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.
Slow Down
The New Amsterdams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch my step
Spinnin world hurts me
Facin backwards might cause you to slip
So slow down
Watch your step
Take a little trip down
Who knows where you'll land
Mend me now
My chance to move on
Who's to know
The outer side, the outside
My glimpse, a glimpse
Gather my sense
Sit and back and mend myself
Take a walk outside
Too bored to sleep
Sit back and mend myself
Take a walk outside
Too bored to sleep
Not enough time to get anything halfway done
Not enough time to get anything halfway done
The lyrics to The New Amsterdams's song Slow Down are a poetic reflection on the nature of life and the need to take a step back from the chaos and busyness of the world in order to find peace and healing. The opening lines, "Hold back my lip, Watch my step, Spinnin world hurts me, Facin backwards might cause you to slip," suggest a feeling of being overwhelmed and disoriented by the frenetic pace of life. The repetition of "Watch your step" underscores the theme of caution, as the singer implores the listener to slow down and be mindful of their surroundings.
As the song continues, there is a sense of seeking solace and comfort in the midst of this turmoil. The line "Your broken hands scratch my back, Mend me now" suggests a desire for healing or comfort from someone trusted, while "My chance to move on, Who's to know" indicates a sense of uncertainty about what the future holds. The references to "the outer side, the outside" and "my glimpse, a glimpse" suggest a sense of detachment or detachment from the world and the need to step back and observe, rather than fully engage.
The repetition of "Sit back and mend myself, Take a walk outside, Too bored to sleep" reinforces the idea of seeking refuge in the simple pleasures of the natural world, while "Not enough time to get anything halfway done" speaks to the futility of trying to accomplish everything in the face of overwhelming odds. Overall, Slow Down is a poignant reflection on the need to slow down and take stock of our lives, and find moments of peace and healing in an often chaotic world.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold back my lip
Refrain from speaking or expressing my emotions
Watch my step
Be careful and cautious about my actions
Spinnin world hurts me
The fast-paced lifestyle is taking a toll on me
Facin backwards might cause you to slip
Looking back or dwelling on the past can lead to mistakes or regrets
So slow down
Take a moment to pause or reflect on your choices and actions
Watch your step
Be mindful and aware of your surroundings and actions
Take a little trip down
Embark on a journey or experience something new
Who knows where you'll land
Uncertainty of where your experiences will take you
Your broken hands scratch my back
Your flaws or issues are affecting me negatively
Mend me now
Fix the problems and issues that are having a negative impact on me
My chance to move on
Opportunity to move past negative experiences or situations
Who's to know
Uncertainty of what the future holds and how it will affect us
The outer side, the outside
The world beyond our personal experiences and emotions
My glimpse, a glimpse
My brief interaction with the outside world
Gather my sense
Regain clarity and understanding of my thoughts and emotions
Sit and back and mend myself
Take a moment to relax and fix any personal issues
Take a walk outside
Experience the outside world and take a break from personal issues
Too bored to sleep
Unable to sleep due to boredom or restlessness
Not enough time to get anything halfway done
Insufficient time to complete tasks or goals effectively
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Edie Arlisa Brickell, Kenneth Neil Withrow, Maxwell Dixon, Jamar Dechalus, Derek Murphy, John Bradley Houser, Brandon Aly, John Walter Bush
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind