As Tall As Lions’ journey toward maturation began in casual fashion, the original version of the band forming around Fitzgerald while the members were still in high school, around year 2002. During the next few years, they endured the lineup changes and artistic roadblocks many young bands experience before taking their present, permanent form. But they still had some growing to do.
"When we started doing Lafcadio, we really didn't understand what we were getting ourselves into – we were just kids" says Nigro. "We had made a couple demos, put them on the Internet and, after a couple of days, we had record labels calling us ready to sign the band. We all thought this whole band thing was going to come too easily after that. We dropped out of college and made As Tall As Lions our priority. At first, it was a tough adjustment. We'd never been on tour before, and getting used to life on the road was draining. I think we've all grown up a lot since then, and our attitude has changed for the better. We put everything we had into this new record and are extremely happy with how it came out."
But it didn’t come easy, as ATAL hit some speed bumps along the way. "Recording this record was not a walk in the park." Nigro admits. "There were a lot of passionate and vibrant discussions [read: arguments] during the creative period, and at one point I had to just leave for a while get away from it all." As it turned out, the hiatus gave Nigro the inspiration he and the rest of the band needed. "I came back with a clear head and was ready to write, record and be with my band. It all clicked after that.”
What emerged was an album entrenched in moody, soulful rock and roll – at once life-affirming, sensual and technically sophisticated – that seamlessly intertwines the members’ eclectic tastes, encompassing Neil Young, Can, Elbow and the Buena Vista Social Club. Produced by Steven Haigler (Brand New, Quicksand) and Mike Watts, As Tall As Lions is an album of irrepressible songcraft in which shimmering anthems ("Ghost Of York") stand alongside odes to love and resilience ("Milk And Honey").
"There weren't any rules," says Nigro. "We didn't want to be a band that limited ourselves or made rules about writing our music. In the past, we would come up with an idea and say, 'Oh, we can't do that – we're a rock band.' We felt shoved in a box. Two years ago, if we were to toss the idea around of having a dozen kids sing on a song ["Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)"], we would have thought it was absurd. Well, why? It'd be awesome to have little kids singing on our record."
As Tall As Lions vividly demonstrates what can happen when inspiration and dedication intersect at the right moment in a talented band’s evolution. After an intensive 18 months, As Tall As Lions have come of age.
http://www.astallaslions.com
In October 2010 the band released this statement on their website:
"A Sort of Farewell.
After eight years of music, friendship, laughter, adventure, bliss, blood, sweat, tears, and everything else that goes along with it, As Tall As Lions are retiring for the foreseeable future. There is no sadness on our side, and we hope there is none on yours. We will be playing a handful of shows across the country to try and give everyone an opportunity to see us one last time.
Our sincerest apologies to those who can't join us at these celebrations, but know you will be there in spirit. Much love to you all, and thanks again for everything.
-As Tall As Lions"
A Break A Pause
As Tall As Lions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tounge-tied
Finding the word
Goodbye.
Baby, I hope that you get a clue,
Soon before you die.
You're only good when you're on your back.
Then we'll see who's kiddin' who now.
You're an overpaid actress...
And it feels so down.
Yeah, I feel so down...
I'm an anthropophobic.
A wolf from the steps,
With pills in my coat
And wine on my breath.
A goodnight's rest on the floor,
Near the bed,
Where I rest my head.
Through the door, someone says,
"Let the dead bury the dead."
Unplugged the phone.
I stopped eating and sleeping.
Can't get over your love,
(Your love...)
I bought some drugs,
That I never heard of,
And asked what the damage was.
And it feels so down.
Yeah, I feel so down.
Yeah, I feel so down...
You're lost in your mind.
I believe that anyone can see it.
For only one time,
We can be together, if you want it.
(Evening virgin cotton nymph)
I know what you want,
But, baby, what you want I just don't got it.
(Through the door, someone says,
"Let the dead bury the dead.")
Get away from the door.
I heard you sell the truth but I don't buy it...
(And asked what the damage was)
And it feels so down.
(Unplugged the phone.
