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.
Progress
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
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And synthesize and mutate
We have digits, we have organs, let us
Here is the process, we cannot stop the progress
There is fiction in our fission
There are actions in our words
Single cell
Organize and multiply, divide and conquer
Onward Christian soldiers bring them
Here are the open sores, we are only carnivores
Onward Christian solders
We will get what we deserve
You can't stop, you can't stop the progress
Behind the strip malls the treetops are burning
And we couldn't wait to pave over the ashing
Till we can't see past what billboards all clouded
We watered the sidewalks and interestates sprouted
And now we can breathe like a phonograph skipping
and now we can sing like a meth lab exploding
We'll build skyscrapers together
We'll build skyscrapers together
We will get what we deserve
When our actions and our words
Speak louder than the curves in our bodies
The lyrics to So Many Dynamos's "Progress" depict the inevitable progression of humanity and its impact on the environment. The metaphor of single-celled organisms orchestrating and mutating suggests that humanity is not immune to change and adaptation. The lyrics continue to explore the human impact on nature, describing the destruction of trees and paving over the natural world. The phrase "onward Christian soldiers" evokes the concept of blind faith and conformity in society. The chorus, "you can't stop the progress," reinforces the idea that change is inevitable and cannot be halted.
The second verse paints a dystopian image of a world where billboards cloud the sky and sidewalks are watered instead of natural resources. The metaphor of a phonograph skipping and a meth lab exploding suggests chaos and disruption. However, the lyrics also express the idea that humanity can work together to build skyscrapers, symbolizing progress and advancement. The final lines of the song suggest that humanity will receive what it deserves based on its actions and words, suggesting accountability for the consequences of progress.
Overall, "Progress" is a commentary on the impact of humanity on the environment and the inevitability of change. It encourages reflection on the consequences of progress and the importance of accountability for one's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Single cell, single celled organisms orchestrate
Primitive life forms with a single cell are capable of coordinating and creating complex structures.
And synthesize and mutate
They can also produce and modify genetic material.
We have digits, we have organs, let us
As advanced beings with developed body parts, we should use them to our advantage.
Here is the process, we cannot stop the progress
This is the natural procedure of evolution and we cannot halt it.
There is fiction in our fission
Our division and separation contain unrealistic elements.
There are actions in our words
Our words are not just empty statements, but they have concrete effects.
Single cell
Primitive life form
Single celled organisms organisms
Life forms consisting of only one cell
Organize and multiply, divide and conquer
Capable of collaborating and reproducing to conquer their surroundings.
Onward Christian soldiers bring them
This line suggests that humans are like soldiers, advancing and pillaging their way forward.
Here are the open sores, we are only carnivores
We exploit the raw resources that we encounter, without regard for the damage that we inflict.
Onward Christian solders
A repetition of the previous line, emphasizing the aggressive nature of human progress.
We will get what we deserve
Our actions will have inevitable consequences.
You can't stop, you can't stop the progress
Nothing can prevent or stall evolutionary advancement.
Behind the strip malls the treetops are burning
Our race toward progress has resulted in environmental destruction, such as deforestation and pollution.
And we couldn't wait to pave over the ashing
We are quick to cover up and ignore the damage we cause.
Till we can't see past what billboards all clouded
Our constant consumption and advertisement have blinded us to the real beauty of nature.
We watered the sidewalks and interestates sprouted
We have created and perpetuated urban landscapes, with concrete and pavement spreading like a disease.
And now we can breathe like a phonograph skipping
We suffer from our own negative effects, like a faulty record player.
and now we can sing like a meth lab exploding
We reap what we sow, and our destructive tendencies can have catastrophic consequences.
We'll build skyscrapers together
Our collaborative construction efforts show our ability to create impressive structures.
We will get what we deserve
Our actions will have inevitable repercussions.
When our actions and our words
When our behavior and speech
Speak louder than the curves in our bodies
Exceed the importance that we place on physical beauty.
Contributed by Caleb O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.