Universal then released their first album, 'The Better Life', and they garnered a big fan response. They received international fame with their first single, "Kryptonite", in particular. The album went on to sell over 6 million copies.
In 2002, 'Away From The Sun' was released with the single "When I'm Gone". The ballad "Here Without You" became another multi-format success, doing especially well in the adult contemporary space, while the singles "The Road I'm On" and "Away From The Sun" were minor hits. The album went on to sell over 3 million copies.
3 Doors Down released their third studio album, Seventeen Days, in 2005, and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Music Chart. The album achieved platinum status in less than a month. Its first single, "Let Me Go", received much airplay, and was followed by a second song called "Behind Those Eyes."
In 2007, they made a music video with the upcoming track "Citizen Soldiers" for the National Guard.
In May of 2008 3 Doors Down released their 4th full length studio album the self titled "3 Doors Down". The first single is It's Not my Time. They also launched a world tour in March in support.
Early years (1996-2000)
3 Doors Down was formed by drummer vocalist Brad Arnold, guitarist Matt Roberts and bassist Todd Harrell. The three were friends who had grown up together in Escatawpa, and who all shared a common interest in rock music. The band began playing locally around the city, playing a mix of both cover songs and original songs that would eventually be recorded on their first release. Brad Arnold eventually ended up not only drumming, but also acting as the group's singer, mainly because, as he puts it, "nobody else would do it, but I did and enjoyed it." Arnold is also their lyricist, and wrote some of their early hits when he was 15, often working on songs during math class.
The band eventually began to tour outside of their city, and it was during a trip to Foley, Alabama that they came up with their official name. When the three men were walking through the town, they saw a building where some letters had fallen off of its sign, and it read "Doors Down." Since at the time they consisted of three people, they added the "3" to create "3 Doors Down."
A couple years after performing together, Todd Harrell asked guitarist Chris Henderson to join the band in order to make the sound more full. They recorded a demo CD of their original songs at Lincoln Recording Studio in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Radio station 97.9 WCPR started playing the EP version of "Kryptonite", and it became the #1 requested song on the station for over 15 weeks and led to Universal Records signing the band.
The Better Life (2000-2001)
3 Doors Down's first album, The Better Life was released on February 2 , 2000, and went on to become the 11th best-selling album of that year, selling over 3 million copies. It has since been certified 6x platinum, thanks in large part to the international hit singles, "Kryptonite", "Loser", and "Duck and Run". A fourth single, "Be Like That", also did well and was actually re-recorded for the 2001 film American Pie 2, with alternate lyrics for the first 3 lines. This version is known as "The American Pie 2 Edit".
For recording the album, Brad Arnold recorded both the vocal and drum parts. However, when touring to support The Better Life, the band hired a drummer so that Arnold could perform at the front of the stage.
Away from the Sun (2002)
Session drummer Josh Freese was hired to record drums for Away from the Sun. Also, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson produced and performed on three tracks for the record, "Dangerous Game", "Dead Love", and "Wasted Me", but only "Dangerous Game" would appear on the finished product. The band hired Canadian Daniel Adair to play drums for the Away From the Sun tour. He would go on to record the drums for the band's next studio release, and was with the band aboard the U.S.S George Washington (CVN 73) to film the music video "When I'm Gone".
Another 700 Miles (2003)
In 2003, 3 Doors Down released a live E.P. entitled Another 700 Miles consisting of recordings from a live performance by the band in Chicago, Illinois. Another 700 Miles has since been certified Gold in the United States. Besides featuring some of 3 Doors Down's hit singles from their previous two albums, the E.P. also contains a version of the popular Lynyrd Skynyrd song "That Smell".
In 2003, the band began hosting the annual "3 Doors Down and Friends" benefit concert, through the band's own charity The Better Life Foundation. In 2006, this event was held at the Mobile Convention Center, with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Katrina survivors. As residents of Escawtawpa, the members of the band saw the effects of Katrina's devastation.[3]
Seventeen Days (2005-2007)
The band's third studio album, 2005's Seventeen Days, has since been certified platinum. "Let Me Go" and "Behind Those Eyes" charted with the most success. "Live for Today", "Landing in London" (on which Bob Seger provided back-up vocals and guitar), and "Here by Me" were also released as singles. During the Seventeen Days tour, the band appeared alongside southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as headlined many shows of their own.
Also in 2005, the band released a live DVD entitled Away from the Sun: Live from Houston, Texas. The DVD was produced and directed by Academy Award nominated Alex Gibney and Doug Biro. It features songs from both The Better Life and Away from the Sun, and even some early sketches of "It's Not Me" and "Father's Son", which were both eventually released on Seventeen Days.
- Greg Upchurch, formerly of Puddle of Mudd, replaced Daniel Adair in 2005, when Adair left to accept the position as drummer and contributing member of Nickelback.[4]
[edit] 3 Doors Down (2008-present)
Question book-new.svg
This section needs additional citations for verification.
Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2009)
Ambox content.png
This section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (March 2009)
3 Doors Down released their self-titled fourth album on May 20, 2008. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling 154,000 copies in its first week. It is the band's second consecutive #1 album on the chart after Seventeen Days, as well their fourth album to reach the Top Ten.[5] The album contains the hit singles "It's Not My Time", "Train", "Let Me Be Myself" (currently featured in a GEICO commercial) and "Citizen/Soldier", a song written as a tribute to the National Guard. The band has just recently begun writing their next record. It is rumored that they are going back in the studio near the end of the year to record their new album which can be expect to be out by spring/summer 2010.[6][dead link]
In 2009, 3 Doors Down, along with The Soul Children of Chicago, released the song “In The Presence Of The Lord” on the compilation album Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration.[7]
[edit] Charity work
[edit] The Better Life Foundation
The Better Life Foundation
3 Doors Down started The Better Life Foundation (TBLF) in 2003, with a goal in mind to give as many children as possible a better life. Since its inception TBLF has supported numerous charities nationwide, as well as providing aid and assistance to the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina.
When the Mississippi town of Waveland took an especially hard hit from Katrina, the charity was able to purchase three police cars and a fire truck to help with rescue efforts. Also, in connection with Wal-Mart, were able to supply the town with three semi-trucks full of rescue supplies. There was also extensive support from TBLF in providing funding for rebuilding efforts in the town
3 Doors Down and The Better Life Foundation host a yearly show in at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, MS to raise money for the charity. In addition to a concert from 3 Doors Down and friends, there is also an auction, which includes numerous items from musical friends, sports icons, and other various supporters of the band and the charity. There is an average of sixty items auctioned off yearly, and proceeds are given to TBLF.
This year's show will feature 3 Doors Down, MuzikMafia, and Switchfoot.
The band has shared the stage with artists such as Daughtry, Megadeth, Staind, Nickelback, Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, Theory of a Deadman, Seether, Shinedown, Hinder, Mentors, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. .
Website: http://www.3doorsdown.com/
Information about the charity can be found at http://www.thebetterlifefoundation.org
[edit] Members
[edit] Current members
* Brad Arnold - lead vocals
* Chet Roberts - lead guitar, backing vocals
* Chris Henderson - rhythm guitar
* Todd Harrell - bass guitar
* Greg Upchurch - drums, percussion, backing vocals
[edit] Past members
* Matt Roberts - lead guitar, backing vocals
* Daniel Adair - drums, percussion
* Richard Liles — drums, percussion
Superman
3 Doors Down Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time
But I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
I feel there's nothing I can do, yeah
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something to do with you
I really don't mind what happens now and then
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
You called me strong, you called me weak
But still your secrets I will keep
You took for granted all the times I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head
If not for me then you'd be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
Yeah!
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
Kryptonite
The song "Superman" by 3 Doors Down uses imagery to paint a picture of an individual who feels helpless, desperate and alone. The singer has taken a walk around the world to ease his troubled mind while his body lies somewhere in the sands of time. He watches the world float to the dark side of the moon and feels powerless to stop it. The darkness surrounding the singer is attributed to someone dear to him, someone that he perhaps cannot let go even though they have caused him pain. The singer, despite feeling helpless, desires someone to anchor him, someone to call him Superman even at his worst. The song concludes with the singer placing hope in the strength of his superhuman might, accompanied by the powerful metaphor of Kryptonite.
Line by Line Meaning
I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind
To clear my thoughts and emotions, I traveled the world seeking peace and tranquility.
I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time
I detached myself from reality and lived in the moment without concerns for the future or past.
But I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
Despite my isolation, I observed the world's decline into chaos and darkness.
I feel there's nothing I can do, yeah
I'm powerless to change the world's course, and it's a fact I must accept.
After all I knew it had to be something to do with you
I blamed you for the world's problems, whether it was rational or not, to cope with my helplessness.
I really don't mind what happens now and then
I'm indifferent to what the world throws at me, as long as you remain my friend until the end.
As long as you'll be my friend at the end
No matter what life brings, the one consistent thing I need is your unwavering friendship.
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
Despite my flaws and worst impulses, will you still see the good in me and treat me as a hero?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
When life is good, and I'm thriving, will you still be there as my partner, offering support and guidance?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might
With all my strength and power, I'll protect you from harm and danger.
Kryptonite
But even with all my superhuman abilities, there's one thing that can weaken and destroy me, just like Superman: Kryptonite.
You called me strong, you called me weak
You saw me through all my highs and lows, both at my strongest and weakest moments.
But still your secrets I will keep
Despite everything, I'll never betray your trust by revealing your secrets.
You took for granted all the times I never let you down
You don't appreciate all the times I've been there for you, but it doesn't stop me from being loyal and dependable.
You stumbled in and bumped your head
You've made mistakes and faced hardships, as we all do.
If not for me then you'd be dead
But I've been your lifeline, picking you up in your darkest moment and guiding you back to safety and stability.
Contributed by Evan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sadmansakib4800
I took a walk around the world
To ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere
In the sands of time
But I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon
I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah
I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be
Something to do with you
I really don’t mind what happens now and then
As long as you’ll be my friend at the end
If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well, will you be
There a-holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
You called me strong, you called me weak,
But still your secrets I will keep
You took for granted all the times
I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head,
If not for me then you'd be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground
If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well,
Will you be there a-holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I’m alive and well, will you be there
Holding my hand
I’ll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
Yeah!!
If I go crazy then will you still
Call me Superman
If I'm alive and well,
Will you be there a-holding my hand
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh, whoa, whoa
@chemilan
LYRICS:
Well, I took a walk around the world
To ease my troubled mind
I left my body lying somewhere
In the sands of time
But I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
I feel there is nothing I can do
I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be something to do with you
I really don't mind what happens now and then
As long as you'll be my friend at the end
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
You called me strong, you called me weak,
But still your secrets I will keep
You took for granted all the times
I never let you down
You stumbled in and bumped your head,
If not for me then you'd be dead
I picked you up and put you back on solid ground
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side
With my superhuman might
Kryptonite
@willd.8040
Serious question: Why did this music just go away? Alternative rock from the 90s to around mid 2000s was amazing, and it just seemingly died overnight. People would still listen to music like this now.
@jgg204
I don't know, it's a shame. Seems the shift started beginning in 2010......this type of music just started evaporating
@jhoviillee
Great question. Every generation creating their own taste I guess. I agree. I grew up on heavy metal and alternative rock. They're like no other. I even just recently discovered Ramstein and The Hu, and I am over the moon! I have a feeling this genre will come back right around the bend. Hopefully sooner than later.
@ridwanap6166
Im still loving this kind of music, but most people now dont
@Haltzo
@@jhoviillee This genre will never die, im just waiting for some new great band to pop up 😄
@charlesmonroe7151
i did not go away, they just dont promote it anymore. If you look you can find plenty of bands like this i guess. But it is the nostalgia i think that makes you stuck with this songs.
@alyssaroberts6006
This was a special song between my dad and me. He died last year Sept. 2. The day before his funeral, I drove to the cemetery to see exactly where the service would be the next day. (It’s a large military cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.) As I drove in, this song came on the radio, and it felt like him finding a way to reach out to me. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him.
@blackheart456
I thank him for his Service 🙏.
I'm so sorry.
@davevrox3023
God knows
@confusedwoman610
Sorry for your loss