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Manifest Destiny

from The Pace by Biv and the Mnemonics

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about

“Manifest Destiny” is the oldest song to make it on the 2013 album “The Pace,” having originally been written in 2002 when Bivvers Dan Paggi and Ben Lang played music together in college. It is unique in that it does not follow the typical verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure, which also creates an exciting energy within the context of the album. While deceivingly simple at times, the band’s dynamics create a driving force that absorbs the listener.

The song begins with a powerful intro, building various crescendos amongst semi-distorted droning. When Jessie Alsop begins singing, her lyrics and soothing voice create the sense of the calm before the storm. She sings of "fresh fields and pastures new," referring to the Wild West and all the new open land available for the taking. As the music continues to build Dan Paggi’s harmony joins seamlessly with Jessie’s voice. Again they call to mind the theme of Manifest Destiny, and all the ugliness that comes with it, singing of those who were "destined to expand the nation,” despite their “uninvited tenancy."

Another small crescendo and finally the moment the listener has been waiting for: a direct response to the quieter first half of the song, a dynamic explosion that also switches narrative perspective. This sudden outburst represents the literal battle that took place, now from the point of view of the indigenous peoples. "Well I know, I know he's come to take it away!" Guitars are wailing, drums are slamming, and vocals are being belt out like there's no tomorrow.

lyrics

Morning comes with red horizons
Fresh fields and pastures new
Western woes and so-called progress
Local grit and Red Man chew
Oh!

Destined to expand the nation
Uninvited tenancy
Brother, can you feel the ground shake?
Manifest Destiny
Oh!

Well I know
I know he's come to take it away
He's here
We're in fear because the white man will stay

credits

from The Pace, track released April 16, 2013

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Biv and the Mnemonics San Francisco, California

After four years of playing shows and gaining fans in the Bay Area and beyond, San Francisco band Biv and the Mnemonics is proud to release their 2nd full-length album, 'The Pace,' on April 16th, 2013. They are a band whose laid-back sound celebrates the simple pleasures of life, and has been compared to artists ranging from The Kinks to Pavement and Dr. Dog. ... more

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