Somos are as no-frills and trend-averse as it gets. The Boston band works in catchy, passionate three-minute rock songs recorded with too much punch to be lo-fi, too melodically contoured to be punk. So even with its blunt-force drum rolls and jagged chording, "Dead Wrong" sneaks up on you: on one end, it packs so many short, sharp hooks, the chorus can fly right by you on the first listen. They strike a weirdly rare balance in the process, situating themselves between blue-collar indie rock and a white-collar life.
Michael Fiorentino sets the dramatic stakes ("Empire and a crown of thorns/Today you get two for one") and reveals the all-too-familiar source of that despair: tucking in your shirt, staring at a computer, "Shaking hands til your arms fell off". "Somos" translates roughly to "We are", and on "Dead Wrong" they wisely commiserate with the workforce drowning rather than casting judgment, gifting a car song for people who aren't so much working for the weekend as they are working until the inevitable bitter end.
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Distorted Vision
Somos Lyrics
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Old and boring adages
The poster that you've been staring at on the bathroom wall
As inspiration for each day of the week
To get you started on the path to prosperity
There's nothing like a shot in the arm of fake optimism
To distort your vision...
When you're on, no one can stand
I'd like to share my thoughts
But then I'm just another interruption
You're just a holdout from another time
The yes men around you keep your head high
Out on a ledge again
Self-referential and effacing...
You might find, you might find
That I could see, I could see
Something that could never hang on a wall
Worth a thousand words of useless praise
A lifetime worth of accolades
There's enough hatred around
To paint this whole town or burn it all down
How long could your patience hold out
From the bottom of the pile?
The song "Distorted Vision" by Somos speaks about the harsh realities of life, and how people often use false inspiration to face their problems. The opening lines "Who knew it would come to this? Old and boring adages, The poster that you've been staring at on the bathroom wall" set the tone for the rest of the song. The poster on the wall is supposed to inspire you, but it is only temporary relief. It's easy to get caught up in fake optimism, especially when there is nothing else to hold onto.
The lyrics "When you're on, no one can stand, I'd like to share my thoughts, But then I'm just another interruption" talk about how people are quick to shut others down when they are doing well. It's almost as if people want to see others fail. The line "You're just a holdout from another time, The yes men around you keep your head high" speaks about how people tend to surround themselves with individuals who will only build them up. It's easy to believe in yourself when everyone around you is agreeing with what you say.
The chorus "There's enough hatred around, To paint this whole town or burn it all down, How long could your patience hold out, From the bottom of the pile?" speaks about the various problems of the world. Hatred and anger are at an all-time high, and it is impossible to ignore the toxicity around us. The song ends on a somber note, reminding us that life is not always flowers and sunshine.
Line by Line Meaning
Who knew it would come to this?
Reflecting on the present state of affairs with surprise and confusion.
Old and boring adages
Tired and uninteresting sayings that lack meaning or relevance.
The poster that you've been staring at on the bathroom wall
A visual aid that serves as a source of motivation or inspiration.
As inspiration for each day of the week
A source of encouragement to help one navigate the challenges of daily life.
To get you started on the path to prosperity
A motivating factor to help one achieve success and wealth.
There's nothing like a shot in the arm of fake optimism
A boost of false confidence and positivity that distorts reality.
To distort your vision...
To cause one's perception of reality to be skewed or inaccurate.
When you're on, no one can stand
When one is at their best, they are unstoppable and unbeatable.
When you're on, no one can stand
When one is at their best, they are unstoppable and unbeatable.
I'd like to share my thoughts
Expressing a desire to communicate ideas and opinions.
But then I'm just another interruption
Feeling like one's contribution is unwelcome or unnecessary.
You're just a holdout from another time
Being stuck in old ways and outdated ideas.
The yes men around you keep your head high
The people around you who always agree and support you, keeping you feeling confident.
Out on a ledge again
Feeling exposed and vulnerable, like one is taking a risk.
Self-referential and effacing...
Being modest and understated, unwilling to draw attention to oneself.
You might find, you might find
There is the possibility of discovering something new or profound.
That I could see, I could see
Having insights or perspectives that are unique and valuable.
Something that could never hang on a wall
An intangible quality that cannot be easily measured or displayed.
Worth a thousand words of useless praise
Having more value than empty compliments or meaningless accolades.
A lifetime worth of accolades
Having a lasting impact that transcends recognition or awards.
There's enough hatred around
There is a great deal of animosity and ill will in the world.
To paint this whole town or burn it all down
To cause destruction or chaos on a large scale.
How long could your patience hold out
Questioning one's ability to maintain composure or tolerance.
From the bottom of the pile?
From a position of disadvantage or low status.
Contributed by Cole G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gabaro Figglewitts
This band is brilliant! Just found them today.
DC A
From 1:30 til the end of this song packs more lyrical & musical emotion than a lifetime of Bono songs ( don't ask me why I picked on Bono lol)
Kevin Brockman
Who knew it would come to this?
Old and boring adages
The poster that you've been staring at on the bathroom wall
As inspiration for each day of the week
To get you started on the path to prosperity
There's nothing like a shot in the arm of fake optimism
To distort your vision...
When you're on, no one can stand
When you're on, no one can stand
I'd like to share my thoughts
But then I'm just another interruption
You're just a holdout from another time
The yes men around you keep your head high
Out on a ledge again
Self-referential and effacing...
You might find, you might find
That I could see, I could see
Something that could never hang on a wall
Worth a thousand words of useless praise
A lifetime worth of accolades
There's enough hatred around
To paint this whole town or burn it all down
How long could your patience hold out
From the bottom of the pile?
Quiznit
"The poster that you've been staring at on the bathroom wall!"
Pohh
:)