I stopped eating and sleeping.
Can't get over your love...)
Yeah, I feel so down.
(I bought some drugs
That I never heard of.
You're an overpaid actress...)
Yeah, I feel so down...
(Unplugged the phone.
I stopped eating and sleeping...)
The lyrics to As Tall As Lions' "A Break A Pause" are full of raw emotions and personal struggles. The opening lines suggest that the singer is addressing someone who is struggling to find the right words to say goodbye. The next line, "Baby, I hope that you get a clue, soon before you die," reflects the singer's growing frustration with the situation.
The second verse reveals more about the singer. They describe themselves as an "anthropophobic," someone who is afraid of people. They also mention having pills in their coat and wine on their breath, which suggests a possible addiction to substances. The line "Let the dead bury the dead" implies that the singer is trying to let go of the past and move on, but it's not easy. The use of the word "unplugged" reinforces this idea, suggesting a deliberate attempt to disconnect from the world.
The chorus repeats the phrase "And it feels so down," reinforcing the sense of sadness and confusion that permeates the song. The lines "You're only good when you're on your back" and "You're an overpaid actress" suggest that the singer is addressing someone they believe is fake or insincere. The use of the phrase "evening virgin cotton nymph" is evocative and somewhat cryptic, but may be referencing someone who is pure or innocent in appearance but not in behavior.
Overall, the lyrics to "A Break A Pause" suggest a speaker who is struggling with addiction, loneliness, and a sense of disconnection from others. The song is enigmatic and open to interpretation, but it's clear that the emotions expressed within it are deep and complex.
Line by Line Meaning
You look like someone
I can see that there's something about your appearance that reminds me of someone else
Tongue-tied
I'm finding it difficult to express myself verbally
Finding the word
I'm struggling to think of the right word to use
Goodbye.
I'm saying farewell to you
Baby, I hope that you get a clue,
I wish that you'll gain some insight or understanding soon
Soon before you die.
Hopefully, this insight will come to you before it's too late
You're only good when you're on your back.
The only time when you have any value is when you're physically subservient
You, evening virgin cotton nymph.
I see you as pure and innocent, like a delicate nymph who belongs in the evening
Then we'll see who's kiddin' who now.
Our true intentions and motives will be revealed
You're an overpaid actress...
You're pretending to be someone you're not and earning too much money for it
And it feels so down.
I'm feeling low and depressed right now
Yeah, I feel so down...
This feeling of sadness is overwhelming
I'm an anthropophobic.
I have a fear of people and social situations
A wolf from the steps,
I'm like a wild creature from the countryside
With pills in my coat
I have prescription medication with me
And wine on my breath.
I have been drinking alcohol recently
A goodnight's rest on the floor,
I'm going to sleep on the ground tonight
Near the bed,
But still close to the bed somehow
Where I rest my head.
This is where I will lay down and attempt to sleep
Through the door, someone says,
I hear a voice coming from the other side of the door
Let the dead bury the dead.
The past is gone and cannot be changed, so it's time to move on
Unplugged the phone.
I disconnected the phone so that I won't be bothered by calls
I stopped eating and sleeping.
I'm neglecting my basic needs and not taking care of myself
Can't get over your love,
I'm still hung up on my feelings for you
(Your love...)
This emotion is specifically related to my love for you
I bought some drugs,
I acquired some illegal substances
That I never heard of,
I don't really know what these drugs are or what they'll do to me
And asked what the damage was.
I'm willing to take risks with my health and well-being
You're lost in your mind.
You seem to be confused or unwell mentally
I believe that anyone can see it.
I think it's obvious to others as well
For only one time,
Just once, I wish we could be together
We can be together, if you want it.
If you also desire to be with me, we could make it happen
I know what you want,
I think I understand what you're looking for
But, baby, what you want I just don't got it.
Unfortunately, I don't have what you're seeking
Get away from the door.
I want you to move away from the entrance
I heard you sell the truth but I don't buy it...
I'm skeptical of the information you're sharing
Contributed by James C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.