that Slapstick turned down large amounts of money to sign to a major label, and instead broke up in 1996.
Following their 1996 breakup, the members of Slapstick went on to form a number of notable groups. Andriano, Stamps and Kellenberger formed Tuesday. Likewise, Kelly and Hanaway formed The Broadways with Rob DePaola and Tricky Dick guitarist Chris McCaughan. Tuesday eventually broke up in 1998 when Andriano took over bass duties for Alkaline Trio. The Broadways also broke up in 1998 with Kelly and McCaughan starting The Lawrence Arms, still active today. A little later, Hanaway and DePaola started The Honor System. In 2004, Andriano, Kelly, Neil Hennesey and former Rise Against guitarist Todd Mohney formed the supergroup The Falcon.
The Lawrence Arms recently performed Slapstick songs at the Asian Man Records 11th anniversary show after years of refusing, and occasionally mocking, fans' requests to play them at shows. They since added "Broken Down" to setlists on their 2007 tour.
2) Pre-Antidote (Netherlands) band.
Broken Down
Slapstick Lyrics
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I'd seen you once before
And I know it was you
I handed flyers out I'd run around
Jump around and shout
So you'd notice me too
Run away
This time it's just you and me
We talked a little while left that place
But left it with a smile
But now I'm feeling blue
You broke down the door to my heart
Waitin by the phone I tried to call you
But you're never home
I'm still thinking of you
I wanna see you now I don't know just exactly how
Are you missing me too
Run away
Run away
This time it's just you and me
It's something you do??? and I don't know what you do to me
Wish I'd do it for you
You broke down the door to my heart
Broken Down
The song "Broken Down" by Slapstick follows the story of a person who encounters someone they have seen before during an event where they were handing out flyers. The singer of the song is immediately drawn to this person and desires their attention. They make an effort to talk to them and leave the place with a smile. However, the singer feels blue after a while, indicating that the interaction was short-lived and could not lead to anything substantive. The singer tries to reach out to the person but is unable to connect with them. The song ends with the singer feeling unsure about how the person feels about them.
The lyrics in the song can be interpreted as a reflection of the uncertainty and vulnerability that people go through when trying to build a relationship. It portrays the initial attraction and interest that two people may have for each other when they first meet. However, the song hints at the fact that this infatuation may not lead to anything substantial in the long run as it is not built on any real foundation.
The use of phrases like "run away" and "broken down" in the lyrics highlight the anxiety and desperation that the singer feels towards the person they are attracted to. The use of metaphors like "broke down the door to my heart" further emphasizes the vulnerability and openness of the singer's emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked through the door I saw you there
As soon as I walked in, my eyes were drawn to you
I'd seen you once before
I had previously caught a glimpse of you
And I know it was you
I recognized you instantly
I handed flyers out I'd run around
I distributed promotional materials and was constantly in motion
Jump around and shout
I jumped excitedly while shouting to capture your attention
So you'd notice me too
My actions were an attempt to make you aware of my existence
Run away
Avoidance seems to be the solution
Run away
Our current predicament requires a hasty retreat
This time it's just you and me
We are now alone, and must confront each other
We talked a little while left that place
We conversed briefly and departed from the initial location
But left it with a smile
Parting was pleasant and positive
But now I'm feeling blue
However, I now feel sadness
You broke down the door to my heart
You have forcefully entered my heart and mind
Waitin by the phone I tried to call you
I waited by the phone and attempted to contact you
But you're never home
But you are inaccessible and unresponsive
I'm still thinking of you
Despite this, you still occupy my thoughts
I wanna see you now I don't know just exactly how
I desire to see you, but I am uncertain of how to proceed
Are you missing me too
I am curious if you also long for me
It's something you do??? and I don't know what you do to me
Whatever you do has a profound effect on me, yet I cannot decipher it
Wish I'd do it for you
I wish to reciprocate and do something equally impactful for you
You broke down the door to my heart
You persist in invading my thoughts and emotions, leaving me vulnerable
Broken Down
I am emotionally defeated and exposed
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.