Their name comes from a game cheat called the 'Konami Code', this code unlocks secret levels and secret weapons in certain video games made by the Japanese video game company Konami, mostly for the NES. A variation of this code, Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A B A Select Start, unlocked 30 lives in the Konami game Contra in two-player mode on NES.
The group disbanded on August 16th, 2008, after playing a final show at the Audubon Auction House.
As Usual
Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i'm hired and you're fired in everyones life tonight
my hat's off to those guys and now my hair is in my eyes
as usual to me
it's been so long since i've been missed
now i'm feeling like i should have kissed my only friend
my only friend is only friendly
and we're only friends because you'll let me
despite your fights and friendly promises
you'll fall asleep and i'll laugh
because i never took you seriously
In the song "As Usual" by Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right, the artist talks about the difficulty of having opinions about what they have been given in life. The lyrics "how dare I have opinions about what I've been given" expresses the frustration of not being able to have an unrestricted voice, and this feeling often resonates with people who want to speak up for themselves but cannot due to societal limitations. The line "my hat's off to those guys, and now my hair is in my eyes" is a metaphorical representation of how others can make us feel inferior or uncomfortable, and can also make us feel like we are not worthy of expressing ourselves.
The chorus of the song "As usual to me" conveys the idea that regardless of what happens, this feeling of discomfort and insecurity is a recurring theme or a way of life. The lyrics "it's been so long since I've been missed, now I'm feeling like I should have kissed my only friend" indicates the artist's regret about not showing enough affection. In addition, the lyrics "despite your fights and friendly promises, you'll fall asleep and I'll laugh, because I never took you seriously" portrays a sense of betrayal and insincerity in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
how dare i have opinions about what i've been given
I feel hesitant to share my thoughts and ideas about the things that have come my way and have been given to me.
i'm hired and you're fired in everyones life tonight
Everyone seems to be playing a role in my life, and some people are leaving while others are entering, just like how people get hired and fired in a job.
my hat's off to those guys and now my hair is in my eyes
I praise and admire those people who have accomplished great things, but at the same time, my own hair is getting in my eyes and obstructing my vision.
as usual to me
These experiences are familiar to me and not surprising, as I have encountered similar situations before.
it's been so long since i've been missed
It feels like it has been a while since someone has shown genuine concern for me and my well-being.
now i'm feeling like i should have kissed my only friend
I am starting to realize that I have feelings for my friend, and I regret not expressing my affection earlier.
my only friend is only friendly
Although my friend is kind and supportive, there may be no further romantic potential, and the relationship may never progress beyond just being friends.
and we're only friends because you'll let me
Our friendship exists mainly because my friend allows it to happen and is not looking for anything more, regardless of my feelings.
as usual to me
This situation is typical for me and often happens in my life, where I am left with unrequited feelings for someone.
despite your fights and friendly promises
Despite any arguments, disagreements or promises made in the past, I cannot take this relationship seriously due to my own feelings of romantic interest.
you'll fall asleep and i'll laugh
When you eventually tire of the situation and drift off to sleep, I will feel a sense of amusement at the situation.
because i never took you seriously
Despite the relationship and promises made, I never truly believed that this would work out, and I held onto my own feelings and reservations about the situation.
Contributed by Parker P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.