Wells is the collaborative work of Miles R. Waltuck and Stephanie H. Shih, … Read Full Bio ↴Wells is the collaborative work of Miles R. Waltuck and Stephanie H. Shih, a team spread distantly (though sometimes nearer than not) across the East Coast. Since the summer of 2007 Wells has haltingly gathered together to record a song at a time, each in a single night. The melodies that emerge from the Waltuck family basement are sweet and fun, good for both falling asleep and waking up to. Increasingly, the pair passes itself off as musicians who actually know how to play the instruments they are playing, though listeners ought not be fooled.

Wells is also the recording project of Chicagoans Chris Howaniec and Zane Ranney, both members of now-defunct folk-rock band World's First Flying Machine. This Wells plays mid-to-downtempo rock, drawing from its influences in psych rock, slowcore, ambient and early-'90s emo. Chris Howaniec is the songwriter, arranger, vocalist and producer, playing all parts on their two EPs ("Wells" and "Feel Bad") except the drums, which Zane Ranney is infinitely better at.

Wells is also also the name of a former four-man group from Charlottesville, VA that disbanded in January 2006.

Out Of Control
Wells Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can you cross temptation
To the other side
Control your revenge
Swallow your pride
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
If you had one wish
It would be to stay alive
Control that time bomb

In your mind
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
I can't help you now
I can't help you now
I can't help you
Help you now
Reload that shotgun
There's no sign
Reload that shotgun
There's no sign
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
Reload that shotgun
One more time
Double aught buck shot
May it blow your mind
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
Always go out of control
Always go out of control
Always go out of control
Cross temptation
To the other side
Control your vengeance
Swallow your pride
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
If you had one wish
It would be to stay alive
Control that time bomb
In your mind
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
I can't help you now
I can't help you now
I can't help you
Help you now
Reload that shotgun
There's no sign
Reload that shotgun
There's no sign
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
Reload that shotgun
One more time
Double aught buck shot
May it blow your mind
There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
Always go out of control

Always go out of control
Always go out of control

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wells's song "Out Of Control" address the theme of struggling with temptation, revenge, and pride, and the ultimately destructive nature of suicidal thoughts and actions. The first verse suggests that crossing temptation to the other side means resisting its allure and controlling one's desire for revenge, while swallowing pride indicates the need to let go of one's ego. The lyrics emphasize that there is nothing more wicked or harmful than suicide, highlighting the gravity and irreversible consequences of taking one's own life.

The chorus reinforces the idea that the singer cannot offer assistance or help to the person contemplating suicide, implying a sense of powerlessness in the face of such a complex and painful issue. The lines "Reload that shotgun, there's no sign" and "double aught buck shot, may it blow your mind" are dark and chilling, suggesting a desperate and dangerous mindset. Yet, the repetition of the phrase "reload that shotgun" and the words "always go out of control" may allude to the cyclical nature of these thoughts and the repetitive pattern of feeling overwhelmed and unable to find stability or peace.

Overall, "Out Of Control" serves as a somber reminder of the importance of seeking help, reaching out to others, and fighting against the overwhelming darkness that can consume one's mind.

Line by Line Meaning

Can you cross temptation
Can you resist the allure of temptation?

To the other side
To overcome it and reach a better place

Control your revenge
Refrain from seeking revenge and maintain self-control

Swallow your pride
Ego should be set aside and humility embraced

There's not one thing as wicked as suicide
Suicide is a deeply tragic and evil act

If you had one wish
If you could have one desire granted

It would be to stay alive
The ultimate wish is to remain alive

Control that time bomb
Gain control over your internal struggles and anxieties

In your mind
Within your own thoughts and emotions

I can't help you now
I am unable to provide assistance at this moment

Reload that shotgun
Prepare that deadly weapon again