They changed their name to Finger Eleven for their breakthrough Tip, released on Mercury Records in Canada in 1997, and re-released by Wind-Up Records in the United States in 1998. The name Finger Eleven comes from an earlier version of the song Thin Spirits from the album Tip. Lead singer, Scott Anderson explains: "when everything is pushing you in one direction and your instinct drives you in another--that’s finger eleven."
A year later, drummer Rob Gommerman left the band and was replaced by Rich Beddoe. In 2000 they released The Greyest of Blue Skies. 2003's self-titled album Finger Eleven was a commercial success, spawning the single One Thing which reached #16 in the US. The band also recorded the song Slow Chemical for WWE superstar Kane and Daaam! (feat. Tha Alkaholiks) on the compilation album Loud Rocks.
Them vs. You vs. Me, was released on March 6, 2007 and contains the singles Paralyzer, Falling On, I'll Keep Your Memory Vague, and Talking To The Walls.
Their most recent album, Life Turns Electric was released on Oct 5, 2010. It featured singles Living in a Dream, Whatever Doesn't Kill Me, Stone Soul and finally Pieces Fit.
Band Line-up
* Scott Anderson (vocals)
* Rick Jackett (guitar)
* James Black (guitar)
* Sean Anderson (bass)
* Rich Beddoe (drums)
Paralyzer
Finger Eleven Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To me and my drink
I wish it was cooling me
But so far has not been good
It's been shitty
And I feel awkward as I should
This club has got to be
The most pretentious thing
Since I thought you and me
Well, I am imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place
Well, I'm not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I wanna make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
I hold out for one more drink
Before I think
I'm looking too desperately
But so far has not been fun
I should just stay home
If one thing really means one
This club will hopefully
Be closed in three weeks
That would be cool with me
Well, I'm still imagining
A dark lit place
Or your place or my place
Well, I'm not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I wanna make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
Well, I'm not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I wanna make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
Not paralyzed
But, I seem to be struck by you
I wanna make you move
Because you're standing still
If your body matches
What your eyes can do
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
You'll probably move right through
Me on my way to you
In Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer," the singer is at a club, feeling nervous and uncomfortable. He has been holding onto his drink throughout the night, but it hasn't been working to cool him down or make him feel better. He feels awkward and out of place in the pretentious vibe of the club. Despite this, his mind wanders to thoughts of being somewhere else, maybe with the person he is attracted to. He is struck by this person even though he is not paralyzed, and he wants to make them move because they are standing still. The song ends with the hope that this person will "move right through" him on their way to each other.
Line by Line Meaning
I hold on so nervously
I am gripping my drink tightly, feeling anxious and tense.
To me and my drink
I am holding onto both myself and my alcohol as if they are my only source of comfort.
I wish it was cooling me
I hoped that my drink could calm me down or relieve my stress.
But so far has not been good
Unfortunately, the drink has not been effective in making me feel better.
It's been shitty
In fact, everything so far has been unpleasant and disappointing.
And I feel awkward as I should
I am uncomfortable and out of place, which is fitting for the situation.
This club has got to be
The venue I am currently in is probably
The most pretentious thing
The most arrogant and snobbish environment.
Since I thought you and me
Since the time I believed there was a chance for you and me to be together.
Well, I am imagining
I am picturing in my mind
A dark lit place
A dimly lit location
Or your place or my place
Either your residence or mine.
Well, I'm not paralyzed
I am not physically unable to move or speak.
But, I seem to be struck by you
However, you have caught my attention in a powerful way.
I wanna make you move
I desire to get you to take action.
Because you're standing still
Because you are inactive and not responding to me.
If your body matches
If your physicality is consistent with
What your eyes can do
What your gaze is capable of expressing or conveying.
You'll probably move right through
You might easily get past
Me on my way to you
As I attempt to approach you.
I hold out for one more drink
I am hoping for another alcoholic beverage.
Before I think
Before I logically evaluate the situation.
I'm looking too desperately
I am appearing overly eager and needy in my behavior.
But so far has not been fun
However, my experience has not been enjoyable.
I should just stay home
I ought to remain at my own place.
If one thing really means one
If it is a fact and there is no confusion.
This club will hopefully
I hope that this establishment
Be closed in three weeks
Will cease operations within the next 21 days.
That would be cool with me
I would be pleased with that result.
Not paralyzed
I am not immobile or disabled.
You'll probably move right through
You will likely walk right past me.
Me on my way to you
As I try to reach you.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: James Black, Richard Beddoe, Richard Jackett, Robert Anderson, Sean Robert Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind