The band released their debut EP A Bomb on a Laramie communal label, One Legged Pup, in 2002 and soon after on October 31st 2003 the band released their first album, Another Way, on vinyl only through that same label.
After touring through 2004, they set to work on their next release, Total, which was released in April 2005 through Red Scare. After more touring in support of Total, and a spot on the warped tour, they recorded their next LP for Red Scare, Warning Device, which was released on January 8, 2008. A video was released for the song "In the Basement" on December 28, 2007.
On February 10th 2009, Teenage Bottlerocket signed with punk label Fat Wreck Chords, later releasing They Came From The Shadows, their fourth album, on the 15th of September.
The band's most recent album, Tales From Wyoming was released in the spring of 2015 through Rise Records.
On November 7th, 2015 drummer Brandon Carlisle passed away after being hospitalized and comatose for a few days prior. Following the news of his passing, the band was initially ambiguous as to whether or not they would continue on but announced shortly thereafter that, with the addition of Darren Chewka formerly of Old Wives, Teenage Bottlerocket would indeed continue as a band.
In the Basement
Teenage Bottlerocket Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's something here living under the floor
I haven't seen it but I know its there
Now I'm so scared I wet my underwear
That's why I don't want to go
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go
Late at night when I'm in my bed
I pull the covers up over my head
I hear it creepy up from down below
Its come to take me where I don't wanna go
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement tonight
I don't wanna go down in the basement tonight [x4]
The song "In the Basement" by Teenage Bottlerocket is a classic horror-themed tune that describes the fear of going into the basement due to an imagined unknown entity. The lyrics convey a sense of dread and apprehension that is common among those who are afraid of the dark and the unknown. The singer expresses his reluctance to go down into the basement where he senses a presence that he cannot see, but is certain is there. The sense of danger and uncertainty that the song evokes is heightened by the use of minor chords and a fast-paced punk rock tempo.
The first verse of the song portrays the singer's terror and reluctance to go down the stairs due to the presence of an unknown entity. He senses that something is living under the floor and though he cannot see it, he knows that it is there. His fear is so intense that he wets his underwear, indicating that he is not just spooked, but genuinely scared.
In the second verse, the singer is lying in bed and hears the entity creeping up from down below. He knows that it has come to take him where he does not want to go. This verse captures the idea that even when you are not in the basement, the fear of what lurks in the darkness can still be present and daunting.
Overall, "In the Basement" is a relatable song that speaks to the universal fear of the unknown. The fast-paced punk rock sound, coupled with the eerie lyrics, makes this song a classic that has remained popular over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not going down the stairs no more
I refuse to descend the stairs again
There's something here living under the floor
There is a presence existing beneath the ground
I haven't seen it but I know its there
I acknowledge its existence despite lacking visual confirmation
Now I'm so scared I wet my underwear
I am petrified to the extent that I have involuntarily soiled my undergarments
That's why I don't want to go
This explains my reluctance to venture forth
Down, Down, Down in the basement
Into the depths of the cellar
Late at night when I'm in my bed
During the night, when I seek slumber
I pull the covers up over my head
I use bedcoverings to hide myself from view
I hear it creepy up from down below
Its presence noticeable as it ascends from below
Its come to take me where I don't wanna go
It has arrived with the intention of bringing me on an unwanted excursion
Don't wanna go oh
I have a strong aversion towards participating
I don't wanna go down in the basement tonight
I would prefer not to descend underground this evening
Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
johnny sparks
I'm not going down the stairs no more
There's something here living under the floor
I haven't seen it but I know its there
Now I'm so scared I wet my underwear
That's why I don't want to go
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go
Down, Down, Down in the basement tonight
Late at night when I'm in my bed
I pull the covers up over my head
I hear it creepy up from down below
Its come to take me where I don't wanna go
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement
That's why I don't want to go (Don't wanna go oh)
Down, Down, Down in the basement tonight
I don't wanna go down in the basement tonight [x4]
MannoMilan
You know why people love TBR? It's quite simple, no nonsense music which you can easily sing along, brought by 4 people who love playing this music. They "r very friendly guys (they had dinner in my place) and if they give a show: they would give their live to give you the best evening of the year. There are not much band doing that.
Mike G
Somehow this band slipped under my radar in the late 90’s/2000’s but now I’m in love with every single album it’s so great they have a TON of songs and almost no bad ones.
LAG3
OMG, I love you guys. RIP Brandon. Never, ever, ever give up.
tkyusko
Such a fun band. Reminds me of the good old days.
MrChuckyK
I pretty much just got into punk in the last 2 or 3 months. I been listening to the classics and these guys are on my list of favorite bands, I got bummed reading about Brandon... RIP.
MrRatrod57
Great band and great music!
hockeyrocks5757
I can't stop listening to this song. Its so good
Avery Springer
In the comments of almost all of their videos, theres a bunch of hate. Not sure why. These guys remind me A LOT of the Ramones, just some solid tunes to dance to.
hiram frye
I love it, want them in Alafuckingbama
Charlie Ramone
+Avery Springer Of course they reminds you The Ramones this song refer to "I Don't Wanna Go Down to the Basement" no to mention the 1.. 2.. 3.. 4 ! from Dee Dee