The Thermals' sixth LP and debut for Saddle Creek, Desperate Ground, was produced by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth) in Hoboken, NJ. Agnello and The Thermals completed the record and evacuated the studio just hours before Hurricane Sandy ravaged New Jersey, a fate quite fitting when you consider the product. Desperate Ground is a true scrappy and scratchy return-to-form for The Thermals, with all the raw power and unhinged adolescent energy that made their early LP's so insanely enjoyable. Lyrically, Desperate Ground is a brash and irresponsible ode to human violence, a black celebration of the inevitability of war and death. A dark and yet joyous affair, Desperate Ground tells the (murky) tale of a lone rogue in the night. One man, one path, one sword. An unceasing urge to destroy. A never-ending battle against the forces of nature. A destiny impossible to avoid.
In early 2013 The Thermals signed to Saddle Creek, a label they've known and admired for many years. The Thermals and Saddle Creek have a long history of sleeping on floors together: The Thermals have toured with Cursive and Ladyfinger, and Hutch and Kathy organized the first Bright Eyes show in Portland way back in 1999.
The Thermals were most famous for turning down $50,000 from Hummer, discovering the elusive fourth chord in punk rock (F#m) and for soundtracking that scene in Weeds where Mary-Louise Parker jumps in the pot-filled pool in her underwear.
The Thermals announced they were splitting in April 2018.
The Thermals lineup was Hutch Harris, Kathy Foster and Westin Glass.
Our Trip
The Thermals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're self cleansing
Our slate is clean
Say what you mean
It's our trip and
We're not listening
We're talking shit
Our slate is clean
Say what you mean
It's our trip and
We're not listening
We're self mending
We're self cleansing
We won't flinch
We don't give a shit
We're not listening
We're not listening
The Thermals's song Our Trip is a punk rock anthem that celebrates self-empowerment and personal independence. The lyrics suggest a rejection of conformity and a desire to forge one's path in life. The chorus repeats the line "It's our trip and we're not listening," emphasizing the idea that the only person who can define one's journey is oneself. The phrase "self mending" and "self cleansing" further supports the theme of self-sufficiency, suggesting that the individual possesses the power to heal oneself and wash away any impurities or negativity. The repetition of the line "Our slate is clean / Say what you mean" adds an element of authenticity and honesty to the song, urging the listener to be true to oneself and speak their truth.
The overall tone of the song is rebellious, with multiple references to "talking shit," not flinching, and not caring what others think or say about them. The repetition of the phrase "We're not listening" at the end of the song further drives home the idea that the individual is in control and not subject to outside influences or opinions. The song provides a powerful message of personal empowerment and encourages the listener to take control of their life, embrace their individuality, and live life on their terms.
Line by Line Meaning
We're self mending
We have the ability to heal and fix ourselves
We're self cleansing
We have the ability to cleanse ourselves and our surroundings
Our slate is clean
We have a fresh start and no past baggage
Say what you mean
Be honest and don't hold back
It's our trip and
We are in control
We're not listening
We are not interested in anyone else's opinions or advice
We're taking grip
We are taking control and holding on to it
We're talking shit
We are speaking in a bold and confident manner
We won't flinch
We won't back down or show fear
We don't give a shit
We don't care about others' opinions or judgments
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: HUTCH HARRIS, JORDAN HUDSON, KATHLEEN MICHELLE FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind