Growing out of a project between Reish, Thompson, and John Bosson (of Mershak), Atta Boy gained momentum when Reish and Thompson decided to start a new project. Eden Brolin entered the picture and they began writing songs. Reish ran into drummer Lewis Pullman and mentioned that they were starting a new band, and Pullman joined shortly after. Pullman invited the group over to his house for what amounted to the one and only official practice of Atta Boy with all four members present.
In 2011, on the curtails of graduating high school, the band recorded their self-titled EP, which was then released in early 2012.
The following summer, Atta Boy held a Kickstarter to fund the creation of their first album. After exceeding their goal, the band headed back into the studio and recorded their LP, Out of Sorts, released at the end of 2012.
Started in high school, Atta Boy has proven to be a long-lasting endeavor. Although separated by the vast majority of the United States, the band continues to play and make music whenever possible.
Boxer
Atta Boy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's decorated in silver and gold
I wanted to be just like you
But you're always the first hand to fold
If I had a dollar for all the times I spoke to you wrong
I would be broke and still be a joke, too
There was fire on the mountain every day
Well, I'm not sure I like it here
But I still decided to stay
If I had a dollar for the times I looked at you wrong
I'd be in jail and somehow you'd come through with bail
Of course, I met a boxer
Who's painted in black, blue, and blood
No, you never liked me much
But for you, I'm face-first n the mud
If I had a dollar for all the times I loved you wrong
You'd think I'm rich but I'm broke just for singing this song
The lyrics to Atta Boy's "Boxer" are a poignant reflection on a tumultuous relationship. The singer begins by referencing a "boxer," who has achieved great success in their field and is "decorated in silver and gold." The singer expresses a desire to emulate this person, but notes that they always seem to "fold" – implying that they lack the resilience to stick it out when things get tough.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals that they have had a difficult relationship with this boxer, marked by misunderstandings and miscommunications. They confess that if they had a dollar for every time they spoke or looked at the boxer "wrong," they would be broke. Despite these struggles, however, the singer has chosen to stay with this person, even though they are not sure they like where they currently are.
Towards the end of the song, the singer introduces another "boxer" figure, who is seemingly less successful than the first. This boxer is "painted in black, blue, and blood," implying that they have suffered a great deal. The singer acknowledges that the first boxer has never been particularly fond of them, but declares that they are willing to put themselves "face-first in the mud" for them anyway. They end the song by reflecting on their own failings, admitting that they have loved the boxer "wrong" many times over.
Overall, "Boxer" is a heartbreaking song about trying to make a relationship work in the face of adversity. The imagery of the two boxers – one successful but prone to giving up, the other struggling but determined – underscores the difficulties inherent in such a situation.
Line by Line Meaning
Of course, I met a boxer
I encountered a skilled fighter
He's decorated in silver and gold
He's won many awards and accolades
I wanted to be just like you
I admired and aspired to emulate you
But you're always the first hand to fold
But you're always quick to give up or quit
If I had a dollar for all the times I spoke to you wrong
If I had money for every time I addressed you improperly
I would be broke and still be a joke, too
I'd be penniless and also the subject of ridicule
Of course, I left LA
I departed from Los Angeles
There was fire on the mountain every day
The area was prone to wildfires
Well, I'm not sure I like it here
I'm uncertain if I enjoy being in this place
But I still decided to stay
Yet, I still opted to remain
If I had a dollar for the times I looked at you wrong
If I had cash for every time I gazed at you inappropriately
I'd be in jail and somehow you'd come through with bail
I'd likely be incarcerated, and for some reason, you'd offer bail to rescue me
Of course, I met a boxer
I encountered another pugilist
Who's painted in black, blue, and blood
He's bruised and bleeding from the combat
No, you never liked me much
No, you never harbored much fondness for me
But for you, I'm face-first in the mud
But you've brought me down to my knees
If I had a dollar for all the times I loved you wrong
If I had funds for every instance I displayed incorrect love towards you
You'd think I'm rich but I'm broke just for singing this song
You'd believe I'm wealthy, but in truth, I'm destitute just for performing this tune
Writer(s): Lewis James Pullman, Clair Frederick Reish, Eden Anne Brolin, Dashel Maximilian Thompson
Contributed by Addison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.