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.
Pick Up
The Protomen Lyrics
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Hello? Hello?
Phone hangs up.
The lyrics to The Protomen's song "Pick Up" are brief but poignant. The first stanza simply states "Phone rings. Hello? Hello? Phone hangs up." This can be interpreted as a representation of loneliness and isolation. The phone ringing may symbolize an attempt at connection or communication, but ultimately it's left unanswered and the caller is left alone.
The song then transitions into a chorus that repeats the phrase "Pick up the phone" multiple times. This repetition reinforces the idea of reaching out for connection and the importance of answering when others are calling. It's a plea for someone to be present and available to connect with.
Line by Line Meaning
Phone rings.
The sound of a phone ringing can be heard.
Hello? Hello?
The person answering the phone is greeted with a greeting, but receives no response.
Phone hangs up.
The call ends abruptly without any further communication.
Contributed by Jacob W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.