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.
Bed of Nails
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
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I'm not sure how much I can take
Before my seams split entirely
Before the vessels in me break
When I explode please make an outline
Where my feet once stood strong
And spread my ashes
I've g-g-got a bed of nails
Waiting for me when I get home
The lyrics of So Many Dynamos' song Bed of Nails convey a sense of distress and vulnerability. The singer describes feeling a strong, overwhelming heat rising inside of them, and they express doubts about their ability to handle it. They fear that they will eventually reach a breaking point, and that their very vessels will burst from the pressure. This suggests a person who is struggling with intense emotions and perhaps even an overwhelming sense of existential despair.
The line "When I explode, please make an outline" is particularly striking, as it implies that the singer might feel like they are on the verge of some sort of catastrophic breakdown. They seem to be aware of this, and are almost resigned to it happening. However, the singer also seems to have a sense of humor about the situation, asking that their ashes be spread in a plastic ashtray where their kind belongs. The closing line, "I've g-g-got a bed of nails waiting for me when I get home" adds to the ominous feeling of the song, as it implies that the singer is facing a harsh and painful reality.
Line by Line Meaning
I feel this heat rise inside of me
I am experiencing intense emotions that are building up inside me and causing me to feel like I am heating up.
I'm not sure how much I can take
I am uncertain about my ability to handle the amount of pressure or stress that I am currently facing.
Before my seams split entirely
I fear that I will not be able to handle the pressure and will break down completely.
Before the vessels in me break
I am worried that the pressure I am feeling will cause physical harm to my body, perhaps even leading to a medical emergency.
When I explode please make an outline
I am aware that I may reach a breaking point and want those around me to be prepared for the aftermath of my emotional outburst.
Where my feet once stood strong
I want those around me to remember where I was emotionally before I reached my breaking point, so they can understand the journey I took to get to that point.
And spread my ashes
I have a sense of finality and acceptance of my impending emotional breakdown, likening the aftermath to being reduced to ashes.
In this plastic ashtray where my kind belongs
I feel as though my situation is common and shared by others, hence the reference to 'my kind,' and that the aftermath will be dismissed or trivialized, reflected by the reference to a plastic ashtray, which is easily disposable.
I've g-g-got a bed of nails
I am in a difficult and uncomfortable situation, like sleeping on a bed of nails, and feel trapped or unable to escape it.
Waiting for me when I get home
I know that this difficult situation will still be present in my life when I return home, adding to the sense of hopelessness and despair.
Contributed by Aubrey T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.