Born from a friendship nurtured during their days at the University of California Santa Barbara, the band consists of Zach Gill (Keyboards/Vocals), Steve Adams (Bass Guitar/Vocals), Dan Lebowitz (Guitars/Percussion/Vocals) and David Brogan (Drums/Vocals).
Originally a nine-piece band featuring a brass section called The Animal Liberation Orchestra and the Free Range Horns, the band began drawing enormous attention in the Santa Barbara area with their rousing stage shows. When Zach, Dan and Steve returned to their hometown San Francisco, they stripped back down to a quartet, playing with a wide variety of different drummers. Finally, in 2002, the trio reunited with drummer David Brogan (with whom they had previously played in college) and the ultimate version of Animal Liberation Orchestra was solidified.
Zach Gill, the keyboard player, went to college with the popular singer-songwriter, Jack Johnson, and so they had good connections with one another. Soon audiences at gigs saw Animal Liberation Orchestra supporting Jack Johnson. Zach Gill has recently provided piano in Jack Johnson's band, adding a new flavor to the live performances.
Animal Liberation Orchestra have released an independent album, "Fly Between Falls", and it was re-released on Brushfire Records on April 18th 2006. It includes the track, "Girl, I Wanna Lay You Down", which features long-time friend Jack Johnson providing guitar and vocals. New to the re-release is the song "Walls of Jericho", a tour staple and crowd favorite noted by its festival imagery, wailing guitar solo, and euphoric cresendo. This track gained popularity after its live performance was featured in the Jack Johnson and Friends Live at the Greek DVD. The studio version's debut on myspace.com received mixed review.
In 2006, ALO finished a tour supporting Jack Johnson, alongside with Matt Costa, all across Europe, including United Kingdom, France and Spain. Additionally, they have two dates scheduled for mid April supporting Jack Johnson in Brazil. In June, they will be supporting Dave Matthews Band at stops in upstate New York and North Carolina. Thay have recently recorded The Band's Ophelia for the tribute album "Endless Highway, the music of The Band"
On May 1st 2007, ALO released their new album Roses & Clover that was recorded during two weeks in a barn in Santa Barbara, California. ALO will tour the USA during May to July 2007, playing together with Brett Dennen during seven of the concerts.
Albums
ALO Vs. LAG (1998)
One Size Fits All (1999)
Time Expander (2002)
Fly Between Falls (2006 - Brushfire Records)
Roses & Clover (2007)
EPs
Live Mix (2000)
Try
Animal Liberation Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That they're gonna be let down
But if they knew what she were capable of
I know they'd want her around
That's why she gotta give it
A little bit of confidence
And just believe in
I appreciate her modesty
It's positive I know it's true
But when her modesty is talking negatively
Everybody feels negative too
That's why she gotta give it
A little bit of confidence
And just believe in
What she do
We got to try just a little bit harder
And let it shine just a little bit brighter
We got to walk just a little bit taller
‘Cause I can feel the sound and it's bringing me down
Ain't nobody want you preaching to them
So we probably shouldn't be talking this way
It's so hard to communicate these things
I know these things are even harder to change
That's why she gotta give it
A little bit of confidence
And just believe in
What she do
We got to try just a little bit harder
And let it shine just a little bit brighter
We got to walk just a little bit taller
Cause I can feel the sound
We got to try just a little bit harder
And let it shine just a little bit brighter
We got to walk just a little bit taller
Cause I can feel the sound and it's bringing me down
The lyrics of the Animal Liberation Orchestra's song Try is a call for someone to have more confidence in themselves and their abilities. The song is an encouragement to believe in oneself and take pride in what one does. The first verse talks about how the person's lack of self-belief is affecting others, that they are making them feel afraid that they will be let down. However, if they knew what she could do, they would want her around. The chorus emphasizes the need for a little bit of confidence and belief to make a difference. The second verse addresses how the person's modesty can sometimes be negative, affecting those around them. The song concludes with a repetition of the need to try harder, let it shine brighter, and walk taller.
The song's message is all about the power that comes from believing in oneself. It encourages people to have more confidence and to be proud of what they do. It is about the impact that one person can have on others by being positive and confident. The song suggests that when people believe in themselves, they can inspire others to do the same. It's also an acknowledgement that changing oneself is difficult, but the effort is worth it.
Line by Line Meaning
Things she said been making them feel afraid
The woman's words have caused fear among those who hear them.
That they're gonna be let down
The fear is that the woman will disappoint them in some way.
But if they knew what she were capable of
If people understood the woman's true abilities,
I know they'd want her around
they would value her presence and contributions.
That's why she gotta give it
This is why the woman needs to
A little bit of confidence
have some self-assurance
And just believe in
Trust in her abilities and value as a person
What she do
And have confidence in her work.
I appreciate her modesty
The singer admires the woman's humility.
It's positive I know it's true
The humility is a positive trait.
But when her modesty is talking negatively
However, when the woman's humility becomes self-deprecating
Everybody feels negative too
It brings down the mood of those around her as well.
We got to try just a little bit harder
The singer and the woman need to put in more effort
And let it shine just a little bit brighter
So that their abilities and positivity can be more visible.
We got to walk just a little bit taller
They need to be more confident and self-assured.
‘Cause I can feel the sound and it's bringing me down
The negativity around them is affecting the singer's mood.
Ain't nobody want you preaching to them
No one wants to be lectured or criticized.
So we probably shouldn't be talking this way
So they should avoid negative self-talk and criticism.
It's so hard to communicate these things
It's difficult to express these feelings and ideas.
I know these things are even harder to change
Changing negative patterns can be a difficult process.
Contributed by Natalie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nathan Jackson
Why are these guys not bigger, they are freakin amazing
Far North Trout Prospector
AOL just nails it. Gotta dig the grooves!
dannney
These guys are amazing, great song!
Chris Jensen
I love this band,....immensely! Always soulful and grabs you to enjoy life in whatever shape it comes to you. Salud!🙌🍻
b
Nunca me canso de ouvir esse som.
Scarlet Begonias
You guys are one of my favorite bands and are so much fun to see live!! :) The warm energy you create is just so contagious!! :D We've got to try just a little bit harder and let it shine just a little bit brighter!!!! <3 <3 <3
joe harding
so so so underated! such a tight amazing band!
Khristofer Whelan
thanks for the great music guys.... Something soothing for the soul in such eery times. blessings to all!
Leslie Ann Center
Dan you are an amazing muscian,love,love,love the song and would love to hear more from you
Orev Kw
Génial. J'adore. I love ALO. Awesome