1.) An American alterna… Read Full Bio ↴There are two bands charting as The Rentals:
1.) An American alternative rock band fronted by Matt Sharp, former bass player for Weezer. The Rentals have released four LPs, Return Of The Rentals (1995), Seven More Minutes (1999), Lost in Alphaville (2014), Q36 (2020) and four EPs, The Last Little Life EP (2007), The Story of a Thousand Seasons Past (2009), It's Time to Come Home (2009), and The Future (2009). The 2009 EPs make up the musical end of the Songs About Time project, which also includes daily photos and weekly short films entitled Resilience (2011).
Band members on Return Of included Patrick Wilson (also of Weezer) on drums, Rod Cervera (guitar), Tom Grimley (moog), Petra Haden (violin, vocals), and Cherielynn Westrich (vocals, moog). Petra's triplet sister, Rachel Haden, appears as an additional vocalist. After Sharp left Weezer, Wilson's studio replacement on the drums was Kevin March and Mike Fletcher was the band's most frequent touring drummer. Maya Rudolph, of Saturday Night Live fame, also briefly toured with the band as a keyboardist. They are known for their quirky Moog-driven melodies. The single "Friends of P" off their first album was a modern rock radio hit, peaking at #7 on Billboard's Modern Rock Chart and #92 on the Billboard Hot 100. After touring for Seven More Minutes the band disbanded.
Yet on October 24, 2005, the tenth anniversary of the band's formation, Matt Sharp announced he was bringing back The Rentals after a six year absence. The new lineup includes founding member Rachel Haden on bass/vocals, Sara Radle on vocals/multiple instruments, Ben Pringle (from Nerf Herder and now Yearbook Pictures) on synths/multiple instruments, Lauren Chipman on viola/synth/vocals, and Dan Joeright on drums. Sharp stated on his website that "there are no current plans" for ex-Rental Cherielynn Westrich "to be involved in the future of The Rentals."
Sharp states: The essential elements of The Rentals will be there. Our fascination with vintage synthesizers, violas, violins, female harmonies and all the rest will continue. But, I'm guessing, we'll most likely veer off the path that would lead us into the realm of becoming our own tribute band.
2.) A late '70s Boston area Punk band featuring Jeff Hudson, Jane Hudson, and Pseudo Carol. As a trio, they released the songs "Gertrude Stein", "Low Rent", "New York", "I Got A Crush On You" and "Elephants".
In 1980, Jeff & Jane joined The MANHATTAN PROJECT, followed by the Electro-Punk act simply known as Jeff & Jane Hudson in 1981.
Forgotten Astronaut
The Rentals Lyrics
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I take a big deep breath and set the Eagle free
Oh, I know, what I know and I know it's all up to me
But, I feel what I feel and I feel the history
Over two hundred thousand miles home
If the Eagle fails, I go back alone
Oh, I know, what I know and I know it's all up to me
But, I feel what I feel and yeah, I feel the history
They got names like superheroes, bigger than The Beatles or I could ever be
They got all the great one-liners, written in the schoolbooks for all eternity
They're bouncing up and down in the tranquil sea
Three hundred million girls watch on TV
Oh, I know, what I know and I know it's just jealousy
But, I feel what I feel and I feel it endlessly
They got names like superheroes, bigger than The Beatles or I could ever be
They got all the great one-liners, written in the schoolbooks for all eternity
We are waiting for connection, trans-Earth injection, three thousand degrees, yes
Splashdown, North Pacific Ocean soon we will be home where Hornet waits for three, yeah
Oh, I know what I know, as my parachutes released
Like peppermint candy we float in a blue-sky dream
Like Starlite Mints we move through the cotton sky
And the arms of the ocean are stretched out open wide
Yeah, they got all the great one-liners, written in the schoolbooks for everyone to read
Yeah, they got names like superheroes, bigger than The Beatles on black and white TV
And now I've all but been forgotten, Forgotten Astronaut has been lost to history, yeah
The lyrics to The Rentals' song "Forgotten Astronaut" depict the thoughts and emotions of an astronaut as they embark on a mission to space. The opening lines, "We're high above the tranquil sea, I take a big deep breath and set the Eagle free," signify the launch of the spacecraft called the "Eagle" and the astronaut's sense of freedom and exhilaration as they leave Earth behind.
