April’s first release, “All I Did This Summer Was Go to Rehab (2014),” can be self-described as equal parts cringey and genius. It documents her first ever experiments in song writing and sobriety after uprooting her life in New Jersey to start over post-rehab in Lancaster, PA. A short EP of songs, “Things I Never Meant to Tell You” followed in 2015 featuring songs that would later be worked into the full band known as “Apes of the State.” 2016 brought the band’s first recording, “This City Isn’t Big Enough” which was a far leap both instrumentally and quality wise from the lofi solo bedroom recordings. Their second full length album, “Pipe Dream” was released in November of 2019. “Pipe Dream” features a more dynamic sound, with the band introducing the use of percussion and electric guitar on some of the tracks.
Their sound is very lyrical, influenced by storyteller singer/songwriters such as Paul Baribeau and Everyone Except Me. Apes of the State takes the simplicity and straightforward, emotional writing style of these influences and combines it with the drive and power of a full acoustic band. Their sound is under constant evolution but is deeply rooted in punk rock, folk, and bluegrass. As a band, they are driven by DIY ethics with a goal of helping as many people as possible with their music. They sing songs about whatever makes them feel things, like love, heartbreak, student loan debt, regret, and overcoming addiction.
They have performed across the US anywhere and everywhere, from basements, backyards, and living rooms to the Warped Tour and TEDx stages. The members are also heavily involved in activism for people recovering from substance use disorder and promoting harm reduction at their shows. In 2016, April and Dan founded an organization called Second Chance to Play which aims to help individuals in rehabs and in recovery communities participate in the music scene of their hometown Lancaster.
Fight Song
Apes of the State Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been busy trying not to lose my shit
Lose my mind
And I'm sorry that I never answer texts
It doesn't mean that you aren't still my friend
On my mind
When you've relied on yourself for so long
Reaching out for help is so hard
When you've relied on yourself for so long
Sorry that I haven't called you back
I've been busy trying not to lose my shit
Lose my mind
And I'm sorry that I never answer texts
It doesn't mean that you aren't still my friend
On my mind
All of my friends are the strongest people I've ever met
All of my friends are the strongest people I've ever met
Sorry that I haven't called you back
I've been busy trying not to lose my shit
Lose my mind
And I'm sorry that I never answer texts
It doesn't mean that you aren't still my friend
On my mind
All of my friends are the strongest people I've ever met
The lyrics of Apes of the State's song "Fight Song" talks about the challenge of reaching out for help and how hard it is when you have been relying on yourself for so long. The artist apologizes for not being able to respond to calls and texts, but appreciates the concern from their friends. The song conveys a message that it's okay to struggle and seek help and that there is strength in acknowledging your vulnerabilities.
The opening lines of the song, "Sorry that I haven't called you back, I've been busy trying not to lose my shit, lose my mind," reveal the artist's struggle with preserving their mental health. They are aware of their vulnerability and are finding ways to cope with it. The line "All of my friends are the strongest people I've ever met" shows the artist's appreciation for their support system and how their friends are a source of strength to them.
The repetitive structure of the song emphasizes the repetitive nature of mental health struggles. The repetition in the chorus highlights the difficulty of the artist's situation and how it weighs heavy on their mind.
Line by Line Meaning
Sorry that I haven't called you back
I apologize for not returning your call.
I've been busy trying not to lose my shit
I have been preoccupied with struggling to maintain my composure and not fall apart.
Lose my mind
I am at risk of losing my sanity and emotional stability.
And I'm sorry that I never answer texts
I regret not responding to your text messages.
It doesn't mean that you aren't still my friend
My lack of communication does not diminish our friendship.
On my mind
I am constantly thinking about you and our relationship.
Reaching out for help is so hard
Asking for assistance is a difficult task.
When you've relied on yourself for so long
When you have been self-reliant for an extended period of time.
All of my friends are the strongest people I've ever met
My companions are all incredibly resilient and tenacious individuals.
Lyrics © DistroKid, APES OF THE STATE
Written by: April Hartman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind