In 1999, the band released their debut album, the tongue-in-cheek titled 'Greatest Hits'. It went on to win "Best Independent Album" in the L.A. Music Awards and has picked up a big fan response. In 2000, after forging a friendship with the alternative rock band Papa Roach, Alien Ant Farm signed with DreamWorks SKG for their first major studio album, called 'ANThology'. The band's tunes showcased an energetic sound that featured humorous, often cynical lyrics and a desire to take in all kinds of musical influences.
In 2001, their cover of the Michael Jackson song, "Smooth Criminal", was a #1 single in both Australia and New Zealand as well a #3 single in the United Kingdom and #1 on Billboard's Modern Rock chart. The song's music video features numerous homages to Michael Jackson's life and career as well as Jackson's many videos. The song was featured on the soundtrack of the first season of 'WWE Tough Enough' and in the movie 'American Pie 2'. Their following single, "Movies", also featured a quirky music video with references to classic films such as 'The Karate Kid' and 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'. The tune became top 5 hit in the U.K. and a top 20 hit in New Zealand. The band began touring in promotion of these two singles and their album, which later went platinum.
In spring of 2002, the band contributed the track "Bug Bytes" to the first 'Spider-Man' soundtrack, giving them even more exposure after the Tobey Maguire film's major success. However, tragedy struck the group. In May 2002, the band was involved in a bus accident while touring in Spain. The driver, 26-year-old Christopher Holland, was killed, and lead singer Dryden Mitchell suffered a fractured C2 vertebra. The horrific event scarred the group permanently, and many fans speculated that the band might have to go on a long hiatus or even fold for a while.
Nontheless, Alien Ant Farm soon returned to the studio to work on their next album, titled 'truANT', which was released in 2003. Produced by Stone Temple Pilots' Robert and Dean DeLeo, the work found the band doubling down on their past style. The video for "These Days", the first single from the album, was filmed on top of a nearby building during the Red Carpet at the 2003 BET Awards. While that tune ended up having more modest success that the band had hoped, song "Glow" was a mainstream radio success, achieving long lasting Top 20 success in New Zealand. Two months after this album was released, however, the group's record label closed its doors. Some fans speculated that the outfit had some kind of black cloud of bad luck around them, despite the guys' talents.
In October 2003, guitarist Terry Corso split with the band, citing "irreconcilable differences". Soon after, he joined the popular alternative metal outfit Powerman 5000 for a time. Joe Hill was named the new guitarist in 2005. The musician had formerly served in the underground California rock outfit Spiderworks.
In 2004, the band recorded the song "Dark in Here" for the Punisher video game. Unfortunately, the band was forced to wait for Geffen to allow them to record another album. Label Universal Music had bought DreamWorks and assigned the band to the Geffen Records company, and it appeared as if corporate shenanigans had stopped the band's momentum in its tracks, the mainstream popularity having faded.
In 2005, the band recorded with producer Jim Wirt (who recorded their independent, debut release "Greatest Hits") and planned to release the album during that summer. However, Geffen shelved the album and subsequently denied the band the rights to release it themselves. The band hit the road and made bootleg copies of the album material available to all of their fans. This unofficial release was dubbed 3rd Draft by fans.
In late 2005, Geffen finally agreed to let the band release the album on another Universal label, Universal Music Enterprises (its catalogue division). On May 4, 2006, information began showing up on music store websites and release calendars about an upcoming release from the band. The band also released information about a DVD that same day. On May 30, 2006 the new album, Up in the Attic, was released digitally on iTunes. The first single was "Forgive and Forget", the one added track to 3rd Draft.
In April 2006, bassist Tye Zamora left the band and decided to go to college. He was replaced by Alex Barreto (formerly of hardcore bands Chain of Strength, Hardstance, and Inside Out). On June 29, 2006, the band performed on G4's Attack of the Show, and on July 18, 2006, Up in the Attic was released worldwide, along with BUSted: The Definitive DVD. Included on the DVD were music videos for "Forgive and Forget", "Around the Block", and "She's Only Evil". Notably, the three videos feature only Dryden Mitchell and Mike Cosgrove.
Since the July 2006 release of Up in the Attic, very little has happened. Their website remained unupdated from November 2006 until April 2007, the update promoting the Alien Ant Fans website, created by a long time Polish fan, Bartek.
The band released Around the Block, the second single from Up in the Attic, on iTunes Store in 2007.
