In mid-2005 he began work on a second album with the intention of creating something organic, classic and real. True to his indie spirit, when it came time to record and funds weren't readily available, he called out to his grass-roots fan base for assistance. Loyal fans, eager for a second release, pre-ordered the upcoming album and a small back-log of unreleased demos, generating enough revenue for a completely fan-funded album.
Mattox's stunning sophomore release, Prizefighter [November 1, 2005] is already a knock-out with fans. "My goal was to spend the time and make an album that is easily accessible to people; something they could grasp onto and call their own," he says. He took the better part of 6 months off the road and came up with eleven tales of turmoil and triumph that bob and weave beautifully throughout this stark masterpiece. Mattox and his band recorded Prizefighter during an eight week lock-out with Producer John Briglevich (Goo Goo Dolls, Edwin McCain, Chuck D) at Sonica Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. "I wanted Prizefighter to be very much about my personal struggles this past year," says Mattox "I needed it to reflect who I am as a person and stand as an example for what you can accomplish if you just get up, dust yourself off, and keep going."
Mattox and his band are currently out on the road in support of Prizefighter. "I have had the pleasure of collaborating with a lot of really good musicians over the past two years," says Mattox, "but there's nothing more powerful than sharing a stage and making a record with my best friends." His current touring line-up includes long-time drummer Andy Bauer, keys and rhythm guitarist Rivers Pearce, bassist Mike Lamond and lead guitarist Chris Skogen. Mattox lives in Athens, Georgia, while the band resides in Atlanta, allowing them the privilege of calling both places "home".
Mattox has seen national success on MTV's Real World, Turner Network Television's NASCAR, Delta Airline's Campus Movie Fest, "Good Morning Atlanta" on CBS, and has performed live on FOX Charlotte, Q100's "The Bert Show", and Music Midtown 2004 alongside the Foo Fighters and Switchfoot. His last two Atlanta performances at The Roxy Theatre had over 1,000 in attendance and he has recently seen airplay on The UK's SKY Channel 905, XM radio, Atlanta, Ga.'s 99x, Macon, Ga.'s Q106, and Auburn, Al.'s TigerFM.
Mattox currently reigns as an award-winning artist for:
"Best Rock Band" and "Best Singer-Songwriter" Flagpole Music Awards (Athens, Ga.)
"Best Front-Man" Atlanta Music Guide Music Awards
"Best Singer-Songwriter" and "Best Instrumentalist" Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta
#1 on The Best Unsigned Band List Alternative Addiction
Creative Loafing says, "As long as Bain Mattox keeps writing simple, stunning, sad songs, he'll maintain both mainstream and indie cred."
Shame
Bain Mattox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't rely on me
Don't forget that it's on your shoulders
This conversation is done
You say it's just begun
Don't forget that it's on your shoulders
Are you thinking, words appeasing, in a down direction?
Are you awake or asleep
Are you just like me
Don't forget that it's on your shoulders
This conversation is done
A simple wish from the sun
Don't forget that it's on your shoulders.
Are you thinking, words appeasing, in an up direction?
Are you thinking, words appeasing, in an up direction?
Could this be a shame,
Could this be a shame in the making
Could this be a shame,
Could this be a shame in the making
To see through this broken spot of doubt could treat
me right for now
To see through this broken spot of doubt could treat
me right
To see through this... to see through this
Could this be a shame,
Could this be a shame in the making
Could this be a shame,
Could this be a shame in the making
Could this be a shame,
Could this be a shame in the making
The song "Shame" by Bain Mattox is a melancholic and introspective piece that contemplates the complexities of communication and the weight of responsibility. The lyrics suggest a conversation between two people that has reached its end, with one person reminding the other that the outcome ultimately relies on their shoulders. The opening lines "Communicated with heat, don't rely on me" allude to the heated nature of the conversation, and possibly the breakdown of communication due to misaligned expectations or priorities. The subsequent lines "Are you thinking, words appeasing, in a down/up direction?" suggest that even though the conversation has ended, the thoughts and emotions that sparked it continue to linger in the minds of those involved. The chorus repeats the phrase "Could this be a shame in the making," which could be interpreted as the aftermath of the conversation, where both parties are left feeling regretful or guilty about how things transpired.
The verse "Are you awake or asleep, are you just like me" questions the state of mind of the other person, and whether they share the same sense of responsibility or sense of shame. Through the line "A simple wish from the sun," it implies that there might have been a hope for resolution or understanding, but it is ultimately up to the other person to decide. The final verse "To see through this broken spot of doubt could treat me right for now" suggests a desire for clarity or closure, while acknowledging that the current state of doubt is causing emotional turmoil.
Overall, the song "Shame" is a poignant reminder of the power of communication, and the need for individual responsibility in relationships. The lyrics suggest that sometimes, even when conversations break down, the thoughts and feelings that sparked them stay with us and can cause shame or regret later on.
Line by Line Meaning
Communicated with heat
A message was conveyed with passion and intensity
Don't rely on me
Don't count on me to solve the problem, take responsibility for yourself
Don't forget that it's on your shoulders
Remember that you're responsible for the outcome
This conversation is done
There is nothing more to discuss
You say it's just begun
You want to continue the conversation, but it's not worth it
Are you thinking, words appeasing, in a down direction?
Are you using conciliatory language to bring the conversation to a depressing conclusion?
Are you awake or asleep
Are you fully present and aware, or numb to what's going on?
Are you just like me
Do you share my perspective and feel the same way?
A simple wish from the sun
A small request that could bring warmth and light to the situation
Could this be a shame,
Is this situation shameful?
Could this be a shame in the making
Is this situation heading toward a shameful outcome?
To see through this broken spot of doubt could treat me right for now
If we can move past our uncertainty and skepticism, we might be able to find some temporary relief
To see through this... to see through this
To overcome this obstacle and see the situation for what it really is
Could this be a shame in the making
Is this situation heading toward a shameful outcome?
Could this be a shame in the making
Is this situation heading toward a shameful outcome?
Could this be a shame in the making
Is this situation heading toward a shameful outcome?
Contributed by Sophie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.