The success of the single 'Shoot Your Gun' and the track 'Devil In Me' shot the band to prominence after its use in a Vauxhall commercial.
In early 2006, after four years together touring, with difficulties recording their follow-up album and a desire to change musical direction, the band mutually agreed to split up.
The band reformed in 2008 and released Shake/Shiver/Moan in 2010 and Got It If You Want It in 2012.
On 3 May, 2012, the band announced on Twitter that guitarist Dan Hare decided to leave the band.
22-20s quietly split for a second time in 2013.
4th Floor
22-20s Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't fool yourself you might be surprised
Time has taught you slow
Keep expectations low
All your mistakes are kept for revenge
Will you be forced to live them again
Time has taught you slow
You should know by now
Walk away
The pleasure isn't worth the pain
You said, "forever then, but things have changed"
There's no treasure hidden here to gain
What brings you to the 4th floor tonight
Don't fool yourself you might be surprised
Time has taught you slow
Where conversations go
Bend till you break and take all the shame
Make all the moves
And take all the blame
Time has taught you slow
But you should know by now
You should know by now
You should know by now
You should know by now
Walk away
The pleasure isn't worth the pain
You said, "forever then, but things have changed"
There's no treasure hidden here to gain
Here for the sake of the start
You never imagined a fall so far
Now everything's falling apart.
Walk away
The pleasure isn't worth the pain
You said, "forever then, but things have changed"
There's no treasure hidden here to gain
What lies behind the door tonight
Don't fool yourself you might be surprised
Time has taught you slow
Keep expectations low
All your mistakes are kept for revenge
Will you be forced to live them again
Time has taught you slow
But you should know by now
You should know by now
You should know by now
The song '4th Floor' by 22-20s explores the theme of expectations and the consequences of our mistakes. The lyrics depict a scene where the singer is hesitant to open a door, as they are unsure of what lies beyond. The song then goes on to suggest that the character has learned to keep their expectations low and to be cautious with their actions as their mistakes may come back to haunt them.
The chorus, "Walk away, the pleasure isn't worth the pain, you said 'forever then but things have changed', there's no treasure hidden here to gain" emphasizes the idea that chasing pleasure or rewards may not be worth the eventual pain or loss that may follow. The lyrics then suggest that the character may feel regretful about a past decision or relationship that has now fallen apart.
Further on, lines such as "Bend till you break and take all the shame. Make all the moves and take all the blame" suggests that the singer feels responsible for the situation they have found themselves in and is willing to accept the burden of the consequences of their actions.
Overall, the lyrics of '4th Floor' by 22-20s presents a cautionary tale about the importance of being careful with our decisions and expectations, as our mistakes may come back to harm us in the future.
Line by Line Meaning
What lies behind the door tonight
What is in store for you tonight behind the door is unknown and unpredictable
Don't fool yourself you might be surprised
Don't deceive yourself into thinking you know what lies ahead; it might surprise you
Time has taught you slow
Experience has taught you to be patient and cautious
Keep expectations low
Don't set your hopes too high, as disappointment could be looming
All your mistakes are kept for revenge
Any wrongdoings committed will be remembered and used as a means of revenge
Will you be forced to live them again
You may have to endure the consequences of your past mistakes once again
But you should know by now
You should have learned by now
Walk away
Leave this situation behind
The pleasure isn't worth the pain
The temporary enjoyment is not worth the long-term suffering
You said, 'forever then, but things have changed'
You made promises of eternal commitment, but circumstances have evolved
There's no treasure hidden here to gain
There is no valuable reward to obtain by staying in this situation
What brings you to the 4th floor tonight
What motivates you to be on the fourth floor tonight
Where conversations go
Where discussions and interactions lead
Bend till you break and take all the shame
Endure until you can no longer and accept all the consequences
Make all the moves
Take charge and make all the decisions
And take all the blame
Accept full responsibility for any negative outcomes
Here for the sake of the start
Here to begin something new
You never imagined a fall so far
You did not foresee such a significant setback
Now everything's falling apart.
Now everything is disintegrating before your eyes
Contributed by Taylor H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.