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.
I Found Away
Alkaline Trio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All alone at it once again
Seeping in like a feeling
You haven't felt since way back when
In the dead of that night
Like the summer of Sam
I got word of the promotion
You caused me a telegram
We got all worked up
[Chorus: ]
I found a way
Through the fear and through the flames
I'm diving in, don't follow me
Stay right here, I'll be back for you someday
I found a way
It'd be best if you just stayed
It's not safe, don't follow me
I found a way
I found a way
Frozen in the lights of a locomotive
Tied to the tracks again
You said you haven't felt this comatose
Since you can't remember when
Fly off the handle every time
We sleep straight off with it
[Chorus: ]
Oh whoa
Oh whoa
From the top of my lungs
The truth shall be sung
Sharp and damning
Violently stabbing at secrecy
That look on your face
It's more than I can take
It scaring the living hell shit out of me
[Chorus: ]
I found a way
I found a way
The lyrics of Alkaline Trio’s song “I Found a Way” tell the story of someone who is going through a difficult time in their life. They are trying to move on from a past relationship but they seem to be stuck. The first verse describes their state of mind – they are alone, heartbroken, and feeling a familiar feeling from way back when. The second verse describes the moment when they find out that their ex has moved on and got a promotion. This news sets them off and they get all worked up.
However, the chorus is the turning point of the song. The singer states that they have found a way through the fear and the flames. They are diving in and asking their ex to stay right here, they will come back for them someday. The singer asks their ex to stay put as it’s not safe for them to follow right now. This shows that although the singer is still struggling, they have found a path forward and are ready to take the jump.
The final verse of the song directly addresses their ex. The singer reveals the truth about their feelings. They are filled with fear and the look on their ex’s face is just too much for them to bear. Ultimately, the song ends on a hopeful note with the singer stating that they have found a way.
Overall, the song explores themes of heartbreak, moving on, and finding the courage to take a risk. Through its lyrics and imagery, it evokes a sense of struggle and darkness, but ultimately ends on a positive and uplifting note.
Line by Line Meaning
Storming through the dark with a broken heart
Feeling emotionally shattered and alone while frantically pursuing something or someone.
All alone at it once again
Being left to deal with the situation on one's own.
Seeping in like a feeling
Slowly creeping in like a persistent emotion.
You haven't felt since way back when
Bringing back a long-forgotten feeling.
In the dead of that night
During the darkest hour of the night.
Like the summer of Sam
Referring to the infamous summer of 1977 in New York City during which a serial killer wreaked havoc.
I got word of the promotion
Receiving news about something exciting and positive.
You caused me a telegram
Being notified via an official message.
And got all worked up
Becoming overexcited or anxious about the news.
We got all worked up
Becoming excited together about the news.
[Chorus: ] I found a way / Through the fear and through the flames / I'm diving in, don't follow me / Stay right here, I'll be back for you someday / It'd be best if you just stayed / It's not safe, don't follow me / I found a way / I found a way
Assuming control of one's destiny and taking risks while asking someone to wait for you.
Frozen in the lights of a locomotive
Being afraid or paralyzed in the face of danger or imminent destruction.
Tied to the tracks again
Feeling trapped or being in a perilous situation.
You said you haven't felt this comatose / Since you can't remember when
Feeling lethargic, numb, or unable to move or act in the face of fear or overwhelming emotions.
Fly off the handle every time / We sleep straight off with it
Reacting angrily, unpredictably, or excessively to certain situations, even while sleeping or being unaware of it.
Oh whoa / Oh whoa
An exclamation of emotional intensity.
From the top of my lungs / The truth shall be sung
Expressing the truth with all one's might and sincerity.
Sharp and damning / Violently stabbing at secrecy
Using a cutting and painful approach to reveal secrets or hidden truths.
That look on your face / It's more than I can take / It scaring the living hell shit out of me
Being terrified or overwhelmed by someone's extreme or disturbing behavior.
[Chorus: ] I found a way / I found a way
Taking charge of one's life and fate, overcoming the odds and obstacles, and emerging victorious.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANIEL ANDRIANO, DEREK GRANT, MATT SKIBA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind