(1) The Hippos were a th… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one band with this name.
(1) The Hippos were a third wave ska-punk band from Southern California. Unlike other typical bands of the genre, The Hippos employed heavy use of a Moog synthesizer.
The Hipposβs first full album release was Forget the World, released in 1996. Interestingly, many of the songs on Forget The World were written when Ariel Rechstaid, the bandβs primary songwriter, was only 15 years old. This album employed traditional ska-punk songwriting, including upbeat tempos and heavy brass instrumentation. Additionally, various percussion instruments were used, such as bongos and wood blocks. The next album was Heads Are Gonna Roll, released in 1999. A transitional album, a balance of horns and synthesizers is found on this album. Commercially, this album was the bandβs most successful; it is the only album to be fully produced by a large record label and thus is assumedly the most circulated and heard of the three albums.
The Hippos, a self titled final release, was released in 2003 after the bandβs break-up. This album completed the gradual transition from traditional ska-punk to the unique, orginal synthpop sound exhibited here. Ties to the ska-punk scene from which they began had been all but completely severed. In fact, only one track from this album uses horns at all, an essential element of ska. Much of the Hipposβs fanbase was initially reluctant at such a different sound, but for the most part, this reluctance gave way to admiration. To many fans, the Hipposβs final album was their best written and most enjoyable, despite its limited commercial success.
(2) The Hippos are a blues band from Sydney, Australia. They enjoyed modest chart success with Dark Age in 1988, from the album Hippocracy.
Slow It Down
The Hippos Lyrics
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If you just let me know
The road of destruction you've paved
How much longer will it take?
Save yourself before it's passed
You know you're never gonna last
You're never gonna last
You know you're never gonna last
We'll see you later on the way out
So you best get out of the way
We understand the point you failed to make
Calm down didn't mean to shout
Brace yourself you're going too fast
You know you're never gonna last
You're never gonna last
You're never gonna
Slow it down before you crash
No you're never gonna last
I can give you something to break
If you just let me know
The road to destruction you've paved
How much longer will it take?
Save yourself before it's past
You know you're never gonna last
You're never gonna last
You're never gonna
Slow it down before you crash
You know you're never gonna last
Slow it down before you crash
You're never gonna last
Slow it down before you crash
No you're never gonna last
The Hippos's song Slow It Down appears to be addressing someone who is on a destructive path in their life. The singer offers to give this person something to break, which could symbolize an opportunity to release their anger and frustration in a safer way than continuing down their current path. The singer then questions how much longer this person's self-destructive behavior can continue, and encourages them to save themselves before it's too late.
The chorus repeats the phrase "you're never gonna last", emphasizing the idea that this person's behavior is leading them towards an inevitable downfall. The singer notes that they understand the person's failed attempts to communicate their point, perhaps suggesting that this person is struggling with expressing themselves or being heard.
The song seems to be urging this person to slow down and change their path before it's too late. The repetition of "slow it down before you crash" in the chorus reinforces this idea. The singer offers a potential way out, but ultimately it is up to the person to take control and change their fate.
Line by Line Meaning
I can give you something to break
I have something that can help you release your stress or pent up frustration
If you just let me know
Just give me a sign and I'll gladly aid you
The road of destruction you've paved
You have set a path that leads to chaos or peril
How much longer will it take?
How much longer do you plan to continue down this destructive path?
Save yourself before it's passed
Stop before it's too late and you become trapped in a cycle of destruction
You know you're never gonna last
You are not strong enough or resilient enough to survive in this state of chaos
We'll see you later on the way out
We will meet again, but it will be after you have left this situation behind you
So you best get out of the way
You need to move aside or change your course to avoid the harm that is coming your way
We understand the point you failed to make
We comprehend the message you were trying to convey, but it got lost in your self-destructive behavior
Calm down didn't mean to shout
Please don't be agitated, I didn't intend to yell
Brace yourself you're going too fast
Get ready for impact, you're moving too quickly towards the bad outcome
Slow it down before you crash
Reduce your speed before you encounter a disaster
No you're never gonna last
You lack the endurance to sustain yourself if you continue on this path
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Rechtshaid
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind