Although it’s a little known fact outside of the band, the original working title to Not Again was actually Metrol. Although the current title is completely relevant to the lyrics that accompany it, the original title captured the high-octane punk metal feel that epitomizes the song. For those of you who haven’t heard it, I’ve heard it described as Iron Maiden meets the Dead Kennedy’s. Beyond this merger of unlikely music styles, what makes Not Again a compelling piece, are the comedic and tragic elements in the lyrics that have been carefully woven together.
The evolution of the instrumental version of this song came about as part of our early lyric writing phase, where Will in particular started feeling more confident in the lyrics he was writing and also he wanted to challenge himself to push beyond the themes of Sci-Fi and historical writing. When I first began talking to him about it back in early 2005, he stated that he wanted to do a comedy song. Personally, I didn’t really know what to make of that. I became even more nervous when I was told that I would be delivering the comedy lines – spoken word. Well, I’m no Jack Black so needless to say I was highly curious and highly anxious about this.
It turns out that I had little to worry about. When Will finally presented to me his initial rendition of the song I was impressed. Although I was thinking something like Monty Python funny, Will was going more for situational humor. And this situation was one we could both relate to, as we had both experienced and observed the crazy relationship between our mutual friend and his wacko girlfriend. And yelling out the words, “How the hell can you remember what I did one day 5 years ago” is pretty much something any guy who’s been in a long-term relationship can relate to when they’re arguing with their significant other.
Beyond the humor though, there is a serious story behind Not Again. It’s a song of a man caught in a relationship that is poisonous to him, but he just can’t seem to let go. In each of the verses Will sings what this man would love to tell his woman, “Cause, I think you've been lyin', and now you've stopped tryin', so this time I'm telling you so.” The verses also show that the man knows that this woman is controlling him but he justifies it by saying that he does it for her love, “And I'll try to make your needs, much more of my focus, with me spending more time at home.” However, the reality is that the man is just caught in a web and he is desperate for her to stay with him which is shown in the choruses, “Don't go, Don't go, Don't leave me here all alone.” The outro is the part where finally the man has had enough and he leaves her. The irony in these final lines is that once the man leaves the poisonous relationship he is free and so much happier than before, “I actually feel like myself again. This really isn't all that bad, so, you know what,
on second thought, just go...”
If you like Not Again, please let us know. Also, we’d definitely like to hear back from you as to what you feel the music means. Does this song strike a chord with you? Does it describe someone you know, or yourself? Let us hear your thoughts. Thanks!
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