On February 11, 2008, the band posted a statement on their website saying all the original members of the band are back together. It was also revealed that the band had "unofficially broken up" in 2007 due to the fact that 2006's Up in the Attic was their least successful album. Around this time, vocalist Dryden Mitchell formed a new band, Send the Sages. Guitarist Terry Corso and drummer Michael Cosgrove worked on a side project titled Ghost In The Flesh, bassist Tye Zamora worked with the band eEnik. Alien Ant Farm toured sporadically, and released a new live album, Alien Ant Farm: Live In Germany.
In 2009, they played the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth, UK on August 1. They had also performed "Smooth Criminal" at the 2009 Vans' Warped Tour in memory of Michael Jackson, who had recently died.
On February 9, 2010, Alien Ant Farm posted on their official website that the original line up (Dryden Mitchell, Terry Corso, Tye Zamora and Mike Cosgrove) was back together for the first time since 2003. On February 27, 2010, the Alien Ant Farm official website released the band's first "webizode" titled Bassmasters.
Always And Forever and upcoming sixth studio album (2011–present)
Alien Ant Farm playing in 2015
The band's "ANTicipation" 2011 Tour took place across the continental U.S. from July to October 2011. They also took part in the "Michael Forever Tribute Concert" which took place on October 8, 2011 in Cardiff, Wales. Alien Ant Farm started writing new material and in July 2012 started recording their fifth album, Always and Forever, at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago in July 2012. In March 2013 they set up a crowdfund, using PledgeMusic, to finance the album's release. The first single from Always and Forever, "Let 'Em Know", was released in May 2013. Also in the summer of 2013, Alien Ant Farm participated in "The Big Night Out Tour", opening for Hoobastank and Fuel.
Founding member and bassist Tye Zamora left Alien Ant Farm in March 2014 and was replaced by Tim Peugh. At the same time, Michael Anaya joined as a touring member of the band, providing backing vocals, percussion, and keyboards. Another single, Homage, was released in September 2014, followed a month later by E.P. Phone Home. The album Always and Forever was released on February 24, 2015.
On March 31, 2016, Alien Ant Farm announced on their official Facebook page that they were writing material for a new album.
On May 17, 2016, the band took part in the Make America Rock Again super tour throughout the summer and fall of 2016. In addition, they announced a headlining tour where they intend to perform the album Anthology in its entirety. In 2018 they toured as part of the "Gen-X Tour", alongside Buckcherry, P.O.D., and Lit.
On May 8, 2020, the new single "Everything She Wants" was released digitally on streaming services. It is a cover of the song by Wham!.
Slick Thief
Alien Ant Farm Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was the sound of a crescendo
He came into her apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
She was sitting at the table
He could see she was unable
So she ran into the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom
Annie, are you okay you okay
Are you okay, Annie annie, are you okay
You okay are you okay, Annie
Annie, are you okay you okay
Are you okay, Annie annie, are you okay
You okay are you okay, Annie
Annie are you okay
Will you tell us that you're okay
There's a sign in the window
That he struck you - a crescendo Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
Then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down it was your doom
Annie are you okay you okay
Are you okay Annie annie are you okay
You okay are you okay Annie
Annie are you okay you okay
Are you okay Annie you've been hit by
You've been struck by - a smooth criminal
So they came in through the outway
It was sunday - what a black day
I could feel your salutation
Sounding heartbeats - intimidations
Annie, are you okay you okay
Are you okay, Annie annie, are you okay
You okay are you okay, Annie
Annie, are you okay you okay
Are you okay, Annie annie, are you okay
You okay are you okay, Annie
Annie are you okay
Will you tell us that you're okay
There's a sign in the window
That he struck you - a crescendo Annie
He came into your apartment
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
Then you ran into the bedroom
You were struck down it was your doom
Annie are you okay you okay
Are you okay Annie you've been hit by
You've been struck by - a smooth criminal
Aawo!
Annie are you okay (I don't know)
Will you tell us, that you're okay
(I don't know) there's a sign in the window
(I don't know)
That he struck you - a crescendo Annie
(I don't know) he came into your apartment
(I don't know)
Left the bloodstains on the carpet
(I don't know why baby)
Then you ran into the bedroom (I don't know)
You were struck down it was your doom
Annie are you okay you okay
Are you okay Annie annie are you okay
You okay are you okay Annie
Annie are you okay you okay
Are you okay Annie annie are you okay
You okay are you okay Annie
The lyrics to Alien Ant Farm's song "Smooth Criminal" are a reinterpretation of the original song by Michael Jackson. In this version, the lyrics tell a story of a woman named Annie who is attacked in her apartment by a smooth criminal.
