Named after a section of the book 'White Noise', written by postmodernist author Don DeLillo, the group incorporates string instruments and keyboards along with a standard rock lineup of guitar, drums, and bass guitar. Their style takes in a variety of influences from classic rock and roll to arcane-sounding art rock to tuneful indie pop and more. They have been signed to Majordomo Records for many years; on March 4, 2009, the band signed to Island Records.
Formed in the wake of a series of personal tragedies in the life of front-man Mikel Jollett, the band has gathered a reputation for one of the most exciting and energetic live shows in years. Stomping, screaming, wailing, crooning through bony rock songs and enormous dark anthems, the band embodies the desire to live life fully in the face of a world saturated with media and fear. The Cali five-piece's eponymous debut EP includes nods to rock music's most transcendent tidbits: subtle references to the sad-eyed melancholy of The Cure, the balled-fist intensity of The Fall, and the art school disaffection of the Velvet Underground.
The Airborne Toxic Event released their second album, All At Once on April 26, 2011. Songfacts reports the band explaining: "It's called 'All at Once' because the songs deal with the idea of sudden change—how life generally doesn't change incrementally. Your parents die, a child is born, the airplane shakes, a former love from a former life walks casually by you on the street, and suddenly everything is different. We live in the quiet passages between these extraordinary moments of change. It's exhilarating. It's terrifying. It can be monstrously disfiguring. It can be potentially redemptive."
True Love
The Airborne Toxic Event Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My head, my head
This blood, this bed
This bed, this bed
If I can feel the angels falling down around my head
Their bodies spinning endlessly in circles 'round this bed
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
And you don't know what to do sometimes
and you're just lost there for days
And everyone tells you just calm down
remember what she said
And she's standing by the record store
She's got her whole life in her hands
She says she's crazy man but I'm crazy too
And I'm crazy for what we had
It was true love, it was true love
It was true love, it was true love
It was true love, it was true love
It was true love, it was true love
It was true love
And everyone told me that I was wrong
But I thought that it wasn't true
And everyone told me that I was wrong
But I'm going home with you
'Cause I was there
And I tore myself apart that night
Just wondering where you had gone
With the [?] in the alleyway
And all the angels on your lawn
They're standing here in front of me
You got the whole life in your hands
I know I'm crazy love, but you're crazy too
You're the only thing in my prayers
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
'Cause it's true love
And everyone told us just go find
A song
But they don't know a god damn thing about us
Or a thing about holding on
'Cause we were wrong
The song "True Love" by The Airborne Toxic Event, is an emotional portrayal of a love that is true, deep, and imperfect. The repetition of "my heart, my head" and "this blood, this bed" emphasizes the intensity and physicality of the relationship. The singer expresses the feeling of falling apart and being lost without the other person. In the midst of the chaos and confusion, the singer finds comfort in the idea that it's "true love" that keeps them together, despite the difficulties they face.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that others may not understand the connection between the singer and his partner. Despite dissenting opinions, the singer remains steadfast in his belief that their love is real, and he is willing to fight for it. The frenzied repetition of the words "true love" throughout the song emphasizes the powerful force that binds the couple together.
The lyrics of "True Love" convey a sense of longing and desperation, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of true love. The song is a beautiful portrayal of the complexities of love and relationships, and the powerful emotions that come with them.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart, my head
I am conflicted between the decisions made by my heart and that of my mind.
My head, my head
My thoughts are overwhelming and repetitive.
This blood, this bed
My passion and emotion are intertwined with this situation and environment.
This bed, this bed
This physical space is both the cause and consequence of my actions.
If I can feel the angels falling down around my head
My surroundings feel divine and otherworldly yet overwhelming.
Their bodies spinning endlessly in circles 'round this bed
I am surrounded by energy and chaos, emphasized by this space and situation.
'Cause it's true love, 'cause it's true love
This situation and emotion cannot be explained logically, as it is true love.
And you don't know what to do sometimes
I am lost and unsure of what steps to take in this relationship.
and you're just lost there for days
This feeling of uncertainty and loss persists for an extended period.
And everyone tells you just calm down
I am advised by others to relax and not worry as much.
remember what she said
I am reminded of the words and advice given by my partner, which adds to the confusing mix of emotions.
And she's standing by the record store
My partner is situated by a record store, a physical representation of one's connection to music and emotion.
She's got her whole life in her hands
My partner is in control of her own life and decisions, emphasizing the independence in our partnership.
She says she's crazy man but I'm crazy too
My partner and I are unconventional and unique; we are willing to take bold steps and navigate the uncertain nature of our love.
And I'm crazy for what we had
Despite the risks and consequences of our actions, I am still deeply in love with my partner and the memories we share.
It was true love, it was true love
The pure, authentic nature of our love cannot be denied or ignored.
And everyone told me that I was wrong
Others have criticized and warned me, but I am confident in my own feelings and judgment.
But I thought that it wasn't true
I initially believed that our love was not real or sustainable.
And everyone told me that I was wrong
Despite the doubt and criticism, I stand by my decision to be with my partner.
But I'm going home with you
I am committed to being with my partner and facing the unknown future together.
'Cause I was there
I have experienced the ups and downs of our relationship and am fully aware of the consequences and risks involved.
And I tore myself apart that night
I was emotionally shattered and overwhelmed on a specific night.
Just wondering where you had gone
I was concerned and anxious about my partner's whereabouts and well-being.
With the [?] in the alleyway
An unclear action occurred in a specific location, adding to the chaos and confusion of our relationship.
And all the angels on your lawn
My partner is surrounded by other people and external factors that contribute to the complexity of our love.
They're standing here in front of me
These external factors and individuals are present confronting me.
You got the whole life in your hands
My partner is in control of her life and future, even if it affects our relationship.
I know I'm crazy love, but you're crazy too
We are both unconventional and unique; we are willing to take bold steps and navigate the uncertain nature of our love.
You're the only thing in my prayers
My thoughts and emotions are solely focused on my partner and our relationship.
And everyone told us just go find
Others advise us to look for a specific thing or characteristic, but they do not understand the depth and authenticity of our love.
A song
A metaphor for a solution or answer that does not exist or cannot be found.
But they don't know a god damn thing about us
Others do not fully understand or appreciate the nuances and complexity of our relationship.
Or a thing about holding on
Others do not understand the challenges of staying committed and holding onto a relationship.
'Cause we were wrong
We have made mistakes and faced the consequences, adding to the complexity and challenges of our relationship.
'Cause it's true love
Despite the complexity and challenges of our relationship, we remain committed and passionate about each other because it is true love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MIKEL FRANS JOLLETT, NOAH HARMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DuckDogTitus
Best band that somehow flies under the radar.
Mariana Torres
I love the way he keeps smiling while he sings<3
LM R
Yep, me too. I've noticed it in at least three songs. It pulls me right into the song; I love an artist enjoying his craft.
Jamie Kawchuk
solid song from a solid band. they're amazing live.
Matheus Donda
I couldn't be the cameraman there, I'd jump and dance around forgetting that I was recording
ieatcarnivores
Can't get enough of this band. <3
Alfred van Kuik
This is so much better than the version on the album :D Love it!
CaptainIero
Such a great performance, Mikel looked really into it
fabianchristine
Quelle belle progression de votre groupe ! J'adore vos instruments et vos sons musicaux !
Coleen Root
You are so freaking gorgeous! I absolutely love your music. I saw you in Tempe and you were awesome!