The band’s name is inspired by a lactating contortionist stripper named Alexis Fire. This caused problems when she discovered that they were using her website name (alexisonfire.com) as their band name, and threatened to sue. However, since she had never trademarked the title nothing became of these threats. In the end, the band decided to change their website’s URL in spite to theonlybandever.com
Alexisonfire’s lyrical topics range from relationship troubles to go-karting. They have two primary vocalists, screaming duties carried out by George Pettit, and singing by Dallas Green, with support from Wade MacNeil.
While their largest fanbase is in their home country of Canada, they also became more popular in other parts of the world, including Japan, Australia, Europe and the US. In the second half of 2010, they toured Australia with Break Even, Europe with Chickenhawk and The Computers and then Canada with Norma Jean and La Dispute.
The band was nominated for "ugliest rock band ever" at the CASBY awards (held by local Toronto radio station) but lost out to another Canadian born band, Sum 41. In 2010 they then won the "Best New Single" Award for their track The Northern.
Members:
* George Pettit - Vocals (2001-present)
* Dallas Green - Guitar and vocals (2001--present)
* Wade MacNeil - Guitar and vocals (2001--present)
* Jordan 'Ratbeard' Hastings - Drums (2005--present)
* Chris Steele - Bass (2001--present)
Former Members:
Jesse Ingelevics - Drums (2001-2005)
Announced on their website on June 14th 2005 that he was leaving the band because he had slowly grown apart from the band, and wanted to spend more time with his family and fiancée. His relationship with Alexisonfire slowly deteriorated, and "keep it on wax" documented this.
Side Projects
* City and Colour - Dallas Green's solo project.
* Black Lungs - A band formed by Wade MacNeil as lead vocalist, originally featuring George Pettit playing bass and Jordan Hastings on drums and Sean McNabb. After a few shows disolved to being Wade's solo project.
* Strange Notes - A project of George's where he interviews people from different bands.
* Cunter - A band where drummer Jordan Hastings plays with some members from Moneen.
*Dead Tired A band formed by George.
*Say Yes A band that Hastings drums in.
*Gallows A band that Wade Macneil is currently the vocalist for.
Discography
* "Math Sheet Demos" (3 Song Demo) - 2001
* "Pink Heart Skull Sampler" (2 Song Demo) - 2002
* "Alexisonfire" (Debut Album) - 2002
* "Brown Heart Skull Sampler" (2 Song Demo) - 2004
* "Watch Out!" (Album) - 2004
* "The Switcheroo Series" (EP, split with Moneen) - 2005
* "Crisis" (Album) - 2006
* "Crisis (Bonus Tracks)" (Two Songs, download only, but appeared on the Japanese Pressing of the album) - 2006
* "Old Crows / Young Cardinals" (Album) - 2009
* "Old Crows / Young Cardinals (Bonus Tracks)" (Two Songs, download only, but appeared on the Japanese Pressing of the album) - 2009
* "iTunes Original" (EP) - 2010
* "Dog's Blood" (EP) - 2010
* "Death Letter" (EP) - 2012
* "Live at Copps" (Live Album/DVD) - 2016
Control
Alexisonfire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I assure you, it's present
This burden's not a heavy one
But I assure you, it is present
You say that you're in control
You say that you are
I can't think of a time
You said, "Wait until light, my dear"
Just wait until light
One more day will go by
Maybe today you should try
Look past the mirror and find
Look past the mirror
That there's something inside
Something more to your life
My words won't heal you now
My words won't heal
It is you who decides
It is you who decides
This burden's not a heavy one
But I assure you, it's present
This burden's not a heavy one
I assure you
Believe that you are just fine
Believe that you are
You'll feel so alive
You'll feel so alive
Be what you are now (be what you are)
Be what you are
Do not keep it inside
That hate will not subside
Be what you are now (be what you are)
Be what you are
Do not keep it inside
That hate will not subside
It's you, decide
It's you, decide
So alive
So alive
This burden's not a heavy one
But I assure, I assure you
This burden's not a heavy one
Not a heavy one
Not a heavy one.
The lyrics of Alexisonfire's song Control are about taking control of one's life and being true to oneself. The burden referred to is not a heavy one, but it is always present. The singer tries to encourage the listener to take control of their life and discover what lies beyond the surface level of their existence.
The chorus of the song talks about how the listener claims to be in control, but looks dead inside. The singer encourages the listener to wait for light and look beyond the mirror to realize that there is something more to their life. The singer reassures the listener that their words won't heal them, but rather it is they who have to make the decision to take control of their life and be true to who they are.
The bridge of the song talks about believing that you are just fine, and that you'll feel so alive when you are true to yourself. The singer emphasizes the importance of not keeping hate inside, and encourages the listener to be who they are.
Overall, the song is a powerful message about self-discovery and taking control of one's life. It emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not letting life's burdens weigh us down.
Line by Line Meaning
This burden's not a heavy one
The weight you're carrying might not be physically heavy but it is still there
But I assure you, it's present
I want to make you aware that this weight still exists
You say that you're in control
You believe that you have power over your life
You say that you are
You're convinced that you are in control of everything that's happening to you
I can't think of a time
I cannot remember a moment
When you looked less alive
When you seemed more dead inside
You said, 'Wait until light, my dear'
You told me to be patient and have faith that everything will work out
Just wait until light
Be patient and wait for things to become clearer
One more day will go by
Time keeps moving forward
Maybe today you should try
Today might be the day to attempt something new
Look past the mirror and find
Stop focusing on your appearance and search deeper
That there's something inside
To discover that there's something beyond physical appearance
Something more to your life
That will add more significance to your existence
My words won't heal you now
I don't have the power to fix everything you're feeling right now with my words
My words won't heal
I understand that what you're going through is a complicated process and not easily fixed with mere words
It is you who decides
In the end, it is up to you to make the final decision
Believe that you are just fine
Trust and have confidence in yourself that you're in good shape
You'll feel so alive
You'll experience a lively sense of being once you find the solution to your troubles
Be what you are now (be what you are)
Embrace your current state
Do not keep it inside
Don't bottle up your emotions
That hate will not subside
That anger will not dissipate
It's you, decide
In the end, it is up to you to make the decision
So alive
The feeling of being lively
This burden's not a heavy one
The weight you're carrying might not be physically heavy but it is still there
But I assure, I assure you
I want to make you aware that this weight still exists
Not a heavy one
Even though it may not be physically heavy, it still exists
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dallas Green, Jesse Ingelevics, Wade Macneil, George Pettit, Chris Steele
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicole Bee
Fun fact: the guitarist and back up singer of Alexisonfire, Wade MacNeil's dad was my orthodontist - Dr. Ches MacNeil and he had pictures of them performing in his office and also gave out free Alexisonfire toothbrushes.
DWreck
Thats an awesome story. Knew a couple other ppl who were patients.
Nicole Bee
@Mysto Clown this was back in probably 2003 to 2004/2005 I'm not sure if it's still the same but it's pretty cool!😊
juggernautproduktion
That's so sick! Much love Dr Ches for repping the son's music like that
Ryan Martin
That’s fking awesome!
K Kims
2019 and I still love Alexisonfire like I was in 2009
IRMxFitness 27
2021 abs it still hits home 🙏🏼🖤
Cody Raulston
My personal favorite chorus in the history of music.
Brii Kendov Kulaas
bought this album when it came out, it came out on my birthday that year. still my favorite album I've ever purchased. must've been fate ❤
sheegan8
I don't think I've ever heard a song by Alexisonfire that I didn't love...