Following an EP on Ambivalent Records in summer 2003, So Many Dynamos released its debut full-length, When I Explode (mixed by the Dismemberment Plan's Jason Caddell), in 2004 on Skrocki Records. Flashlights, which expanded the band's sound with a four-piece horn section and 30-member choir, arrived in September 2006. After extensive touring, writing, and recording, the band released "The Loud Wars" on Vagrant Records in June 2009 (recorded by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla). In August of that same year, founding guitarist Ryan Wasoba announced his departure from the band; making him the second Ryan to quit So Many Dynamos (Ryan Ballew quit shortly after the release of When I Explode). He was replaced by former Target Market front man and St. Louis heavyhitter Nathan Bernaix.
The band currently plays songs in peoples vans.
A State Without a Springfield
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
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Let's roll the top down
And spin the world on its metal axis
And where my finger lands is where we'll exist
So if anybody calls just tell them we're dead
And we'll ride into town with a price on our heads
Last one's a rotten egg and the first one there is dead
Did it ever occur to you that I wouldn't do that if I were you
Skylines are sinking slow in rearview mirrors and broken windows
We'll get it right if it's the last thing we do
Beep beep, who got the keys to the jeep?
Let's turn the stereo up.
A random page on a random atlas.
And where my finger lands is where we'll exist
So if anybody calls just tell them we're dead
And we'll ride into town with a price on our heads
Kill the lights and raise a glass and I'll drink to that
I'll drink to that
The lyrics of "A State Without a Springfield" by So Many Dynamos tell the story of two individuals who are on a spontaneous road trip. The lyrics are a narrative of their journey, as they roll down the top of their jeep and spin the world on its metal axis. When they come to a stop, they determine their next destination by randomly choosing a point on a map and declaring that is where they will exist for the time being. The lyrics also suggest that they are living life dangerously, telling anyone who may be looking for them that they are dead, and racing into town with a price on their heads.
The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of life, with references to skylines sinking slow in rearview mirrors and broken windows. However, the song ultimately ends on a celebratory note, with the chorus telling us to turn up the music and raise a glass, with the implication being that we should celebrate while we can.
The song's lyrics suggest that life is short and unpredictable, and that we should make the most of it by living in the moment and taking chances.
Line by Line Meaning
Beep beep, who got the keys to the jeep?
Who is in possession of the keys to the Jeep?
Let's roll the top down
Lower the roof of the Jeep
And spin the world on its metal axis
Drive the Jeep around the world
And where my finger lands is where we'll exist
Our destination will be dictated by a random atlas page and my pointing finger
So if anybody calls just tell them we're dead
If anyone tries to contact us, claim that we're deceased
And we'll ride into town with a price on our heads
We'll enter the city with the risk of capture or death
Last one's a rotten egg and the first one there is dead
There is a negative consequence for falling behind and a high stake for leading the way
Did it ever occur to you that I wouldn't do that if I were you
Have you considered that I wouldn't make the same decision as you?
Even if it's written on the map
Despite what the map suggests
Skylines are sinking slow in rearview mirrors and broken windows
As we drive away, we can see the fading cityscape and the damage to the Jeep
We'll get it right if it's the last thing we do
We won't give up until we succeed
Let's turn the stereo up.
Increase the volume of the music playing
A random page on a random atlas.
A page from any section of the atlas selected at random
Kill the lights and raise a glass and I'll drink to that
Turn off the lights and celebrate with a drink
I'll drink to that
I will raise a glass and drink in celebration
Contributed by Hunter Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.