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)
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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
That Smell
3 Doors Down Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oak tree you're in my way
There's too much coke and too much smoke
Look what's going on inside you
Oh that smell
Can't you smell that smell
Oh that smell
Angel of darkness is upon you
Stuck a needle in your arm
So take another toke, have a blow for your nose
One more drink fool, will drown you
Oh that smell
Can't you smell that smell
Oh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you
Now they call you Prince Charming
Can't speak a word when you're full of 'ludes
Say you'll be all right come tomorrow
But tomorrow might not be here for you
Oh that smell
Can't you smell that smell
Oh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you
Hey, you're a fool you
Stick them needles in your arm
I know I been there before
One little problem that confronts you
Got a monkey on your back
Just one more fix, Lord might do the trick
One hell of a price for you to get your kicks
Oh that smell
Can't you smell that smell
Oh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you
Oh that smell
Can't you smell that smell
Oh that smell
The smell of death surrounds you
The lyrics of 3 Doors Down's That Smell describe the destructive nature of addiction, specifically drug and alcohol abuse. The imagery of whiskey bottles and brand new cars suggests a wild and reckless lifestyle, while the oak tree "in my way" symbolizes the addict's obstacles and challenges. The line "There's too much coke and too much smoke, Look what's going on inside you" suggests that while the outside world may appear glamorous and exciting, the addict is actually suffering from the negative effects of their addiction.
The refrain of "Oh that smell, can't you smell that smell, the smell of death surrounds you" is a powerful indictment of the destructive nature of addiction, and the inability of the addict to see or recognize the harm that their lifestyle is causing. The use of the phrase "angel of darkness" suggests that addiction is like a malevolent force that is stalking and consuming the addict, while the line "So take another toke, have a blow for your nose, one more drink fool, will drown you" highlights the sense of desperation and self-destructiveness that often accompanies addiction.
The final verse contains a warning to others who may be heading down the same path. The line "Hey, you're a fool you, stick them needles in your arm, I know I been there before" suggests that the singer has experienced addiction firsthand, and is now urging others to learn from his mistakes. The final lines "Just one more fix, Lord might do the trick, one hell of a price for you to get your kicks" underscore the high cost of addiction, both in terms of the physical toll it takes on the body, and the emotional toll it takes on the addict and their loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Whiskey bottles, and brand new cars
The singer observes the excessive indulgence in alcohol and materialistic possessions
Oak tree you're in my way
The obstacle of addiction is in the way of the singer's clarity and well-being
There's too much coke and too much smoke
The drug usage has gone beyond limits and is causing harm
Look what's going on inside you
The singer calls attention to the destructive behavior and its effects on the individual
Oh that smell
The smell represents a metaphorical cloud of the negative impact of addiction
Can't you smell that smell
The singer questions if the person is aware of the negative impact of addiction
The smell of death surrounds you
The singer emphasizes the life-threatening nature of addiction and its impact on the individual
Angel of darkness is upon you
The singer references the devilish nature of addiction
Stuck a needle in your arm
The singer highlights the use of drugs and the associated dangers
So take another toke, have a blow for your nose
The singer references an excessive drug use and how it's causing destruction
One more drink fool, will drown you
The singer warns that excessive drinking can lead to fatal consequences
Now they call you Prince Charming
The singer observes how addiction has changed the person's identity and overall well-being
Can't speak a word when you're full of 'ludes
The singer references the sedative drug Quaalude and its impact on a person's ability to function
Say you'll be all right come tomorrow
The singer highlights the denial that a person may face when battling addiction
But tomorrow might not be here for you
The singer empathizes the fatal outcomes of addiction and how the person may not have a tomorrow
Hey, you're a fool you
The singer calls out the person for their actions and choices
Stick them needles in your arm
The singer points out the danger of drug use and its impact on a person's life
I know I been there before
The singer relates to the struggles of addiction and acknowledges his own personal journey
One little problem that confronts you
The singer highlights the issue of addiction as a small problem that has escalated into a significant ordeal
Got a monkey on your back
The singer references the slang term of a drug addiction and how it is controlling the person
Just one more fix, Lord might do the trick
The singer highlights the desperation of the person to get their fix and how faith may not solve the problem
One hell of a price for you to get your kicks
The singer concludes that the high of addiction is not worth the lethal cost
Oh that smell
The smell continues to represent the negative impact of addiction and its prevalence in the person's life
Can't you smell that smell
The singer reiterates that the person needs to recognize the destructive nature of addiction
The smell of death surrounds you
The singer emphasizes the danger of addiction and how it can lead to fatal consequences
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALLEN COLLINS, RONNIE VAN ZANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Comfortablynumb
They should do "The needle and the spoon" !! Any one any one?? Yeah? Nay? Lol. I think they should! Both LS & 3 doors down are among my all time favorite bands(met 3DD!!)yrs ago. And I think it'd b kick ASS 2 hear them cover that! 👍
Comfortablynumb
@Prince Ali He'll NO your not!! Lol. 😛 I've seen 3dd a number of times live& they ALWAYS ROCK whatever place they r playing!!! Always sound AMAAAAAAZING!!! I very fortunately was able 2 attend a private taping in N.Y. that 3dd did back in uhhh... either 2007 or 2008, got to meet them, talk 2 'em a little bit etc. (Bunch of super nice really dte guys (this was the ORIG line up remember!(in 2007/8 and AT THAT taping_meet&greet 1 of the things I told them was that I thought, as hard as it was for me to say, LS being 1 of my all time favorite bands , was that, in my opinion they (3dd that is) ROCKED THIS FUCKING SONG, doing it even better,forgive me 4 this, than the original! 😮 Modest Brad protesting "Aww,Idk about THAT!" Lol.
That was 1 of thee most AWESOME FUCKING days 4 me being how much I love these guys & their music. I was so stoked 2 b there. 2 this day I still don't know HOW I was lucky enough 2 get that private invite (by email even) 🤔 But .. MAN am I glad I did!! 🤘 Heh heh. You & I should go hunt them down& demand they cover "The needle & the spoon" ! 🤣🤣
Prince Ali
Glad to know I'm not the only one
Joey Knight
Great job. It is a cover. No one expects to be an original. Geez people.You know why people do covers? Out of ultimate respect for the original.
Kevin Brooks
I saw the real deal in 77 - those guitars had a massive impact on me. I think they did a fantastic job, you can hear the honor they are playing the songs with, hard driving. Thanks for posting.
73TRANSAM455
I saw the video of this a few years ago on VH-1. You can't match the vocals of the original, but it's a great effort and the guitar and drums are strong!! 3 Doors Down, you nailed it.
freebird7one
As a true blue Skynyrd fan, I'm not very fond of many song covers, but, this is without a doubt the absolute best cover I have heard. Great Job 3 Doors Down
wozjj
Wow what a cover. I would never have believed that I would just love a cover of my favorite song from my favorite album (street survivors) and from my favorite band but this is great with great crunching rythum guitar. I also love singing and the way he drops the note when he sings the word "sme..ell" I hope these boys tour Australia and play this
Rhonda Wolfgang Belluscio
OMG, they were great! Saved it to my play list!! 🖤🖤🎶🎤🎸🖤🖤
sjr10888
Three doors down are great fans and they are a great band. Skynyrd fans should be proud that they are supporting the music and keeping it alive still. Long live Skynyrd!!