The 88 is a power pop band which formed in 2003 in Los Angeles, California,… Read Full Bio ↴The 88 is a power pop band which formed in 2003 in Los Angeles, California, United States. The band consists of Keith Slettedahl (vocals, guitar), Adam Merrin (keyboards), Todd O'Keefe (bass guitar) and Anthony Zimmitti (drums).

The group has released five albums since their formation: "Kind of Light" (2003), "Over and Over" (2005), "Not Only...But Also" (2008), "This Must Be Love" (2009) and "The 88" (2010). Additionally, the group provided the soundtrack to the 2012 film "The Lorax". The group's song "At Least It Was Here" is the theme song from the American sitcom "Community".

Bowls
The 88 Lyrics

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Don't believe anybody else
Fantasy falling for yourself I, I

Don't believe anything you like
Got to keep pulling at your life I, I

I feel like I'm 18
With the bowls on the scene

And the big poster wet dream
Wating for my by the way
Praying for a runaway

I had songs in my throat
I had the t.v. remote
And when a box would come
I could always ask for some
Lazy eyes would just slip out from their lids

Please don't tear off my head
The things that I said
Only make me see god

And if I keep calling from the back
Turn to see anybody crack I, I

I got my knees stuck up in my head
Then you know all the things I said I, I

Overall Meaning

In the song "Bowls" by The 88, the band encourages the listener to not believe everything they hear or like, but instead to keep pushing forward in life. The opening lines emphasize the importance of not falling for one's own fantasies or the words of others, indicating that we must rely on our own instincts to make the right choices. The song is an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to be true to themselves and not let external influences control their lives.

In the following verse, the singer nostalgically reminisces about his past days of being young and carefree. He mentions "the bowls on the scene", possibly referring to a sense of excitement and anticipation of something new or different. He also mentions a "big poster wet dream", which may represent a kind of idealization or obsession with a particular dream or goal. The lines "Praying for a runaway / I had songs in my throat / I had the t.v. remote" further highlight this youthful exuberance and optimism.

The chorus of the song incorporates a sense of urgency and desperation, as the singer pleads with the listener to not tear off his head and to acknowledge the insightful wisdom he has to offer. The final lines of the song, "I got my knees stuck up in my head / Then you know all the things I said," suggest that despite the challenges and setbacks we face in life, we must remain true to our beliefs and not allow others to silence our voices.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't believe anybody else
Do not trust others blindly

Fantasy falling for yourself I, I
Imagining and believing in unrealistic things only for personal satisfaction

Don't believe anything you like
Do not be carried away by your likes and dislikes

Got to keep pulling at your life I, I
You have to keep struggling to achieve your goals

I feel like I'm 18
The artist feels young and energetic

With the bowls on the scene
Being surrounded by a lively and energetic atmosphere

And the big poster wet dream
Having a big dream that seems impossible to achieve

Wating for my by the way
Waiting for something to happen

Praying for a runaway
Hoping to escape or run away from current situation

I had songs in my throat
Having a lot to say

I had the t.v. remote
Having control over things