Recording mostly live, the band released its debut, Almost Killed Me, on French Kiss Records in March 2004 and Separation Sunday a year later. In April 2006 the band signed to Vagrant Records and entered the studio on the 1st of May to begin work on their third record, Boys and Girls in America. Released in October, it was one of the most critically acclaimed records of 2006 and reached a much larger audience than its predecessors.
The band released their fourth album, Stay Positive, recorded again with Boys and Girls in America producer John Agnello. Nicolay left the group and on May 4, 2010 the band released their fifth studio album, Heaven Is Whenever, recorded with producer Dean Baltulonis.
On July 15, 2008, Stay Positive was released. It debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200. It debuted on the UK Album Chart at #15 on July 20, the third-highest new entry. It ranked #1 on the UK Indie Chart. The album was named the best of 2008 by Entertainment Weekly. The song "Constructive Summer" was number 56 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.
Their seventh album, Thrashing Thru the Passion, was released in 2019. Among its songs, "Entitlement Crew" and "Confusion in the Marketplace," were considered standouts.
Don't Let Me Explode
The Hold Steady Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We scored big in Denver and we thought it might be best. To go hang around in the upper Midwest.
He said what about New Orleans. She said I don't think you understand what that means.
All those hangers on. The girls lifting up their shirts when the cameras come on.
We were tryna stay away from those kind of scenes.
We didn't go to Dallas. 'Cause Jackie Onassis said that it ain't safe for Catholics yet.
Think about what they pulled on Kennedy.
Then think about what they might try to pull on you and me.
Saint Barbara I'm calling your name. Don't let me blow up.
We'll hook it all up. I guess there's fields of speed where there's fields of grain.
Saint Barbara don't let me explode. I can feel the whole scene starting to corrode when we're fooling around on the frontage roads.
He asked what happened to Charlemagne.
She just smiled all polite-like and said something vague.
She said Charlemagne got caught up in some complicated things.
She wiped at her nose and she winked.
The Hold Steady's song Don't Let Me Explode tells a story of two lovers on the road, travelling across America and trying to avoid getting caught up in the drama of the cities they visit. The first verse talks about their decision to skip Los Angeles and New Orleans because they don't want to get caught up in the scene and chaos of those cities, opting instead to hang around the upper Midwest. The second verse references the assassination of JFK in Dallas and the danger that still lingers for Catholics in the city. The chorus then turns to Saint Barbara, who is the patron saint of artillerymen and miners, calling on her to protect them from blowing up and exploding in their situation. The last verse hints at complications in their relationship, with the mention of Charlemagne getting caught up in things and the girl wiping her nose and winking, suggesting possible drug use or secrets.
Line by Line Meaning
He said what about Los Angeles. She said we never really made it that far west.
He suggested going to Los Angeles, but she reminded him that they haven't traveled that far west yet.
We scored big in Denver and we thought it might be best. To go hang around in the upper Midwest.
After achieving success in Denver, they decided to spend time in the upper Midwest.
He said what about New Orleans. She said I don't think you understand what that means.
He brought up New Orleans, but she didn't want to deal with the negative aspects of the city, like the attention-seeking girls who reveal themselves when cameras are around.
All those hangers on. The girls lifting up their shirts when the cameras come on. We were tryna stay away from those kind of scenes.
She wanted to stay away from people who constantly seek attention, especially women who flaunt themselves in front of cameras.
We didn't go to Dallas. 'Cause Jackie Onassis said that it ain't safe for Catholics yet.
They avoided Dallas because Jackie Onassis warned that it wasn't safe for Catholics due to the assassination of JFK and the potential risk to their security.
Think about what they pulled on Kennedy. And then think about his security. Then think about what they might try to pull on you and me.
He wanted to avoid Dallas because he was concerned about the danger posed to JFK and his security, and he didn't want to risk similar danger to himself and his companion.
Saint Barbara I'm calling your name. Don't let me blow up.
The singer is calling out to Saint Barbara, the protector against sudden death, asking to be saved from a dangerous situation or explosive outcome.
We'll hook it all up. I guess there's fields of speed where there's fields of grain.
Despite the danger, they will continue to pursue their plans and find connections. There may be areas where people seek excitement and stimulation, just like how farmers look for their harvest.
Saint Barbara don't let me explode. I can feel the whole scene starting to corrode when we're fooling around on the frontage roads.
The singer is again praying for Saint Barbara to protect him from the negative consequences of his actions. He can sense the destructive nature of his surroundings, especially when he and his companion are engaging in potentially risky behavior like hanging around on the frontage roads.
He asked what happened to Charlemagne. She just smiled all polite-like and said something vague.
He inquired about Charlemagne, but she didn't want to reveal the details of what happened to him.
She said Charlemagne got caught up in some complicated things. She wiped at her nose and she winked.
Charlemagne had been involved in complicated and potentially dangerous situations that drastically changed his fate. The wiping of the nose and wink suggest that the singer might not be telling the whole truth, or may be concealing the real story.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind