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"
Maybe I'm Just Tired
As Tall As Lions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't be afraid.
Unlock the box your heart's encased.
Hope it won't change.
Beware of the games
That she'll want to start playing.
(Oh, lately, Babe,
This life gets lonely)
Well, maybe, I'm just scared,
Scared to let you go...
(I want you to know,
Right from "Hello",
Your love just kept me wondering)
Well, maybe, I'm just tired,
Tired of never knowing... Yeah.
But I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
Yeah, I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
If I can be saved,
Show me the way.
Help me help myself, Baby.
Don't be confused,
Our Love is true.
Tell by the way I'm looking at...
Maybe I'm just tired.
Tired of never knowing...
'Cause, I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
Yeah, I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
But I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
Yeah, I know I'm not good enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you...
The lyrics of As Tall As Lions' song "Maybe I'm Just Tired" explore themes of love, fear, and self-doubt. The opening lines encourage the listener not to be afraid of love, to open their heart and hope that it won't change. However, they also warn of the games that someone in love may want to start playing. The chorus reveals the singer's own fears - that they are scared to let go but also tired of never knowing where they stand in the relationship. The repeated lines "I know I'm not good enough for you" highlight the singer's lack of self-confidence and their belief that they are not deserving of love.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of uncertainty and confusion. The singer wants to be shown the way to be saved and helped to help themselves, implying a lack of direction or purpose. They also acknowledge the conflicting nature of their feelings, stating that their love is true but also questioning whether they are just tired or scared.
The bridge of the song brings a glimmer of hope, with the singer asking for assistance and recognizing the authenticity of their love. However, the final chorus repeats the same self-doubting lines, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and uncertainty.
Overall, "Maybe I'm Just Tired" is a contemplative and introspective exploration of the complexities of love and self-doubt.
Line by Line Meaning
If love comes your way,
If you have a chance at love,
Don't be afraid.
Do not be afraid to love someone.
Unlock the box your heart's encased.
Open your heart to someone.
Hope it won't change.
Hope that love won't change the current situation.
Beware of the games
Be careful of the games that people play in relationships.
That she'll want to start playing.
People may want to play games to test the other's commitment.
(Oh, lately, Babe,
Recently,
I stay awake thinking
I lay awake at night thinking.
This life gets lonely)
Life can be lonely and isolating.
Well, maybe, I'm just scared,
But maybe I'm just afraid.
Scared to let you go...
Fearful of letting go of a relationship.
(I want you to know,
I want to tell you that,
Right from "Hello",
From the very beginning,
Your love just kept me wondering)
Your love has kept me guessing or curious.
Well, maybe, I'm just tired,
But maybe I'm just exhausted or worn out.
Tired of never knowing... Yeah.
Tired of not having clarity or certainty about the relationship.
But I know I'm not good enough.
I am aware that I am not worthy enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
I know that I am not the type of person you deserve.
If I can be saved,
If I can be changed or improved,
Show me the way.
Please show me how to improve myself.
Help me help myself, Baby.
Please help me improve myself, my love.
Don't be confused,
Don't be misunderstood or uncertain,
Our Love is true.
Our love is genuine and sincere.
Tell by the way I'm looking at...
You can tell by the way I am looking at you,
Maybe I'm just tired.
Maybe I am just feeling drained or fatigued.
Tired of never knowing...
Tired of not having a clear understanding of the relationship.
'Cause, I know I'm not good enough.
Because I am aware that I am not good enough.
Yeah, I know I'm not good enough.
Yes, I understand that I am not worthy enough.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
I know that I am not deserving of you.
Yeah, I know I'm not good enough.
Yes, I understand that I am not good enough for you.
I know I'm not good enough for you.
I know that I am not worthy enough to be with you.
Contributed by Leah J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.