The first verse sets the scene as the criminal enters through the window and there is a sudden intense moment, represented by the crescendo in the music. As Annie realizes the danger, she tries to escape to the bedroom but tragically, she is struck down by the criminal.
The chorus repeats the question "Annie, are you okay?" implying concern for her well-being. The repetition reflects the urgency and uncertainty surrounding Annie's condition. The lyrics also mention bloodstains left on the carpet, further emphasizing the violent nature of the attack.
In the second verse, the lyrics ask Annie to let them know if she is okay. There is a sign in the window indicating that she has been struck and creating a metaphorical crescendo, referring to the intense impact of the attack. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the concern for Annie's well-being and highlights the juxtaposition between her initial state of being okay and the tragic outcome she faces.
The last verse introduces a sense of chaos as the situation intensifies. The lyrics mention the criminal coming in through the outway, creating an unconventional entrance. The mention of Sunday as a black day adds to the ominous atmosphere. The lyrics also suggest that Annie's heartbeat and the overall tension are palpable, creating a feeling of intimidation.
The repeating chorus emphasizes the urgency to know if Annie is okay, with uncertainty still present. The lyrics conclude with a slight deviation from the narrative as the word "Aawo!" is exclaimed, likely serving as an expressive vocalization rather than carrying a specific meaning.
Overall, these lyrics depict a criminal attack on a woman named Annie, with the song expressing concern and seeking confirmation of her well-being while highlighting the dramatic and intense nature of the incident.
Line by Line Meaning
As he came into the window
The intruder entered through the window
It was the sound of a crescendo
The sound escalated and built up
He came into her apartment
He entered her living space
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
He left evidence of violence on the floor
She was sitting at the table
She was seated at the dining table
He could see she was unable
He noticed she was unable to respond or act
So she ran into the bedroom
Therefore, she quickly fled to the bedroom
She was struck down, it was her doom
She was physically attacked and faced a tragic fate
Annie, are you okay you okay
Annie, are you alright?
Are you okay, Annie annie, are you okay
Are you alright, Annie?
You okay are you okay, Annie
Are you alright, Annie?
Annie are you okay Will you tell us that you're okay
Annie, please confirm that you're alright
There's a sign in the window That he struck you - a crescendo Annie
There's evidence on the window that he violently attacked you
He came into your apartment
He entered your living space
He left the bloodstains on the carpet
He left evidence of violence on the floor
Then you ran into the bedroom
Then you hurriedly went to the bedroom
You were struck down it was your doom
You were physically attacked and faced a tragic fate
You've been hit by You've been struck by - a smooth criminal
You've been harmed by someone who is skillful and deceptive
So they came in through the outway
They entered through the exit pathway
It was sunday - what a black day
It was a gloomy and unfortunate Sunday
I could feel your salutation
I could sense your greeting or acknowledgment
Sounding heartbeats - intimidations
Heartbeats sounded like threatening gestures
Aawo!
Exclamation to express surprise or shock
Annie are you okay (I don't know)
Annie, are you alright? (Uncertain)
Will you tell us, that you're okay
Will you confirm to us that you're alright
(I don't know) there's a sign in the window
(Uncertain) There's evidence on the window
(I don't know) That he struck you - a crescendo Annie
(Uncertain) That he violently attacked you
(I don't know) he came into your apartment
(Uncertain) He entered your living space
(I don't know) Left the bloodstains on the carpet
(Uncertain) Left evidence of violence on the floor
(I don't know why baby) Then you ran into the bedroom (I don't know)
(Uncertain why, baby) Then you hurriedly went to the bedroom (Uncertain)
You were struck down it was your doom
You were physically attacked and faced a tragic fate
Annie are you okay you okay
Annie, are you alright?
Are you okay Annie annie are you okay
Are you alright, Annie?
You okay are you okay Annie
Are you alright, Annie?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MIgardener
We need to make dad bands a thing again.
@jiytendra8847
Agreed
@Saintironarm
How is this a dad band, Singer was 23 when this was recorded?
@thanatosoath958
true,all the Kids today don't know that this the real shit
@sheenharper4403
The kid in the mask is his son
@oli4665
He was 23 hardly a dad band
@MichaelSmith-fq6hz
The rare cover that went in a completely different direction and still works
@OntarioAndrews415
Agreed.
@wildannandawicaksana5004
Absolutely agree
@brendanconnelly1835
Check out Chris Cornell’s cover of Billy Jean