The New Amsterdams began as a solo project in Lawrence, Kansas to then-lead… Read Full Bio ↴The New Amsterdams began as a solo project in Lawrence, Kansas to then-lead singer for The Get Up Kids Matt Pryor. In 2000, he released his debut album Never You Mind, which was comprised largely of acoustic tracks with sparse accompaniment. However, the album also featured Alex Brahl and Rob Pope providing extra instrument tracks.

Two years later in January 2002, Pryor released Para Toda Vida, this time sticking almost purely to acoustic guitar, with the exception of a few tracks utilizing harmonica and banjo as well. However, the next year the band went a step further in the release of Worse for the Wear, which utilized a full band for the first time, which at this time included Get Up Kids bandmates Ryan Pope and his brother Rob, as well as longtime friend and producer Ed Rose. The album was one of the earlier albums to be recorded at Black Lodge Studios, the recording studio renovated and co-owned by Ed Rose and the members of The Get Up Kids.

The band's next album, Killed or Cured was released in 2005. However, it was written during a turbulent time within The Get Up Kids leading up to the band's breakup. Because of this Vagrant Records, the label to which both the bands were signed, didn't want to release the album until The Get Up Kids finished their farewell tour in the summer of that year. For this reason, a portion of the album was released online for free via the New Amsterdams website. The album was released in its full version through retail channels on April 10, 2007.

In 2006, the band released the album Story Like a Scar with what is now the current lineup, including Bill Belzer on drums, Eric McCann on upright bass, and Dustin Kinsey on guitar.

In September 2007, the band released another album, At the Foot of My Rival on CD, Vinyl and Digital Download. However, after a long relationship with Vagrant Records, the band decided to release the album on Elmar, (named after Pryor's son Elliot Marshall) an offshoot of Curb Appeal Records, owned in part by former Get Up Kids bandmate Jim Suptic.

In January 2008 the band released a collection of demos and b-sides, available exclusively through their website.

In May of the same year, they went on their first European tour, starting in Amsterdam. The band plans to go in a small hiatus after that, until the end of the year. After that, they will start working on the next album.

Musically, the songs are folksy and mellow. Lyrically, the songs often seem to deal with Christianity and religion though Matt hasn't made claims to any particular faith. Much of it could be considered "christian rock," though many fans of Pryor from his Get Up Kids days would probably deny or ignore such a comment.

Proceed With Caution
The New Amsterdams Lyrics

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Sober you up
The odds in your favor
But I wouldn't wager anything
The clouds in your ears
Hold off your bets now
It's all going too well

Something has got to give

I wouldn't wait for it
Baby I'll bet it's over due
You're lucky to be alive
So I wouldn't count
On anything

Proceed with caution
From here on in
Proceed with caution
From here on in

Sober you up
The odds in your favor
I wouldn't wager anything
Clouds in your ears
Hold off your bets now
It's all going too well

Something has got to give
I wouldn't wait for it
Baby you'll bet it's over due
You're lucky to be alive
And I wouldn't count
On anything

Proceed with caution
From here on in
Proceed with caution
From here on in

Proceed with caution
From here on in
Proceed with caution

From here on in
Here on in, here on in

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Proceed" by The New Amsterdams talks about being cautious and careful in life. The song begins with the singer telling someone to sober up and take advantage of the odds in their favor, but cautioning them not to take anything for granted because circumstances can change quickly. The singer is warning the person that they shouldn't count on anything and that they should be prepared for the worst.

The repetition of the warning to "proceed with caution" emphasizes the importance of taking careful steps to move forward in life. The clouds in the ears metaphor refers to the idea of being overwhelmed and unable to make clear decisions, urging the listener to hold off on making bets or commitments until they are able to think more clearly. The overall message is one of caution and mindfulness.

Overall, the lyrics are simple but effective. They encourage the listener to be thoughtful and cautious in their actions, acknowledging the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future.

Line by Line Meaning

Sober you up
Clear your mind

The odds in your favor
You have a good chance of success

But I wouldn't wager anything
However, I wouldn't risk anything on it

The clouds in your ears
Your judgment may be clouded

Hold off your bets now
Don't make any decisions just yet

It's all going too well
Things are going too smoothly, which may lead to complacency

Something has got to give
A change or challenge is inevitable

I wouldn't wait for it
Don't wait for the challenge to arrive, prepare for it

Baby I'll bet it's overdue
I'm willing to bet it's long overdue

You're lucky to be alive
You've escaped danger in the past

So I wouldn't count on anything
Therefore, I wouldn't depend on anything staying the same