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"
Milk And Honey
As Tall As Lions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Honey, I'm pleading,
Let's put away the sticks and stones,
Be human beings.
'Cause I have the sense to be afraid to be a fool. (Oh)
I have the sense to be afraid to be a fool. (Oh)
You push me out.
You push me up.
You push me up against a wall.
You told me once your body flowed
With milk and honey.
What ever happened to our boy,
Inside your tummy?
Oh, I had the sense to be afraid to be a fool (Oh)
but I'm on a fence to make you stay or to be cruel. (Oh)
You push me out.
You push me out, again.
You push me up.
You push me up against a wall.
You push me out.
You push me out, again.
You push me up.
You push me up against a wall.
You perfume-covered, helpless Louse:
Look on the bright side.
See, every time you laugh out loud,
I'm crying inside.
But I have the sense to be afraid to be the fool. (Oh)
Try common sense, make me believe,
Believe in you.
'Cause, I should have known.
Yeah, I should have known.
Yeah, I should have known
You'd kick me hard when I'm on the ground. (Oh)
Kick me hard when I'm on the ground. (Oh)
You'd kick me hard when I'm on the ground (Oh)
Kick me hard when I'm on the ground (Oh)
(I'm sick of wakin' up alone.
Honey, I'm pleading,
Let's put away the sticks and stones,
Be human beings)
The song "Milk and Honey" by As Tall As Lions explores the complex emotional dynamics of a troubled relationship. The opening verse establishes a sense of frustration and loneliness, as the singer expresses a desire for more emotional connection and intimacy in the relationship. The line "let's put away the sticks and stones, be human beings" suggests a desire to move beyond anger and conflict and find common ground. However, the repeated refrain "I have the sense to be afraid to be a fool" reflects a fear of vulnerability and a recognition that opening up emotionally could lead to further pain and disappointment.
The second verse delves deeper into the past of the relationship, as the singer references an earlier conversation about fertility and parenthood. The line "what ever happened to our boy inside your tummy?" suggests a loss of hope and potential that was once present in the relationship. The singer acknowledges a sense of indecision and uncertainty, seeming to vacillate between wanting to make things work and feeling resentful and hurt. The line "I'm on a fence to make you stay or to be cruel" highlights this internal conflict.
The final verse of the song takes a darker turn, as the singer confronts the reality of the situation. The lines "see, every time you laugh out loud, I'm crying inside" highlight the emotional distance and disconnection that has developed between them. However, the singer also expresses a continued desire to believe in the relationship and make things work. The final lines of the song, "you'd kick me hard when I'm on the ground" emphasize the power dynamics at play and a sense of being trapped in a painful cycle.
Overall, "Milk and Honey" is a poignant and introspective exploration of the complexities of love and relationships. It captures the challenges that can arise when two people try to navigate the murky waters of desire, vulnerability, and emotional risk-taking.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sick of wakin' up alone.
I am tired of waking up by myself.
Honey, I'm pleading, Let's put away the sticks and stones, Be human beings.
My dear, I am begging you to stop being so cruel and to treat me like a human being instead of using hurtful words and actions.
'Cause I have the sense to be afraid to be a fool. (Oh)
I am smart enough to know when something is not right and to not be foolish.
You push me out.
You keep pushing me away.
You push me out, again.
You keep pushing me away, over and over again.
You push me up. You push me up against a wall.
You are forcing me into a corner and not letting me leave.
You told me once your body flowed With milk and honey.
You used to tell me that you were full of life and happiness.
What ever happened to our boy, Inside your tummy?
What happened to the love and happiness we used to share?
but I'm on a fence to make you stay or to be cruel. (Oh)
I am torn between trying to make you stay or being cruel to you in return.
You perfume-covered, helpless Louse: Look on the bright side.
You, who are pretty and helpless, should try to see the good in things.
See, every time you laugh out loud, I'm crying inside.
Every time you are happy, I am sad on the inside because I feel like we are drifting apart.
Try common sense, make me believe, Believe in you.
Use simple logic to make me trust in you and believe in our relationship.
'Cause, I should have known. Yeah, I should have known. Yeah, I should have known You'd kick me hard when I'm on the ground. (Oh) Kick me hard when I'm on the ground. (Oh) You'd kick me hard when I'm on the ground (Oh) Kick me hard when I'm on the ground (Oh)
I should have realized that you would hurt me when I was most vulnerable, and you continue to do so.
Contributed by James A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.