Band member Adam Granduciel (born Adam Granofsky in Dover, Massachusetts) moved from Oakland, California to Philadelphia in 2003, where he met Kurt Vile and began playing music with him. They began playing as The War on Drugs in 2005, and self-released a demo EP. While Vile and Granduciel formed the backbone of the band, they had a number of accompanists early in the group's career, before finally settling on a lineup that added Charlie Hall as drummer/organist, Kyle Lloyd as drummer and Dave Hartley on bass. Granduciel had previously toured and recorded with The Capitol Years, and Vile has several solo albums. The group gave away its Barrel of Batteries EP for free early in 2008. Their debut LP for Secretly Canadian, Wagonwheel Blues, was released in 2008.
Reviewers of the band's music make note of its Americana overtones. The group's sound has been described as influenced by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and My Bloody Valentine.
The lineup underwent several changes, and by the end of 2008, Kurt Vile, Charlie Hall, and Kyle Lloyd had all exited the group. Granduciel and Hartley were joined by drummer Mike Zanghi as the group slimmed to three members.
After Zanghi's exit in 2010, Steven Urgo took over drum duties and Robbie Bennett joined on keys.
Under the Pressure
The War on Drugs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But do you rather have a good day?
But a dream like this gets wasted
That you'll, bend under pressure
Still you'll, bend over pressure
I really love it, oh, you love it
And the runaways standing in the wind and pray
And they stare straight into nothing,
But we're all kinda the same. You all raise
On a promise, found out over time
Bet it will come around, get a new way
Or watches how it all breaks down here
Under the pressure
Never break out there
The storm and the wind will go
However you count down there
Stay, keep holding on!
In a cold wind, all arrested
Now, you know how it feels
This is really, warden in my back
Goose all in my gut
Standing in the water, just trying not to crack
Under pressure
The War on Drugs's song "Under the Pressure" is a song about the pressures of life, and how they can cause one to bend, but never break. The first verse begins with a reference to a comb down which is easy, but the singer wonders if having a good day is more important. The dream that we all have can get wasted if we bend under the pressure. The chorus is a repetition of the phrase "under the pressure," emphasizing the weight of the burdens that we carry.
The second verse speaks of love ("I really love it, oh, you love it"), and how it can keep us from falling apart even when everything else breaks down. The runaways standing in the wind represent those who are stuck in the storm of life, and can't find a way out. The end of the song speaks of the cold wind and being arrested, further emphasizing the feeling of being trapped by the pressure of life.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the human condition and the ways in which we handle the pressures that life puts on us. It acknowledges the difficulties we all face, but ultimately encourages the listener to stay strong and persevere.
Line by Line Meaning
With a comb down here, it's easy
Living in this monotonous routine may seem easy and comfortable.
But do you rather have a good day?
Is this repetitive lifestyle worth sacrificing a good and fulfilling day?
But a dream like this gets wasted
Dreams and aspirations may remain unfulfilled in this stagnant environment.
That you'll, bend under pressure
The constant pressure and expectations of this lifestyle might cause one to crack.
Still you'll, bend over pressure
One might still give in to the pressure despite their efforts to resist.
I really love it, oh, you love it
This way of living may still be enjoyable despite its negative effects.
Not gonna loose you, when it all breaks down
One will not lose their grip when this routine inevitably crumbles.
And the runaways standing in the wind and pray
Those who seek to escape this way of living face harsh difficulties and uncertainties in doing so.
And they stare straight into nothing,
They are blind to what lies ahead in their journey to seek change.
But we're all kinda the same. You all raise
Despite our differences, many of us share the same struggles and experiences.
On a promise, found out over time
The promise of this lifestyle may reveal itself to be unfulfilling over time.
Bet it will come around, get a new way
Change will eventually come, creating new paths to take.
Or watches how it all breaks down here
One may choose to observe the decline of this lifestyle instead of being an active participant.
Under the pressure
The constant pressure of this lifestyle weighs on us all.
Never break out there
It can be difficult to escape this way of living.
The storm and the wind will go
Difficult times will eventually pass.
However you count down there
Regardless of how long one has been stuck in this routine.
Stay, keep holding on!
One must persevere and continue to hold onto hope for change.
In a cold wind, all arrested
This stagnant routine is like being trapped in a frigid environment.
Now, you know how it feels
Those who have experienced this lifestyle firsthand understand its negative effects.
This is really, warden in my back
This lifestyle is like a controlling prison warden who will not let go.
Goose all in my gut
The feelings of constant pressure and imprisonment can cause immense anxiety.
Standing in the water, just trying not to crack
Trying to survive and not give in to the pressure of this lifestyle is like treading water in dangerous conditions.
Under pressure
The constant pressure and expectations of this stagnant way of living is overwhelming and all-consuming.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Songtrust Ave
Written by: Adam Granofsky
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joabmelodic8287
[Verse 1]
Well, the comedown here was easy
Like the arrival of a new day
But a dream like this gets wasted
Without you
[Chorus]
Under the pressure
Is where we are
Under the pressure
Yeah, it's where we are, babe
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, you're the only one
Like an illusion
[Verse 2]
When it all breaks down and we're runaways
Standin' in the wake of our pain
And we stare straight into nothin'
But we call it all the same
You were raised on a promise
Found that over time
Better come around to the new way
Or watch as it all breaks down here
[Chorus]
Under the pressure
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Well, the break down here
Stole it all the way across
I wanna climb downhill
Stranded on
When you come here and I'm wasted
Lyin' on a field, dancin' in the rain
Hidin' in the back, loosenin' my grip
Wadin' in the water, just tryin' not to crack
[Chorus]
Under the pressure
Yeah, it's where we are, babe
Under the pressure
Woo!
@ammarlahori
This is criminally underrated. This group is amazing
@testvideo44
18 million views
@kevhow2190
They play arenas and have a Grammy. But I love them anyway. Ha! Great band. I actually got into Kurt Vile first, then learned he played on TWOD's first album. I love this band.
@CaptainVelveeta
Music is literally the only glue that holds me together in this world.
@tommybohman7818
I agree with you entirely. It's the same for me, a life-line and life insurance. Take care. ♥️
@bargurl123
This
@AmanaemonesiaAmnesiart
definitely.
@dn7149
ditto
@Essexbirdstv
I wouldn’t be here without it x20 at least
@maureenmickelson1919
I'm 60 years old and I found a new band! LOVE THIS!