The Meaning Behind “Blowin’ Up” by Eddie 9V and Taking on Nashville With Dan Auerbach and Marcus King

In “Blowin’ Up”, Eddie 9V attempts to make a name for himself in the music business with help from two friends who’ve already done it. Together with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and blues virtuoso Marcus King, Eddie appears poised to crack Nashville on a vintage-tinged tune that waves at the past as it propels the singer forward.

Eddie’s new album, Down Here, is due November 6 on Auerbach’s label, Easy Eye Sound.

Meet My Destiny

Eddie emerged from Atlanta’s club scene, but here he arrives in Nashville like so many before him, determined to be a star. The singer is ready to take on Music City, backed by a flashy stomp that echoes the garage rock of Auerbach’s main gig.

I pulled into Nashville half-past three,
I was there meet my destiny.
Well the song they sing, Lord knows I’ve had enough, 
It won’t be long now till I’m blowing up.

His partner has remained by his side, enduring more lean times than not. But Eddie assures her things are going to change in Nashville. Hold on, love. The checks are just around the corner.

Hey there mama, just you wait and see,
This town gonna make a star of me.
We had it rough, but you loved me enough,
It won’t be long now till I’m blowing up.

Written by Eddie, Auerbach, and Marcus King, the swaggering irony of “Blowin’ Up” reaches its peak when The Black Keys’ front man doubles the vocal hook with a distorted kazoo. And you can imagine a humid and packed club—somewhere on the lonely road—losing its mind by the time King burns the guitar solo.

You’re gonna read all about it,
Maybe you just won’t understand.
And for all of you who doubted,
This is how I take my stand.                                                                      
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Everywhere All at Once

There’s a certain amount of absurdity required for one to enter the rock and roll business. But Eddie has been at this for a while. He understands the game and leans into it as he attempts to take over Nashville. And he’s smart enough to surround himself with an all-star cast to help him get the job done.

Mama, I’m gonna put it all to bed,
Mama, I’m gonna paint this whole town red.
I’ll be everywhere all at once,
And it won’t be long, now I’m blowing up.

Photo by David A. Smith/Getty Images