The original lineup consisting of Kody Templeman, Zack Rawhauser, Cory Laurence, and Tim (Timmy V) O'Hara as a four-piece only recorded the first 7",I Lost My Marbles, produced by Joe King of The Queers for his More Bounce to the Ounce compilation. The band continued as a three-piece after Zack quit.
Their first full-length album, titled Shit Out of Luck, was released on Clearview Records in 1996. Following the release of their first album the band changed their lyrical focus. In 1999 they went into the studio with producer-engineer Mass Giorgini to record a new LP. This was done with the band's own money, and without the benefit of a record label. The result was Death By Television, an album that took sci-fi movie-themed songs such as War Of The Worlds and Invasion Of The Saucermen and combined them with tracks that made references to other retro themes, such as X-Ray Specs. The recordings instantly created a buzz. Successful label Fat Wreck Chords offered to release the album, but the band had already accepted an offer of Panic Button Records, an imprint of influential punk label Lookout! Records that was overseen by Ben Weasel of Screeching Weasel fame.
The band spent the next two years touring heavily within the punk scene and disbanded after teaming with Giorgini for their final Panic Button/Lookout! release, the spy-themed LP The Backchannel Broadcast, which was released in February, 2001. The album included the song Wait It Out, written by Ben Weasel and later re-recorded by The Riverdales for their record Phase Three.
John Jughead (of Screeching Weasel and Even in Blackouts) filled in as second guitar on many tour stops on the Death by Television and Backchannel tours. Other notable appearances on these tours include Ben Weasel (at The Fireside in Chicago, his first stage appearance since 1995), and Lurch Nobody. Timmy V left the band after Death by Television and was replaced by Austin, Texas drummer Scott.
Red Scare Industries reissued Death By Television (remastered) and Backchannel Broadcast in 2005.
The band split for a few years before reuniting with all original members to release an album, [album artist=the lillingtonsThe Too Late Show in 2006, with no plans on reuniting for a tour to support due to the members' other commitments.
In 2017 they released an album [album artist=the lillingtons]Stella Sapiente.
Frontman Templeman is currently a member of Laramie, Wyoming pop punk band Teenage Bottlerocket.
Drummer Timmy V is currently playing as a hired hand with Albuquerque, New Mexico all girl three-piece The Eyeliners, and plays drums in his own project Stabbed in Back, with a hardcore/punk album entitled A Portrait of Noise.
Murder On My Mind
The Lillingtons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The moon is rising through the trees
Throughout the dark the scene is set
Trick or treat it's Halloween
The kids all got their costumes on
Well I've got mine on too
Just escaped from the looney bin
Cause I got murder on my mind
Got murder on my mind
Got murder on my mind
Got murder on my mind
Take my time it makes it fun
That's why I don't use a gun
Gunny sack upon my head
I won't stop until you're dead
The Lillingtons's "Murder on My Mind" is a song that tells a story of a man who escapes from a mental institution on Halloween night with murder on his mind. The setting is described as the sun going down and the moon rising through the trees of a dark, eerie location. The man is wearing a costume like the rest of the kids trick or treating, but unlike the others, he has just escaped from a looney bin, and he's ready to kill. He has a gunny sack on his head as he starts his killing spree. The man seems to take pleasure in taking his time in killing his victims, hence, the line "Take my time, it makes it fun. That's why I don't use a gun." The tone of the song becomes more ominous as the chorus repeats "Got murder on my mind" four times.
The lyrics to "Murder on My Mind" depict the story of a psychopath who escapes from a mental institution and goes on a killing spree, all while blending in with those celebrating Halloween. The tale is told through a fast-paced punk rock sound with aggressive guitar riffs and an incredibly catchy chorus. The song builds up the tension throughout the lyrics and the music, with every instrument on full display creating a frenzied atmosphere.
Line by Line Meaning
Starlight time the sun went down
The sun has set and stars are shining in the sky.
The moon is rising through the trees
The moon is visible and is obscured by the trees.
Throughout the dark the scene is set
The setting is a dark and spooky place.
Trick or treat it's Halloween
It is Halloween and people are trick or treating.
The kids all got their costumes on
Children are wearing their Halloween costumes.
Well I've got mine on too
The singer is also wearing a costume.
Just escaped from the looney bin
The singer has recently escaped from a mental institution.
I'm coming after you
The artist is looking for someone to harm.
Cause I got murder on my mind
The artist is thinking about committing murder.
Got murder on my mind
The artist is fixated on the idea of killing someone.
Take my time it makes it fun
The singer enjoys taking their time to commit the act of murder.
That's why I don't use a gun
The artist intentionally chooses a method of murder that is not quick, such as using a gun.
Gunny sack upon my head
The singer has disguised their appearance with a sack.
I won't stop until you're dead
The singer is determined to kill their target and won't stop until they are successful.
Contributed by Ian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.