The astronaut acknowledges their responsibility and the weight of the mission, stating, "Oh, I know what I know and I know it's all up to me." However, amidst this understanding, they also express their emotional connection to the history-making nature of the journey, saying, "But, I feel what I feel and I feel the history." This suggests that although they are focused on their duties, they are also aware of the significance of their actions in the context of human achievements.
The lyrics then introduce the idea of other famous astronauts, describing them as having names like superheroes and being more prominent than even The Beatles. This comparison highlights the cultural impact and fame that astronauts possess. The line "They got all the great one-liners, written in the schoolbooks for all eternity" emphasizes the lasting legacy of these iconic figures and their memorable words.
As the astronaut observes the excitement and attention that accompanies their mission back on Earth, with millions of girls watching on TV, they admit to feeling a twinge of jealousy. This emotion likely arises from the realization that their own fame and recognition may pale in comparison to those who came before them.
The final lines of the song reveal a sense of melancholy as the astronaut reflects on their own fate, feeling forgotten and lost to history. They acknowledge that they have played their part, but now find themselves relegated to obscurity in the annals of space exploration. The mention of the North Pacific Ocean and the awaiting naval vessel, the Hornet, represents the astronaut's longing for a return home, where their accomplishments may be diminished or overshadowed.
Overall, "Forgotten Astronaut" explores the complex emotions and experiences of an astronaut as they fulfill their mission in space, grappling with the weight of history and the potential for being surpassed by their predecessors. The lyrics touch on themes of fame, legacy, and the isolation that can come with being part of a significant but often overlooked chapter in human history.
Line by Line Meaning
We're high above the tranquil sea
We are in a state of elevation, far away from any disturbances, in a peaceful and calm environment.
I take a big deep breath and set the Eagle free
I exhale deeply, releasing any doubts or hesitations, allowing myself to embark on a new journey or venture.
Oh, I know, what I know and I know it's all up to me
I have a strong understanding and awareness of my own abilities, and I acknowledge that the outcome solely depends on my actions.
But, I feel what I feel and I feel the history
Despite my knowledge and confidence, I also carry emotions and a deep sense of the significance of the past events or experiences.
Over two hundred thousand miles home
There is an immense distance separating me from my place of origin, spanning more than two hundred thousand miles.
If the Eagle fails, I go back alone
In the event of the failure of the vehicle or plan I rely on, I will be left to return on my own.
They got names like superheroes, bigger than The Beatles or I could ever be
Those individuals possess titles or reputations that resemble those of legendary superheroes, surpassing the fame or success I can ever attain.
They got all the great one-liners, written in the schoolbooks for all eternity
They are recognized for their remarkable and memorable phrases, recorded in educational materials to be remembered for an indefinite period of time.
They're bouncing up and down in the tranquil sea
While in this calm oceanic environment, they energetically move up and down, displaying excitement or enthusiasm.
Three hundred million girls watch on TV
A vast number of three hundred million female viewers watch their actions or performances on television.
But, I feel what I feel and yeah, I feel the history
Despite understanding the situation, I cannot help but experience my genuine emotions, including a strong connection to the past events or achievements.
We are waiting for connection, trans-Earth injection, three thousand degrees, yes
We eagerly anticipate establishing a connection to Earth and initiating the return journey, enduring temperatures of three thousand degrees.
Splashdown, North Pacific Ocean soon we will be home where Hornet waits for three, yeah
Upon landing in the North Pacific Ocean, we will finally reach our home base, where our designated aircraft, called Hornet, eagerly awaits our arrival for a duration of three days.
Oh, I know what I know, as my parachutes released
I am well aware of the knowledge I possess, especially when my parachutes are released, indicating progress or completion.
Like peppermint candy we float in a blue-sky dream
Similar to the sensation of floating in a dreamlike state, we gracefully traverse through the sky, resembling the light and refreshing qualities of peppermint candy.
Like Starlite Mints we move through the cotton sky
In a manner comparable to Starlite Mints, we smoothly navigate through the sky, which appears soft and fluffy like cotton.
And the arms of the ocean are stretched out open wide
The expansive embrace of the ocean represents its welcoming nature, as if it reaches out with open arms.
And now I've all but been forgotten, Forgotten Astronaut has been lost to history, yeah
Regrettably, I am nearly completely overlooked and disregarded, as the title of 'Forgotten Astronaut' implies that my contributions and existence have been erased or ignored throughout history.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matt Sharp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind