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Cold War Kids — We Used To Vacation
Album: Robbers & Cowards
Avg rating:
5.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 394









Released: 2006
Length: 4:00
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I kissed the kids at noon
Then stumbled out of the room
I caught a cab, ran up a tab on 7th & Flower

Beth's recital I had to run
Missed my son's graduation
Punched the Nichols boy for taking his seat
He gets all that anger from me

Still, things could be much worse
Natural disasters on the evening news
Still, things could be much worse
We've still got our health
My paycheck in the mail

I promised to my wife and children
I'd never touch another drink as long as I live
But even then it sounds so soothing
This will blow over in time
This will all blow over in time

I'm just an honest man
Provide for me and mine
I give a check to tax deductible charity organizations
Two weeks paid vacation won't heal the damage done
I need another one

Still, things could be much worse
Natural disasters on the evening news
Still, things could be much worse
We've still got our health
My paycheck in the mail

I promised to my wife and children
I'd never touch another drink as long as I live
But even then it sounds so soothing
To mix a gin and sink into oblivion

I promised to my wife and children
That accident left everyone a little shook up
But at the meetings I felt so empty
This will blow over in time
This will all blow over in time
Comments (109)add comment
It sounds more Jack White than Jack White does. 
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
it's a box of tic tacs (sp?) I'm serious That is really disappointing IMO
I'd still rather be walking through a pasture and be surprised by an emo boy shaking a box of tic tacs than by a diamondback. Although an emo boy in that setting would be kind of startling too, may have to beat him with a shovel too.
meydele wrote:
You absolutely did.
thx!
prickelpit96 wrote:
lyrics: did i get them right? is the song dealing with alcoholism and the consequences on families?
You absolutely did.
slartibart_O wrote:
damn, I'm kind of liking this for the stuttering rhythms, - a little white stripes vibe - but as a country bred Texas boy I DO NOT like the rattlesnake in the background, it doesn't take much of a reminder to dredge up too many close calls with the cursed thangs...
it's a box of tic tacks (sp?) I'm serious
damn, I'm kind of liking this for the stuttering rhythms, - a little white stripes vibe - but as a country bred Texas boy I DO NOT like the rattlesnake in the background, it doesn't take much of a reminder to dredge up too many close calls with the cursed thangs...
Can't stand that screechy guitar!
Watch out for the rattle snake!!!
I started listening for the crazy (somewhat depressing) lyrics, but I keep coming back for the cool riffs and tempo shifts. Pure musicality. I'm not sure that I've heard "Tell me in the morning", but our local FM station here in Portland plays "Hang me up to dry", and that's pretty sweet too!
music sounds interesting, unusual use of the drums... gave them a 6. lyrics: did i get them right? is the song dealing with alcoholism and the consequences on families?
This will all blow over in time.........
'Post Modernist Blues'. Finally a name for music like this. I dig it. c.
lmic wrote:
I really like it, too.
Here, here! Gave it a 9 - what the hey!
In the past 4 years I've known four dads who have died because of alcholism. I can only imagine their kids heard every one of these lies many, many times over... great song.
Wow not often I give a one. ONE!
This sounds like Jeff Buckley on vocals.
Not for me. <1>
Great song. The whole album's really good as well.
TimeWaster wrote:
Still on the fence about this song, but one thing I do like is how it slows down and speeds up. Keeps it interesting.
Touch of the ole BS & Tears happening there
zipper wrote:
It rocks.
I really like it, too.
Pyro wrote:
Is the shaker in the background supposed to sound like a rattlesnake?
That's what it sounds like to me. Tic-Tac make a more clackety-clack sound. Maybe if they are harmonized up an octave or two...
TimeWaster wrote:
Still on the fence about this song, but one thing I do like is how it slows down and speeds up. Keeps it interesting.
It rocks.
skyguy wrote:
that does it . I'm getting a beer
I'm with you! Maybe a sixer
This must have some sort of relevance to the DJ, cause it sure is not regular RP quality
Yuck
Like it.
A garage band with a record deal!
Wow! Never heard this before. It's awful.
that does it . I'm getting a beer
I enjoyed the quirkiness of this piece probably the first three times I heard it. The next 100 times? Not so much.
Still on the fence about this song, but one thing I do like is how it slows down and speeds up. Keeps it interesting.
Huh. Not sure if I love it or otherwise. You guys are correct, interesting it is. Ask me after the 4th or 5th play.
Fantastic!!!
Excellent Live Band. They opened with this song last Tuesday and blew everyone away. They were openning for Tokyo Police Club and while TPC were good, CWK kicked their ass. But to correct Bill (who just announced that this band is from the UK), they described themselves as being from California during the concert.
this is quality
A 9?? Was I crazy?? I'm changing to a 10 right now.
This is why I love Radio Paradise! Where else could you hear a whacko song like this, and then get to comment on it! Me likey!
oscar_driver wrote:
This is 7 easy, come on guys, ... think about .. this is young people music that isn't Brytney Spears ... Oscar
Man, this is blackmail.
I really thought this was the White Stripes until I looked at the playlist, though I suppose I should have known better. Not bad at all - 7 from the Nottingham jury.
Don't start complaining ..... please ... this is good stuff considering so much crap everywhere. OScar
This song is wack and overplayed.
It's kind of quirky. So am I. I like quirky.
Al_Koholic wrote:
Liking it the more I hear it. Thanks RP. 6 to a 7.
Ditto 8 -> 9. Post modernist blues.
lmic wrote:
I believe the song is about waiting to hit bottom. (click here)
Sounds like a true drunk to me.
Did he just sing about a 'tax-deductable charity organisation'? Bob, get your lawyers on the case.
buddy0407 wrote:
Tired of this song now.
Liking it the more I hear it. Thanks RP. 6 to a 7.
SpaceCase wrote:
I really dig the sound of this song, but what I find annoying is the line: "I promised to my wife and children I'd never touch another drink as long as I live" Whatta Loadda....
I believe the song is about waiting to hit bottom. (click here)
Tired of this song now.
This is 7 easy, come on guys, dang some of you are closed minded ... think about .. this is young people music that isn't Brytney Spears ... Oscar
Is the shaker in the background supposed to sound like a rattlesnake? *edit* I see I should have backscrolled Don't care for whitestripes, don't care for this...
Now I have to wait to go home. I hate to disagree with Davin, but I absolutely LOVE this song. I'm almost ready to change my 9 to a 10...
YUCK
bleagh!
I wish they'd stop this pretentious twaddle.
this irritates me more every time i hear it.
tnt_thomas wrote:
Too funny!
OldFrenchie wasn't kidding. It's true. Bill gave that bit of trivia on many occasions.
Corporate pop music. "Let's give the kids something that means nothing, and they'll give us their money in return" They're all laughing as they cash their checks...
I really dig the sound of this song, but what I find annoying is the line: "I promised to my wife and children I'd never touch another drink as long as I live" Whatta Loadda....
littleRoom wrote:
exactly what i was thinking, this song sounds just like the stripes, but not nearly as good. Now, when are we getting a new album from mr white?
He's probably still touring with the Raconteurs. Their album didn't turn out too well, but Steady as She Goes is a great song.
MutualDisdain wrote:
This song sounds better when Jack White does it. This clone might not make it out of the gate.
exactly what i was thinking, this song sounds just like the stripes, but not nearly as good. Now, when are we getting a new album from mr white?
Z reminded me that these guys joined Elvis Perkins in Dearland on stage when they opened for MMJ. These guys were the best part of Elvis' performance. Fun! I'd see 'em again.
what is this; a white stripes tribute band; stripomania?
This song sounds better when Jack White does it. This clone might not make it out of the gate.
I absolutely cannot get enough of this song. It gets a 9 from me.
Jacksonstat wrote:
Or a rattlesnake?
What the H--- is it with that rattlesnake??
Can't believe all the hating going on with this song. This is one of my favorite bands right now, most fun I've had at a live show in a long time and that includes Gomez. Plus they are great guys with the nicest band manager... Play Hospital Beds, that's their anthem!
pkimbrel wrote:
Or rice in a medicine bottle?
Or a rattlesnake?
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Thats not a pencil in his hand....
hahahahahha good point.
Holy trash ending, Batman!
oh damn it, from bad to worse, comon now...
OldFrenchie wrote:
Is this the first song to use a half full tic-tac box as an instrument?
Or rice in a medicine bottle?
Shesdifferent wrote:
What an interesting song.
But oh so ugly.
OldFrenchie wrote:
Is this the first song to use a half full tic-tac box as an instrument?
Don't give Stevie Nicks any ideas!
What an interesting song.
etwilson wrote:
I'm just an honest man provide for me and mine I give a check to tax deductible charity organizations So is this Mr. Jones singing?
Thats not a pencil in his hand....
I'm just an honest man provide for me and mine I give a check to tax deductible charity organizations So is this Mr. Jones singing?
OldFrenchie wrote:
Is this the first song to use a half full tic-tac box as an instrument?
Too funny!
The more I hear this song the more I love it. Living it wasn't much fun, though.
It sure isn't boring. Isn't that rattling sound one of those things on a roller stick that you give the bimbo backup singer to hold(if the tamborine is to complicated for her) while she gyrates on stage? I don't think this band has any bimbos so they put it to good(?) use.
It sure sounds like it - or maybe a caged rattlesnake that's been poked with a stick? The singer sounds a bit like Arctic Monkeys.
Frenchie...good one, although it may be 3/4 full :)
Is this the first song to use a half full tic-tac box as an instrument?
If they ever recorded any other takes of this song, I'll bet they sound really different.
I like it that discordant guitar really draws me in
Though not a message I personally have experience with, it is nonetheless a song with something to say. That in itself earns points from me. And I like the guys voice. The rolling tempo and backbeat get me going. I like it. For now, at about 7 listenings, I give it a 7. Could go up as it grows on me more....
I like the funky bass. The lyrics are good too.
Wallis wrote:
Reminds me of both John & George post-Beatles stuff.
Anyone have the full album? Is it all this good?
Well well. This sounds pretty cool.
Damn, hard to even say why I love it. There's probably just two or three relevant lines in the lyrics and the instrumental aspect is something like avaunt garage. But for whatever reason it all comes together for me and I have myself a four minute jam fest. Maybe you just have to have been near this kind of suffering to feel it.
The cold war is over! And I can't wait until this song is.
Bill, you are fast becoming my favorite person. Keep it up!
keep the interesting stuff coming, Bill. this one grows on me every time I hear it.
another of nick harcourt's unaccountable favorites...
this is a fine example of the fresh music I come here for...provocative and interesting...I don't expect to run out and buy it but it keeps me coming back to RP for more...thanks
v cool
Reminds me of both John & George post-Beatles stuff. Difference is, I like most of their stuff.
exactly how I feel this morning.
That rattle snake sound is annoying!
LizDeines wrote:
... it makes work tolerable.
Almost.
these kids are growing on me..
Yess! Regina Spektor meets White Stripes on a John Zorn concert. Love it.
I like it alot. Keeps you a little off-balance like you don't know what's coming up next. Perfect mood for the lyrics.
Sounds like Gavin DeGraw. I like it. I guess.
Reminds me of the Racantours. Very White Stripish. Nice.
This is horrid. (imagine an emoticon with its hand over its ears here . . .)
I like very much. I just discovered Radio Paradise, it makes work tolerable.
Two-fisted piano & funky vocals a la Regina Specktor! I like it!