The group started to play out in cities that included Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. During this period 30footFALL put out a 7", Elementary School Love, and Yo Mama's Records issued 500 copies. The band's lineup changed yet again by the close of 1994, when guitarist Avitia dropped out. The band played each of its next two shows with a different guitarist, both of whom had worked previously with the group I End Result. The first guitarist was P-Nut. He was followed by Chris, who ended up staying a bit longer. Less than six months later, the band put out Divided We Stand, an album issued by Fuzzgun Records. A period of touring followed. Early in 1996, Twistworthy Records released the 7" Junior High Sucked. More touring followed, this time throughout Louisiana and the band's home state, Texas. The album's title track was later featured on Punk Bites, a compilation put together by Fearless Records. Not long after, the label inked a deal with the band, and 30footFALL set to work recording Acme 143.
Paranoid Records, a label out of Houston, issued the 7" Cartoons in 1998. The band included two of Cartoons' three tracks, "Ida Know" and "Throwaway," on a later album. Following the release of the 7", drummer Damon left the band to join the group River Fenix, which mutated into Fenix TX. Corey stepped in briefly to fill the gap until he was replaced by Brian, formerly of the band Middlefinger. Nitro Records offered 30footFALL a contract in 1999 and issued the album Ever Revolving, Never Evolving. The band is featured on almost two dozen compilations. ~ Linda Seida, All Music Guide
Play It by Ear
30 Foot Fall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and what I put my effort into falls apart anyway
when the seed I planted dies and my roots have washed away
and I've got nothing to say when there's nothing left for me
and everything is in my way will I be broken like a chain
with a weak link will I speak out and let the people
who hurt me know what I think? it's kinda hard to be what I wanna be
but I'm trying real hard cause I wanna believe
so I'll play it by ear and do the best I can
when everything that I've been taught has been proven wrong
and the debts that I've acquired have gone unpaid for way too long
when I cause painful division because of my stupid pride
when the love I give to someone gets taken for granted and brushed aside...
The lyrics to 30 Foot Fall's song "Play It by Ear" convey a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the face of challenges and disappointments. The opening lines suggest that the singer has been working towards a goal only to see their efforts fall apart unexpectedly, leaving them feeling helpless and perhaps even speechless. The metaphor of the seed dying and the roots washing away further emphasizes the notion of losing something that was supposed to grow and flourish.
As the song continues, the singer questions their own resilience and ability to cope with obstacles. They ask whether they will break under the pressures they face, or whether they will find the strength to overcome them. The line "it's kinda hard to be what I wanna be but I'm trying real hard cause I wanna believe" speaks to this struggle, acknowledging that it can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity but also emphasizing the importance of trying.
The final lines of the song touch on additional sources of pain and frustration, including the feeling of being let down by others and the difficulty of reconciling conflicting beliefs or values. Overall, "Play It by Ear" is a song about resilience and perseverance in the face of life's challenges, and the importance of staying true to oneself even when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
When what I'm building for tomorrow comes crashing down today
When my plans for the future fail miserably in the present.
and what I put my effort into falls apart anyway
Even if I try my hardest, things can still go wrong and fall apart.
when the seed I planted dies and my roots have washed away
When my efforts and hard work are destroyed and washed away.
and I've got nothing to say when there's nothing left for me
When I have no words to say because I feel like I have nothing left.
and everything is in my way will I be broken like a chain
When everything seems to be working against me, will I give up and break under pressure.
with a weak link will I speak out and let the people who hurt me know what I think?
If I am feeling weak and vulnerable, will I still stand up for myself and let those who have hurt me know how I feel?
it's kinda hard to be what I wanna be
It can be difficult to achieve the things that I want in life.
but I'm trying real hard cause I wanna believe
Despite the challenges, I am still trying my best because I want to have faith in myself.
and I can't help it if you don't wanna understand
If someone doesn't want to understand my struggles, there's nothing I can do to change their mind.
so I'll play it by ear and do the best I can
I will take things as they come and do my best in any given situation.
when everything that I've been taught has been proven wrong
When the things I have been taught or believed turn out to be false or incorrect.
and the debts that I've acquired have gone unpaid for way too long
When the consequences of my actions catch up to me, and I am left with a heavy burden of debt or regret.
when I cause painful division because of my stupid pride
When my own stubbornness and pride cause conflict and painful division between myself and others.
when the love I give to someone gets taken for granted and brushed aside...
When the love and care that I give to someone is not appreciated or reciprocated, and is instead ignored and dismissed.
Contributed by Connor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.