Green attended Emerson College briefly in 1998 before leaving to concentrate on his music, going on to co-found the anti folk group The Moldy Peaches with Kimya Dawson. In 2004 The Moldy Peaches went on hiatus and both Green and Dawson embarked on solo careers.
Green released several albums on Rough Trade Records. Among his better known songs are "Jessica" (about singer Jessica Simpson), "Novotel", "Friends of Mine", "Dance with Me", "Carolina" and "Emily", and, in Britain, his cover of The Libertines track "What a Waster".
Prior to Jacket Full of Danger in 2006, all of Green's albums had been released on the 22nd of the month. His latest album was released on March 18, 2008 and is titled Sixes & Sevens. Titles include "Morning After Midnight", "Twee Twee Dee", and "Drowning Head First", the latter a duet between Green and his girlfriend.
In January 2008, The Moldy Peaches began having a resurgence in popularity, due to their music being included in the hit indie film Juno.
What's The Reward
Adam Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the reward? Do you always miss the point?
Even my Lolitas are growing up
You gave me life but you can't take it away
You found new ways to be disappointed all day
Ridden with the burden of a confident man
What's it like? That feeling to lose some fans?
Pointing ideas that have already been used
You only know how to romanticize old news
Couldn't last forever, my shadow's past
In this case the woman didn't love him back
I'm finally in full blossom
Finally hit rock bottom
Let go of all you don't need
Couldn't last forever
Not everything's what it seems
In this case the woman didn't love him back
The lyrics of Adam Green's song "What's The Reward" delve into themes of bravery, disappointment, maturity, and unrequited love. The opening lines question the incentive or payoff for continuously demonstrating courage and strength. It questions whether there is any inherent reward in consistently being brave, hinting at the toll it may take on a person. The mention of Miss Lonleyheart's Lolitas growing up could be a metaphor for innocence fading or perhaps a reference to past romantic interests evolving.
The later part of the song reflects a sense of disillusionment and weariness. The lyrics explore the complex dynamics of relationships, particularly the struggles and conflicts that arise when expectations are not met. The singer seems to be grappling with feelings of inadequacy and the weight of unmet expectations. The reference to being disappointed all day implies a persistent feeling of letdown and dissatisfaction.
The song goes on to highlight the struggle of maintaining confidence in the face of adversity and the challenge of dealing with the consequences of one's actions. The mention of losing fans could be a metaphor for losing support or admiration from those around him. There is a sense of introspection and reflection on the fleeting nature of success and validation, hinting at the fickle nature of fame and public opinion.
The final verses of the song convey a sense of acceptance and resignation. The singer seems to have reached a point of both growth and despair, symbolized by being in full blossom yet hitting rock bottom. There is a sense of letting go of what is not essential and coming to terms with reality. The revelation that the woman in question did not reciprocate his love signifies a painful realization and acceptance of unrequited feelings. Overall, the lyrics paint a poignant portrait of the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the often harsh realities of life.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the reward for being brave all the time?
What is the benefit of constantly putting on a brave face?
What's the reward? Do you always miss the point?
Is there a payoff for constantly overlooking the true meaning?
Even my Lolitas are growing up
Even those who once seemed innocent are maturing
You gave me life but you can't take it away
You brought me into this world, but you cannot end my existence
You found new ways to be disappointed all day
You continue to find reasons to be let down throughout the day
Ridden with the burden of a confident man
Struggling under the weight of appearing self-assured
What's it like? That feeling to lose some fans?
What does it feel like to have people no longer support you?
Pointing ideas that have already been used
Suggesting concepts that have already been explored
You only know how to romanticize old news
You can only idealize past events
Couldn't last forever, my shadow's past
Nothing can endure eternally, my past is behind me
In this case the woman didn't love him back
In this particular instance, the woman did not return his affection
I'm finally in full blossom
I have reached my peak and am blooming fully
Finally hit rock bottom
I have reached the lowest point
Let go of all you don't need
Release anything unnecessary
Couldn't last forever
Nothing is permanent
Not everything's what it seems
Appearances can be deceiving
In this case the woman didn't love him back
In this particular instance, the woman did not return his affection
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ADAM GREEN, JORDANA SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Percy Gloverfold
this song is actually pretty complex. lotta tempo changes, plus that surf rock breakdown in the middle... ADAM GREEN IS A GENIUS
vanhurtm
This is such an amazing song.
AmazingProfessional
Song give me chills.
Camilo Botero
Incredible
Kathy Brito
1:50 <3
Valery Quezada
And i feel good . *-*
Deadmau6 Polycon Hippy
sounds like pete doherty on the guitar solo or Bilo?
Deadmau6 Polycon Hippy
thats what she said