Little is known about the Protomen, other than the band is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Because the band often responds to interviews and questions in-character, their own descriptions of their history are delivered with the dramatic flair of their storyline concept and their comments can not always be taken at face value. Their code-names are largely references to pop culture films, song titles, and fictional characters.
The band is composed mostly of MTSU recording program graduates, and first came to be so they could meet class deadlines and the need to record for [their] grades. They produced their first album over two years in various Murfreesboro studios, using analog rather than digital production. Most of the band had graduated and moved to Nashville by 2005.
Group member Commander has stated that their first album was deliberately designed to sound like "distorted pencil sharpeners about 90% of the time" and "was made specifically to go against everything our recording teachers and fellow students were trying to feed us about making everything sound pristine and 'perfect.'. The tracks were mixed on analog tape.
In a 2009 interview, lead vocalist Panther stated, "We basically gathered up all of our good friends from the local rock bands of Murfreesboro, tied ourselves together, and tried to walk. And somehow it worked. At the time, we noticed a void in rock and roll. A hole that could only really be filled with grown men and women painting up like robots and playing some fierce and furious rock music based on a 1980's video game. We were fairly certain no one else was going to fill that hole. But, by god, it's filled now. You can thank us later."
The band has strong ties to the Murfreesboro and Nashville independent music scene, and some members are integrated into several bands simultaneously.
In The Air Tonight
The Protomen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin,
I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well, I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I remember, I remember don't worry
How could I ever forget,
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up,
No you don't fool me
The hurt doesn't show
But the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you and me
And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well, I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
But I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord.
The Protomen's "In the Air Tonight" is a highly emotive song fueled by its burdening and sorrowful melody matched with haunting and poignant lyrics. The opening lines, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, and I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord," express the build-up of anxiety and uncertain anticipation. The lyrics also suggest that the songwriter has been waiting for something significant and unsettling to happen for a long time, and the moment has finally arrived.
The second part of the song expresses the songwriter's personal experience with the person they are addressing, indicating that they have seen through the lies and deceit of this individual. The lines, "Well, if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand, I've seen your face before my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am," expresses the distance between the songwriter and the person they are talking to. The hurt and the pain that the person has caused are affecting the songwriter deeply, and they cannot ignore it.
The use of the refrain "oh Lord" throughout the song also adds an extra layer of emotional depth, suggesting that the songwriter is reaching out for guidance and support from a higher power to overcome the difficult situation they faced. Ultimately, the song drives home the idea that holding onto lies and deceit can lead to severe emotional consequences, and it's better to come out and face the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I have a sense that there's an event that is about to happen soon which could be life-changing or significant, and I am calling on God's guidance and assistance.
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh Lord
I have been anticipating and preparing for this particular moment or opportunity that could be pivotal to my life, and I am asking for divine help to seize it.
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
I am also asking those around me if they sense the same thing that I do, and I am emphasizing the need for divine intervention.
Well, if you told me you were drowning
If you were ever in a perilous situation and sought my help, I would not offer it because you have deceived me before.
I would not lend a hand
I am not willing to assist or offer any form of support because I can't trust your intentions or character.
I've seen your face before my friend
I know who you are, and I'm familiar with your past actions and behaviors.
But I don't know if you know who I am
I don't know if you truly understand my identity, my values, or my motives.
Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I witnessed your actions and deeds firsthand, so I know they were not genuine or trustworthy.
I saw it with my own two eyes
I didn't hear it from someone else or rely on hearsay. I saw your actions clearly, and they were unacceptable.
So you can wipe off that grin,
You shouldn't be smiling or pretending that everything is alright, because I know the truth about you.
I know where you've been
I understand your background, history, and the situations you've been in, which makes me doubt your honesty.
It's all been a pack of lies
Your words, promises, and commitments have always been untrue, and you have misled me multiple times before.
I remember, I remember don't worry
I recall what you've done, and I'm keeping watch, waiting for an opportunity to confront you, but don't be nervous.
How could I ever forget,
What you did had an impact on me, and I cannot erase it from my memory even if I wanted to.
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
The last time we spoke face-to-face was also the first time, and it was memorable because of what you did.
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up,
I understand why you are not open or forthcoming with me, and it's because you don't want to reveal your true motives or actions.
No, you don't fool me
I am not deceived or tricked by your words, actions, or demeanor, and I know your true character.
The hurt doesn't show
You might seem emotionally stable, but you have been affected by your own actions, and it's causing you pain.
But the pain still grows
The more time passes, the more the hurt and pain intensify, and it's not something that you can hide or ignore forever.
It's no stranger to you and me
Both of us are familiar with pain, hurt, and deception, and it's not uncommon for us to experience these negative emotions or actions.
Contributed by Leah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.