During the early 2000s the band rose to prominence in the US Pacific Northwest punk / new wave scene with a combination of energetic live shows and extremely well received singles. The band drew their influence from early British punk bands like The Undertones, The Jam, The Boys and The Buzzcocks, as well as pop acts like Nick Lowe. The Exploding Hearts lead a revival of 70s power pop and new wave in the Seattle / Portland area along with bands like The Briefs and The Epoxies on the then-Seattle based Dirtnap Records.
On July 20th, 2003 the band was in an automotive accident which claimed the lives of three members. Their touring van flipped over on Interstate 5 just north of Eugene, Oregon while en route from San Francisco to Portland. Jeremy Gage (age 21) and Adam Cox (age 23) were thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Matthew Fitzgerald (age 20), died at a hospital. Terry Six and band manager Rachelle Ramos both survived with minor injuries.
No attempts were made to carry on the band name after the accident, yet the band's music continued to gain popularity as word of mouth spread on the internet. Sole surviving member Terry Six went on to form The Nice Boys who are quite unlike the punk vibe of his former band and take on more of a 70s glam sensibility. In his current band, Six is the lead singer as well as the lead guitar player.
Modern Kicks
The Exploding Hearts Lyrics
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It ain't my business, nose in the air
Hell is breaking loose, she says i don't mind (don't mind)
She's got new things to take up her time
Little white lies with matching suits and ties I put her in a place
i'm all alone and i'm getting stoned, staring off into space
you wanna give give give but i don't wanna take
getting modern kicks
hearts are breaking now, she says i don't care (don't care)
it ain't my business, nose in the air
hell is breaking loose, she says i don't mind (don't mind)
she's got new things to take up her time
little white lies with matching suits and ties i put her in a place
i'm all alone and i'm getting stoned, staring off into space
well i'm gonna do just what i will
and i'm going away unless she's throwing up or sick
i'm getting modern kicks
little white lies with matching suits and ties i put her in a place
i'm all alone and i'm getting stoned, staring off in space
it makes me shiver it makes me shake
you wanna give give give but I don't wanna take
getting modern kicks
modern kicks... i can't get modern kicks
The Exploding Hearts's song "Modern Kicks" is a catchy, upbeat tune with lyrics that speak to the frustration and detachment of a relationship. The song starts with "hearts are breaking now, she says I don't care (don't care), it ain't my business, nose in the air," implying the singer is trying to connect with their partner, but she is disinterested and aloof. As the song progresses, the singer tries to put his partner in her place with "little white lies with matching suits and ties I put her in a place," suggesting that he tries to control the situation but ultimately feels alone and disconnected with "I'm all alone and I'm getting stoned, staring off into space," and "it makes me shiver it makes me shake, you wanna give give give but I don't wanna take."
The chorus "getting modern kicks," is a reference to a desire for excitement and something new, hinting that the relationship has become stagnant, and the singer wants to move on. The line "modern kicks... I can't get modern kicks," at the end of the song, suggests that despite the relationship not providing the excitement the singer craved, he is unable to move on or disconnect.
Line by Line Meaning
hearts are breaking now, she says i don't care (don't care)
The woman is indifferent to the fact that people's hearts are breaking and doesn't want to get involved.
It ain't my business, nose in the air
She is haughty and disinterested in the situation, and doesn't want to be bothered by it.
Hell is breaking loose, she says i don't mind (don't mind)
The woman is unfazed by the chaos around her.
She's got new things to take up her time
She has moved on and is preoccupied with other things now.
Little white lies with matching suits and ties I put her in a place
The singer put the woman in a position of influence despite the fact that she is dishonest.
i'm all alone and i'm getting stoned, staring off into space
He is alone and smoked marijuana to escape his thoughts and feelings.
it makes me shiver it makes me shake
He feels intimidated and scared.
you wanna give give give but i don't wanna take
He doesn't want to accept the things that are being offered to him.
getting modern kicks
He is enjoying the thrill and excitement of modern living.
well i'm gonna do just what i will
He is determined to do what he wants and follow his own path.
and i'm going away unless she's throwing up or sick
He is willing to leave the woman unless she is physically ill.
little white lies with matching suits and ties i put her in a place
The singer put the woman in a position of influence despite the fact that she is dishonest.
i'm all alone and i'm getting stoned, staring off in space
He is alone and smoked marijuana to escape his thoughts and feelings.
it makes me shiver it makes me shake
He feels intimidated and scared.
you wanna give give give but I don't wanna take
He doesn't want to accept the things that are being offered to him.
getting modern kicks
He is enjoying the thrill and excitement of modern living.
modern kicks... i can't get modern kicks
He cannot experience the excitement and thrill of modern living.
Contributed by London P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.