The band formed in December of 1996, originally consisting of Skiba, Rob Doran (bass/vocals), and Glenn Porter (drums/vocals). 1997 saw the release of the band's first EP, Sundials. This was followed shortly after by the departure of Doran. He was replaced by Andriano, who had been the singer for Tuesday and bassist for the ska band Slapstick. The band released their second EP, entitled For Your Lungs Only, in 1998, which began to build them a sizable fan base in the American Midwest. Later that year, they released their first full-length album, Goddamnit, followed by Maybe I'll Catch Fire in 2000. Both were released on Asian Man Records. Also in 2000, the band released a collection of their previously-released EPs on a self-titled album.
Following the success of their Asian Man releases, Alkaline Trio signed to Vagrant. Joined by new drummer Mike Felumlee (previously of the Smoking Popes), From Here to Infirmary was released in 2001. It was their first album to see any interest from alternative radio and the mainstream media, with the semi-hit punk single "Stupid Kid" and the inclusion of the song "Armageddon" on the Tony Hawk's Underground as well as Tony Hawks American Wasteland video games. Their cover of "Over at the Frankenstein Place" was included in the compilation The Rocky Horror Punk Rock Show, an album made to pay tribute to the movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
After the release, Felumlee left the band too and was replaced by Grant, previously of The Suicide Machines.
Their next full-length album was Good Mourning, released in 2003, with the album's launch single "We've Had Enough" seeing a considerable amount of commercial success. The album was a significant departure from earlier works, featuring greater production value and a noticeable move toward a more mainstream sound.
The band has also appeared on various compilation albums, notably Plea for Peace Vol. 1 and Rock Against Bush Vol. 1. Skiba and Andriano have both independently recorded split records, Skiba with Kevin Seconds on Asian Man Records and Andriano with Mike Felumlee on Double Zero Records, as well as jointly performing backing vocal duties on the album This is Unity Music by Common Rider. They have also recorded two split EPs with bands who are no longer together: one with Hot Water Music in 2000 and the other with One Man Army in 2004.
Alkaline Trio released their fifth studio album on Vagrant Records, entitled Crimson, on May 24, 2005, which featured the single "Time to Waste." The single for this song also included bonus tracks produced by Mass Giorgini. The tracks "Mercy Me" and "Burn" have also been released as singles from the album.
In 2004 Andriano became a member of The Falcon, a super-group of consisting of The Lawrence Arms' bassist/co-vocalist Brendan Kelly (with who he had played with in Slapstick), and Neil Hennessy, drummer from The Lawrence Arms. The band released a 5-song EP in 2004, and its first full-length Unicornography in September of 2006.
In 2006 Matt Skiba collaborated with Josiah Steinbrick for the band Heavens.
In 2008 Alkaline Trio released Agony & Irony on Epic Records. The album charted at #13 on the Billboard 200.
Alkaline Trio's 7th studio album, This Addiction,was released on February 23rd 2010. This was their first album under their own label, Heart & Skull, an offshoot of Epitaph, and the album debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest the band has ever charted to date.
Alkaline Trio's eighth studio album, Damnesia,, was released July 12, 2011. Consisting of "a selection of beloved fan favorites selected from the group's extensive catalogue and presented in an intimate semi-unplugged format", the album also included two new songs, "Olde English 800" and "I Remember a Rooftop", as well as a cover version of the Violent Femmes' "I Held Her in My Arms".
On April 2nd, 2013, Alkaline Trio released "My Shame Is True".
On August 31st, 2013, Alkaline Trio released "Is This Thing Cursed?".
On June 8th, 2023, longtime drummer Derek Grant left the band due to mental health reasons and intentions to pursue music production as well as graphic design. He was replaced by Atom Willard, formerly of bands such as Rocket from the Crypt and Against Me!. The band then released the single, "Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs" on October 17th, 2023, and announced an album of the same name due for a release date of January 26th, 2024.
Every Thug Needs A Lady
Alkaline Trio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For some reason right now, of everything but you
And right now you're all that I recognize
You know I came here when I needed your soft voice
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
Now I wait here and sometimes I get one
And it's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
Believe in what I am because it's all that I have today
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be
From here I can hardly see a thing
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
For now, forever, for on and on and on
You know it starts here, outside waiting in the cold
Kiss me once in the snow I swear it never gets old
And I will promise you I can make it warmer next year
You know I came here because I needed your soft voice
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
Now I stay here, and everyday I get one
And it's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
You are stuck to me everyday
Believe in what I am because it's all that I have today
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be
From here I can hardly see a thing
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
For now, forever, for on and on and on
For on and on and on
So go plug in your electric blanket
We can stay in 'til our southern summer wedding day
Go plug in your electric blanket, we can stay here
The lyrics to Alkaline Trio's song Every Thug Needs A Lady explore the idea of vulnerability in a relationship, with the singer revealing that their partner is the only thing they recognize in a dark and scary world. The lyrics also touch on the idea of dependence, with the singer admitting to needing their partner's voice to sound like an answer and promising to follow anyone who brings them closer to their partner. The lyrics also contain a sense of hope, with the promise that things can be made warmer next year and the idea of staying in together until their southern summer wedding day.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of emotional intensity and commitment to the relationship, with the singer being willing to rely on and follow their partner wherever they may go. The themes of vulnerability and dependence may be particularly relevant for those who have experienced trauma or struggle with mental health issues.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's dark here, you know what I'm scared too
I understand that it's not the brightest situation, but I take comfort in the fact that I am not alone in this feeling with you.
For some reason right now, of everything but you
Of all the possible things that could make me nervous, it's everything except you that scares me.
And right now you're all that I recognize
In a world where everything seems unfamiliar, you are the one thing I can identify and draw comfort from.
You know I came here when I needed your soft voice
I sought you out because the sound of your voice is a source of comfort and reassurance for me.
I needed to hear something that sounded like an answer
I was seeking some kind of guidance or validation and your voice provided the closest thing to that.
Now I wait here and sometimes I get one
I am still seeking answers but I am content to be patient and wait for them, knowing that I may find them with your help.
And it's nothing I'll forget when the moon gets tired
This experience is something that will stay with me, even when it seems like time and memory are fleeting.
You are stuck to me everyday
You are an important and constant presence in my life that I cannot easily separate myself from.
Believe in what I am because it's all that I have today
I hope that you can have faith in me and what I am currently offering, as it is the best I can do at this moment in time.
And tomorrow who knows where we'll be
We cannot know what our future holds, but that uncertainty does not diminish the value of what we have now.
From here I can hardly see a thing
The future is unclear and difficult to envision, but I am willing to take each step as it comes as long as you are with me.
But I will follow anyone who brings me to you
I am devoted to you and will make every effort to stay near to you, whether that means following you or any other who leads me to you.
For now, forever, for on and on and on
My dedication to you is unwavering and enduring, stretching into the unknown future.
You know it starts here, outside waiting in the cold
Our journey together began in a place of harshness and vulnerability, but we have taken comfort in each other's company.
Kiss me once in the snow I swear it never gets old
Even in the midst of discomfort or challenging circumstances, one small expression of love or affection can make everything worthwhile.
And I will promise you I can make it warmer next year
I am committed to making your life easier and more comfortable, even in small ways whenever possible.
Now I stay here, and everyday I get one
I am content to remain where we are for now, find joy and meaning each day as it comes and seeking answers whenever possible.
So go plug in your electric blanket
Let's take care of ourselves and each other, even when we don't have access to ideal conditions.
We can stay in 'til our southern summer wedding day
We have a bright and joyful future ahead of us, and are capable of finding warmth and beauty even in the chilliest or bleakest of moments.
For on and on and on
Our love endures and will continue to endure, remaining a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for as long as we live.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANIEL ANDRIANO, DEREK GRANT, MATT SKIBA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind