When Matt Garappolo and Eddie Garcia Garza… Read Full Bio ↴The One And Only Typicals
When Matt Garappolo and Eddie Garcia Garza started writing songs together in college in 2000, they realized that rock music was to become much more than just a hobby for them. Fueled by a lot of beer and even more frustration with the stagnant state of mainstream music, the two set out to form a rock group that people would appreciate for its songwriting, energy and inspiration. In 2003, the duo met former Artichoke drum machine Dave Palamaro and with that, the One and Only Typicals, a.k.a. the O.A.O.T.s, were born into the Los Angeles music scene.
Citing influences such as the Who, the Jam, Guided By Voices, Superdrag, the Replacements, Hüsker Dü and the Pixies, the O.A.O.T.s are quickly gaining a reputation throughout the LA rock community for their riveting live shows, unparalleled energy and deafening onstage roar. Their number one goal is to write perfect songs and entertain everyone around them.
In September 2004 they finished their 13 song debut “Typical,” on their own Sounds Like Vinyl Records with the help of producer Matt Southwell (BANG sugar BANG), engineer Robin Holden (The King Cheetah), and mixer Evan Frankfort (Would Work Entertainment). Filled with “pop hooks and rootsy jangle, like a paisley-powered Jam, mixing up Who-inspired skinny tie herky-jerkiness with a little 80’s power pop,” (Sleazegrinder) the record arrived to immediate and positive response in LA as well as nationally and internationally. They have received airplay throughout the Los Angeles market including the newly acclaimed Indie 103.1, underground classic KXLU as well as on KROQ’s Rodney on the Roq. Word of the band has already spread as far as the UK, Japan, Italy and Portugal where they have received both airplay and very positive reviews.
In February 2004 the band’s single “On and On” was featured on Kiss or Kill’s first compilation, “Los Angeles Classics Vol. 1” along with 10 other power pop groups who regularly perform at Kiss or Kill, the best weekly punk and power pop club in LA. In January 2005 “On and On” was also chosen by A&R Worldwide, an independent global artist discovery and development group, to be featured on their Compilation CD – “Unearthered – Vol. 4.” 2005 also found a great deal of success and growth for Kiss or Kill, which the O.A.O.T.s have been very proud to be a part of. In March 2005 Kiss or Kill’s follow up compilation featured “Take Me” as it’s opening track.
In November 2004 “On and On” received even more national exposure when it was featured on the WB’s hit show Jack and Bobby and in February 2005 “Dance” was picked up by ABC’s new Sunday night drama Grey’s Anatomy.
The release of “Typical” was followed by a two and a half week nation-wide tour in October 2004 supported by a heavy campaign of college radio and local press. In February and March 2005, the O.A.O.T.s booked another very extensive and even more ambitious 7 week tour of the U.S.
Their hope is that their DIY brand of rock and roll, incessant touring, meticulous songwriting and infectious hooks and harmonies will turn some heads in both the American and international recording industry.
They are already working hard on writing songs for their follow up record and have over ten songs already completed and ready to record. This time they hope to capture the raw and energetic sound that until now can only be experienced at each and every one of their live shows.
Long Way Down
The O.A.O.T's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
Find me on the freeway gassed up
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
They don't really know what we gon do
Running for the throne like we posed to
Never gon stop we done told you
Baby I'm the shit don't believe me let me show you whoa
Speeding through the highway that's right
Gotta be prepared for the next life
Thriller and the beat nigga that's Mike
Higher than the birds in the sky nigga that's fly
Handling my business I gotta make a move
They ain't really know what a nigga been through
Hiding in the back baby I can see you
Matter fact bring it back put it on the menu
We can slide to the west coast
Best know why she kissing on my neck though
Yes Lord peep the Gs in a fresh pose
Tight fit baby damn I confess yo
Quite sweeet ooh wee
Cruising through the freeway head back
Baby feel free you can put it on your Snapchat
Stash a lil spliff in your backpack
Give me a lil head cause my seat back
Ooh wee tell me what you gon do
Sun in the sky got me in the right mood
Cruising through the freeway looking at you
Blessed in this life baby let me ask you
Find me on the freeway gassed up
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
Find me on the freeway gassed up
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
They don't really know what we gon do
Running for the throne like we posed to
Never gon stop we done told you
Baby I'm the shit don't believe me let me show you
Makaveli got me amped up gassed up
Baby girl got the handcuffs we mad buck
Can't wait til it's lights out back up
Put that ass in the air but red up
Working all day nigga something gotta give
We face hard times but we swear we gon live
Put it on my mama put it on Jesus
Water flow got a nigga feeling sea sick
Whatever though we gon handle our business
Lil mama don't front take pictures
Tight verse like a nigga wrote scriptures
Look closer witness the realest
We focused the vision is building for greatness
Yeah we came a long way long way
Never stop this the boss way boss way
Enough of this Broadway Broadway
Move to the tune til the morning morning
Now a nigga zoning zoning
Yeah we stay rolling rolling
Mary Jane Kush roll it roll it
Find me on the freeway gassed up
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
Find me on the freeway gassed up
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We used to dream about it one day yeah
The O.A.O.T's song "Long Way Down" is a celebration of success and how far they have come. The song speaks about how they used to dream of making it big, and now they are living that dream. The lyrics capture the thrill of being on the freeway, driving at high speeds with Makaveli (Tupac Shakur) blasting through the singers. The chorus repeats that they have come a long way and that they used to dream about this moment.
The song also speaks about chasing fame and fortune- Running for the throne like they supposed to, making moves in the industry, and handling their own businesses. They highlight that they never stop until they achieve their goals. Additionally, they also talk about the hardships they have faced in their lives and the sacrifices they have made to get where they are now. When the going gets tough, they find solace in cruising through the freeway and spending time with their loved ones.
Overall, the song is about celebrating the success that they have achieved, never giving up, and looking forward to the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Find me on the freeway gassed up
I am driving on the freeway with a full tank of gas.
Makaveli on the replay it's that time
I am listening to Makaveli and it's the perfect time for it.
Yeah we came a long way yeah
We have come a long way in life.
We used to dream about it one day yeah
We used to dream about what it would be like to be where we are now.
They don't really know what we gon do
Others do not know what we are going to do next.
Running for the throne like we posed to
We are striving for success and fame as if it is our duty.
Never gon stop we done told you
We will never stop pursuing our dreams.
Baby I'm the shit don't believe me let me show you whoa
I am the best and will prove it to you.
Speeding through the highway that's right
I am driving fast on the highway.
Gotta be prepared for the next life
I need to be ready for whatever comes next in life.
Thriller and the beat nigga that's Mike
This song has a beat like that of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.'
Higher than the birds in the sky nigga that's fly
I feel really good and confident like I am on top of the world.
Handling my business I gotta make a move
I am focused on taking care of my responsibilities and making progress.
They ain't really know what a nigga been through
Others do not know the struggles I have faced.
Hiding in the back baby I can see you
Someone is hiding in the backseat of my car but I can still see them.
Matter fact bring it back put it on the menu
Let's bring something back from the past and make it a part of our current plans.
We can slide to the west coast
We can travel to the west coast of the United States.
Best know why she kissing on my neck though
I know why a girl is kissing my neck.
Yes Lord peep the Gs in a fresh pose
I am looking fresh and have a lot of money.
Tight fit baby damn I confess yo
My clothes fit me well and I am proud of how I look.
Quite sweeet ooh wee
I feel really good and happy.
Cruising through the freeway head back
I am driving on the freeway with my head leaned back.
Baby feel free you can put it on your Snapchat
You can take a Snapchat of us and share it with your followers.
Stash a lil spliff in your backpack
Put a small joint in your backpack to smoke later.
Give me a lil head cause my seat back
Perform oral sex on me because my seat is leaned back.
Sun in the sky got me in the right mood
The sun is shining and it has put me in a good mood.
Cruising through the freeway looking at you
I am driving on the freeway and looking at you.
Blessed in this life baby let me ask you
I am grateful for my life and I want to ask you something.
Makaveli got me amped up gassed up
The song by Makaveli has me feeling excited and energized.
Baby girl got the handcuffs we mad buck
There are handcuffs in the car and we are really excited about it.
Can't wait til it's lights out back up
I am looking forward to turning off the car's lights and backing up.
Put that ass in the air but red up
Put your butt in the air with your head down.
Working all day nigga something gotta give
I have been working hard all day and something needs to change soon.
We face hard times but we swear we gon live
We are going through tough times, but we are determined to survive.
Put it on my mama put it on Jesus
I am being serious and honest about something.
Water flow got a nigga feeling sea sick
The movement of the water is making me feel nauseous.
Whatever though we gon handle our business
No matter what happens, we will take care of what we need to do.
Lil mama don't front take pictures
Girl, don't act like you don't want to take pictures.
Tight verse like a nigga wrote scriptures
My flow is really good, like I am writing scripture.
Look closer witness the realest
Pay closer attention and see that I am the real deal.
We focused the vision is building for greatness
We are focused and have a clear vision for achieving great things.
Enough of this Broadway Broadway
We are tired of the fake and dramatic situations.
Move to the tune til the morning morning
Let's dance and have fun all night long.
Now a nigga zoning zoning
I am in a state of complete relaxation and happiness.
Yeah we stay rolling rolling
We keep moving forward, no matter what.
Mary Jane Kush roll it roll it
Roll the joint with Mary Jane (marijuana) and Kush (a particular strain of marijuana).
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Siphelele Vazi Mnyande
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind