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.
This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
So Many Dynamos Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pretend there's no symbolism in the wine soaking in the carpet.
First verse and the line we rehearsed, "things get better before they're worse."
It's all wrong with the clothes on the lawn, I'm asleep with the strobe light on.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
After the bridge and the solo are we no better off than before?
Three drinks and the radio sings, "I want you to show me the way."
You ask why we can't have nice things and I have nothing nice to say.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
In the song "This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" by So Many Dynamos, the lyrics are not about a romantic relationship but rather about the struggles and chaos of life. The singer starts off by rejecting symbolism and imagery, stating that they are not trying to create a romanticized narrative. Instead, they focus on the messiness of life, specifically a spilled glass of wine on the carpet.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "This is why we can't have nice things" which is a common expression used to describe situations where something good or expensive is ruined due to carelessness or mismanagement. The singer then goes on to talk about their thoughts and feelings, which they organize into lists and bullet points. They wonder if after the musical bridge and guitar solo, they will be any better off than before.
The second half of the song delves deeper into the singer's emotions, with references to drinking and a plea to "show me the way". However, when asked why they can't have nice things, the singer has nothing nice to say. The song ends on a somewhat unresolved note, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities of life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
This song is not about romance, I am not fading out to sunset.
The message of this song is not about a love story or a happy ending.
Pretend there's no symbolism in the wine soaking in the carpet.
Don't look for a deeper meaning in the spilled wine, it's just a mess.
First verse and the line we rehearsed, 'things get better before they're worse.'
The first part of the song and the phrase we repeated is hopeful, but it's misleading.
It's all wrong with the clothes on the lawn, I'm asleep with the strobe light on.
I'm not in control of the situation, and it's chaotic and confusing.
Tonight I'm thinking in numbers, making lists, bullet points, either/or.
I'm trying to rationalize what's happening, categorizing it in my head.
After the bridge and the solo are we no better off than before?
After the musical interlude, does anything really change?
Three drinks and the radio sings, 'I want you to show me the way.'
Alcohol and music are making me feel lost and directionless.
You ask why we can't have nice things and I have nothing nice to say.
You're questioning why everything always goes wrong, but I don't have an answer.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
Our inability to maintain anything good or positive is the reason for our constant problems.
This is why we can't have nice things, we can't have nice things.
Repeating the chorus emphasizes the theme of the song and its bleak message.
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.