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.
Keep it Simple
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are the muscles sore?
Our bodies get what our bodies want
And our bodies want more.
We came down too soon.
Go on tell me was it good for you?
Came down too soon.
Slowed down too soon.
Ten beats per minute, now we're out of tune.2
Came down too soon.
Go on tell me was it good?
The moon saw what we did
When we thought we were alone.
We went down to the numbered streets
And we never made it home.
We came down too soon.
Go on tell me was it good for you?
Came down too soon.
Go on tell me was it good for you?
And we drove too far.
Crashed our car into the Gateway Arch.
Slowed down too soon.
Ten beats per minute now we're out of tune.
Came down too soon,
Go on tell me was it good for you?
Came down too soon.
Go on tell me was it good?
Metal's colder when it's pressed against your temple3
Keep it simple
(Note: The following is in the liner notes and is included as such)
FOOTNOTES:
1 Left-channel guitar part inspired by the melody produced when typing "So Many Dynamos" on a cell phone via text message.
2 See: "If you Didn't Want to Know", footnote 1.
3 Portions of "Keep It Simple" contain lyrics from the So Many Dynamos song "Start This Party". Used by permission from the ghost of So Many Dynamos past.
The song "Keep it Simple" by So Many Dynamos talks about the reckless behavior and the consequences that follow due to the lack of caution. The painful aftermath of indulging in the momentary pleasures of life is a recurring theme throughout the song. The song begins with asking if the fun and physical exertion have taken a toll on our bodies. The line, "our bodies get what our bodies want, and our bodies want more," talks about our indulgent behavior and how it can never be satisfied.
The second verse talks about how our actions have consequences and how we often forget that the moon is always watching. The line, "And we never made it home," is an expression of the danger and recklessness that we often engage in without thinking. The chorus repeats, "came down too soon, go on tell me was it good for you?", which expresses the regret that follows after such wild behavior.
The last line of the song, "Metal's colder when it's pressed against your temple, keep it simple," indicates that the consequence of reckless behavior can be fatal, and sometimes it's better to keep things simple and not become indulgent in the pleasures of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we having fun yet?
Are you satisfied with the experience?
Are the muscles sore?
Did the physical activity tire you?
Our bodies get what our bodies want
We indulge in activities that please us.
And our bodies want more.
We crave for more of that experience/activity.
We came down too soon.
We ended the experience abruptly.
Go on tell me was it good for you?
Please share your opinion on how the experience went for you.
Slowed down too soon.
We reduced the pace prematurely.
Ten beats per minute, now we're out of tune.
Our rhythm has been disrupted due to the sudden change in pace.
The moon saw what we did
Our actions were witnessed by the surroundings.
When we thought we were alone.
We believed we were isolated.
We went down to the numbered streets
We ventured into a particular locality/place.
And we never made it home.
We could not return back to our residence.
And we drove too far.
We surpassed the intended distance of travel.
Crashed our car into the Gateway Arch.
We collided with a specific architectural monument.
Metal's colder when it's pressed against your temple
The sensation of metal touching the region near the head may be discomforting.
Keep it simple
Simplify the task at hand.
Contributed by Oliver C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.