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
It Was Fear Of Myself That Made Me Odd
Alexisonfire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spinning, arms spread
Crushing the tops of mountains with my hands
As I dive into the Pacific
I flood the shorelines
And I exhale causingThe ocean's endless waves
As I emerge shaking the wreckage
From my hair, with my hands
I want to breathe
Life into the Dead Sea
As this rain forest
Falls beneath my knees
I want to breathe
Life into the Dead Sea
Below, where is your boat?
You are slow, you are slow
I will play until the sky is black (ahh)
Breathe in all the air
Exhale, and I will choke the land with carbon (you are)
Watch it all, burn it down (so slow, so slow)
From where I stand
I can see the curvature of the Earth
And I want to make it flat
I will play, the sky is black
I will play, sky is black
The lyrics of Alexisonfire's song "It Was Fear Of Myself That Made Me Odd" are full of vivid imagery, expressing a desire for power and control over the natural world. The opening lines depict a moment of triumph and exhilaration as the singer spins with their arms spread, crushing mountains and diving into the ocean. They feel empowered to shape the world around them, causing waves and flooding shorelines.
As the song continues, the singer expresses their desire to "breathe life into the Dead Sea," an allusion to the idea of resurrection or renewal. They see themselves as a force of nature, capable of bringing new life to dying land, and they long to exert that power. The repeated refrain, "I will play, the sky is black," suggests a sense of defiance or rebellion, as if the singer is taking on the role of a god-like figure who can manipulate the elements at will.
However, the final lines of the song hint at a darker side to this desire for control. The singer wants to "make [the Earth] flat," as if to erase the natural contours and imperfections that make it unique. The repetition of the phrase "I will play" suggests a sense of arrogance or delusion, as if the singer is convinced that they can bend reality to their will. Ultimately, the lyrics of "It Was Fear Of Myself That Made Me Odd" capture a complex and conflicted vision of power and control, one that is both exhilarating and dangerous.
Line by Line Meaning
Spinning, arms spread
I am embracing my power and freedom by spinning with my arms wide open.
Crushing the tops of mountains
I am a force to be reckoned with, capable of overcoming any obstacle, even the highest peaks.
With my hands
My strength and power come from within, and I can use my hands to shape and mold the world around me.
As I dive into the Pacific
I am immersing myself in the vastness and depth of the world, ready to explore and conquer new horizons.
I flood the shorelines
My presence alone can have a profound impact on the world, stirring up waves of change and transformation.
And I exhale
I am letting go of my fears and doubts, releasing my breath and allowing myself to be fully present in the moment.
Causing the oceans' endless waves
My breath has the power to create ripples and waves throughout the world, inspiring others to follow my lead.
As I emerge
I am rising up from the depths of the unknown, gaining new insights and perspectives along the way.
Shaking the wreckage from my hair
I am moving past my struggles and obstacles, leaving behind the debris of my past and embracing the present moment.
I want to breathe
I have a desire to infuse life and vitality into the world around me, using my breath and energy to make a positive difference.
Life into the Dead Sea
I am seeking to revitalize and restore areas of the world that have been depleted and desolate, bringing new life and energy to them.
Below, where is your boat?
To those who are hesitant or unprepared, I am questioning their capability and readiness to handle the challenges and adventures that lie ahead.
You are slow, you are slow
I am challenging those who are holding back or falling behind, urging them to pick up the pace and keep up with me.
I will play, the sky is black
I am ready to take on the unknown and face the darkness, using my creativity and spontaneity to overcome any fear or obstacle in my path.
Exhale and choke the land with carbon
I am aware of the impact my actions have on the environment, and I am willing to take risks and make sacrifices to achieve my goals.
From where I stand
I am viewing the world from a unique perspective, one that allows me to see things differently and gain new insights.
I can see the curvature of the Earth
My vision and awareness extend beyond the present moment, allowing me to see the big picture and understand the interconnectedness of all things.
And I want to make it flat
Despite the challenges and obstacles I may face, I am determined to achieve my goals and make the world a better place in my own way.
I will play, the sky is black.
I will continue to embrace my creativity and spontaneity, exploring the unknown and overcoming any fear or challenge with confidence and determination.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Chris Steele, Dallas Green, George Pettit, Jesse Ingelevics, Wade Macneil
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind