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"
Duermete
As Tall As Lions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looking for my up and down
Lately i've been all over town
For what is lost and never found
I'm on fire tonight
I will be alright
Looking for my up and down
I'm on fire tonight
I will be alright
I will be just fine
Gray sky come falling
But i know that better days will come
As Tall As Lions' song "Duermete" is a poignant commentary on life's uncertain and tumultuous moments. The lyrics frequently employ the metaphor of a search for something, constantly seeking that which is lost and never found. The singer is wandering around, "looking for my up and down," suggesting a feeling of disorientation and imbalance. This could be interpreted either as a mental or emotional state of being, or even a physical sense of being lost in a new place.
However, despite this sense of confusion and searching, the singer finds solace in the idea that they are "on fire tonight." This line seems to suggest a newfound sense of energy or purpose, and a confidence that they will ultimately be alright. These lines are repeated throughout the song, emphasizing a determination to overcome whatever struggles may come.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately i've been wandering around
Recently, I have been aimlessly moving around
Looking for my up and down
Searching for moments of both happiness and sorrow in my life
Lately i've been all over town
Recently, I've been traveling throughout the city without any specific purpose
For what is lost and never found
Looking for something that cannot be retrieved or regained
I'm on fire tonight
I am feeling passionate and driven in this moment
I will be alright
I will be okay, despite any difficulties or struggles in my life
Gray sky come falling
The gloomy and somber weather reflects the current state of my emotions
But i know that better days will come
Despite current hardships, I remain optimistic and believe that things will improve in the future
Contributed by Gabriella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Jive335
This is the best description of the lyrics I've found:
Lately i've been wandering around
Looking for my up and down
Lately i've been all over town
For what is lost and never found
I'm on fire tonight
I will be alright
Lately i've been wandering around
Looking for my up and down
I'm on fire tonight
I will be alright
I will be just fine
Gray sky come falling
But i know that better days will come
@MelTa6828
Lately I've been wandering around
Looking for my up and down
Oh, lately I've been all over town
What is lost and never found
I want to find tonight
I will be alright
Lately I've been wandering around
Looking for my up and down
I want to find tonight
I will be alright
I will be just fine
And I know that better days will come
And I know that better days will come
And I know that better days will come
@squapsquap6975
These albums felt so perfect when they released them in my high school years. Loved their musical artistry. I always perceived them as the masters of being able to capture that deep undertone feeling of heartache mixed with joy.
@kenshinlover2
No comments?! Come guys, this was and still is one of the greatest bands to ever surface. I love ATAL, and would love for a comeback. Great song
@rccstudent7879
Wishing i had the chance to see these guys live, this music has literally brought more emotions out of me then any other band.
@tarynsurprenant411
+Tyson Ceideburg 100% agreed. I had the chance a while back, and have regretted not going ever since. That being said, they announced a few reunion shows in December! Still NYC tickets available for the 28th.
@fungi42021
I'm lucky to say I saw them in a basement in Detroit
@sacramentofoodforest
Same :(
@JoshRam389
This song will always bring me the same feeling of peace and reflection as before
@3Sola3
I wish that first 50 seconds was longer, that instrumental is amazing.
@atrocious_pr0xy
Agreed
@rasengan80
Hello from the future. It sounds like it might have originally been longer. The transition sounds like a hasty digital edit to my ears