The band, consisting of two pairs of brothers, formed in Lanigan, Saskatchewan in 1989. The members were guitarists Ryan Dahle and Todd Kerns, bassist John Kerns and drummer Kurt Dahle. Ryan, Todd and Kurt all contributed vocals as well.
AOE were one of the most commercially successful Canadian rock bands of the mid-90s. Their commercial breakthrough came with their independent EP Ugly in 1993, which spawned several hits and set the stage for the major label release of The Age of Electric in 1995.
In 1996, the Dahle brothers released an album with the side project Limblifter, which was also commercially successful in Canada.
AOE then regrouped for Make a Pest a Pet later in 1996, which proudced the radio rock hit "Remote Control." Although the album was a hit, tensions within the band led the group to break up after a 1999 tour as the opening band for Our Lady Peace.
Upon the break-up of Age of Electric, the brothers Kerns would go on to form Static in Stereo with other members including their brother Ryan. Kurt Dahle went on to work with The New Pornographers. Todd later went solo and became the bassist in Slash's backing band The Conspirators.
[Untitled]
The Age Of Electric Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're like a last song lost yeah
So you wanna be like your mates, So you disintegrate
Destroyrebuilddestroyrebuilddestroy
You get the first sip of the last full glass of
Nothing I'd say
And boy tribal death Isn't glamourous
Dead end mosaic, I'd say
You're like a last song lost yeah
So you wanna be like your mates
So you disintegrate
Destroyrebuilddestroyrebuilddestroy
You get the first sip of the last full glass of
Nothing I'd say
And bad dreams, With Shakespeare craft
Hero worship, Never lasts
The song [untitled] by The Age Of Electric seems to be a commentary on the consequences of trying to fit in with a certain group or trying to be someone you're not. The lyrics suggest that the person in question is trying too hard to be heavy or cool, and as a result, they are just training in vain. They are like a last song lost, which could be interpreted as being out of touch or irrelevant. The person wants to be like their mates, but in doing so, they are disintegrating and destroying themselves, only to rebuild and destroy again.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of tribal death, suggesting that it is not glamorous, and in fact, it is a dead end mosaic. The repetition of the phrase "Destroyrebuilddestroyrebuilddestroy" emphasizes the cyclical nature of this destructive behavior. The song also references bad dreams and hero worship, suggesting that these actions are similarly futile pursuits. Overall, the lyrics suggest that trying to be someone you're not or trying to fit into a certain group can lead to a destructive cycle and ultimately a dead end.
Line by Line Meaning
So you wanna borrow heavy, you train in vain
If you want to take on a heavy burden, make sure you're prepared or else you'll fail
You're like a last song lost yeah
You're like a forgotten and unimportant piece in the grand scheme of things
So you wanna be like your mates, So you disintegrate
If you try to be like everyone else, you'll slowly lose yourself and fall apart
Destroyrebuilddestroyrebuilddestroy
Destroy and rebuild over and over again until you find what you're looking for
You get the first sip of the last full glass of Nothing I'd say
You experience the disappointment of finishing something when there's nothing left to gain or enjoy
And boy tribal death Isn't glamourous
Dying for a cause or a group isn't as romantic or heroic as it may seem
Dead end mosaic, I'd say
A hopeless and meaningless pattern or picture
And bad dreams, With Shakespeare craft
Nightmares crafted with the skill and artistry of Shakespeare
Hero worship, Never lasts
Putting someone on a pedestal never leads to a lasting admiration or respect
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@envoy3
going through the big shiny tunes lists. nostalgia errywhere.
@dpx
Was it really almost 10 years ago? Time flies - loved this song to death when it was out.
@erick103
Did I just see "norm macdonald" in the intro, wearing glasses?? if so, EPIC!
@angelforfreedom
These guys are awesome. I remember when I saw them perform at Playland in Vancouver back in the late 90's and when they played this song someone chucked a remote control on to the stage. LOL!!
@johnno.johnno
"Muchmusic Spotlight"! How I miss thee, when it was on everyday. So much for providing music with substance, nowadays.
@Merdenoms
dude you rock. i was looking for this band but i couldn't remember the name for the life of me. man i miss the days when candian music aired in the states.
@austinsynesael
the 90's!! i wish it was still the 90's:(
@KurtsHead
i miss when music this good was on the radio.
@suckitup1983
i love this band.... chased and hung out with them when i was 13 back in the day.... chased them to a chinese restaurant
@SoilentGr33n
That song rocked. I always got laughs out of seeing their bass player do his thing