Taking their name from the '80s sitcom, Belvedere began in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1995 as the three-piece of Steve Rawles (guitar/vocals), Brock (bass), and Dan Hrynuik (drums).
As the years progressed along with their revolving lineup, Belvedere remained with their melodic pop-punk sound that looked up to the likes of Bad Religion and NOFX. Eventually recruiting second guitarist Scott Solo, replacement drummer Jay Hollywood, and a replacement bassist Jaison Synclair, the quartet released their debut album, "Because No One Stopped Us", in 1998 through Hourglass and 206 Records. After spending most of 1999 on the road, along with Bad Religion and Strung Out, for a stint -- 206 Records put out Belvedere's follow-up album, "Angels Live in My Town", in early 2000. In 2001, the Montreal imprint Union 2112 released "Twas Hell Said Former Child", Belvedere's proper second album that coincided their first ever European tour. A split release with Downway, "Hometown Advantage", was issued in 2003. When it came time to recovene for another studio album, Belvedere joined producer Blair Calibaba (Sum 41) in Calgary for the recording of "Fast Forward Eats the Tape". Shared dates with Death by Stereo, Tsunami Bomb and Misconduct followed in Spring 2004. The band broke up in late 2005, playing their last show to their hometown Calgary crowd in November.
On November 2011, the band's official Facebook page announced that the band was going to get together again for a couple of shows the next year, wich included two shows in Europe (playing their first show in Paris and appearing again at GroezRock after seven years), then five in Canada, three in Brazil and one again in Canada, in Vancouver, on June 16th. Being at first that their final show, it was later announced that they'll appear in another final event in Guelph, Canada, on September the 1st 2012, with fellow punkrockers The Fullblast, also reuniting for the ocasion, Grade and Moneen.
http://www.myspace.com/belvedere
Circus
Belvedere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
baby I'm just fine
met my bottle he's a friend of mine
I bring him to parties he won't leave my side ya
i'm a circus and I won't let down
drink that shit oh baby till I drown
and i'm not talking controversial sounds yeah
but i'd push zero point eight
i'm fucking glad i'm not DD
and i don't get laid
there's nothing happening down there
you don't believe me wait and see
don't know why I see that guy he
makes me wanna have a seat and cry
he's just pissed you can see it on his face
I'm not there, i'm just alone, i'm sitting here
drinking on my throne
hey don't mind me cause I was just passing through.
Go to parties baby wait and see
nothing but great catastrophe
a narrow focus that's myself and me
ya and I don't care that if you think my way
I'll make a fool of myself anyway
and all that's crap cause i'm just ready to play.
The lyrics to Belvedere's song "Circus" depict a person who is making light of their excessive drinking habit in social settings. The opening line "You think I'm loaded, baby I'm just fine" sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that the individual is aware that others may view their drinking as problematic. However, they go on to personify their alcohol bottle as a friend, indicating a certain level of dependence on it. The chorus "I'm a circus and I won't let down, drink that shit oh baby till I drown" paints a picture of a wild and carefree individual who is determined to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The second verse reveals that the individual may not actually enjoy drinking, as they claim they "don't get drunk" but would "push zero point eight". They then assert that they are "fucking glad [they're] not DD" (designated driver), implying that they do not want to be responsible for anyone else's safety. The song takes a darker turn in the bridge when the singer describes seeing someone who makes them want to cry, but who they are not present with physically. This lonely image is juxtaposed with the line "drinking on my throne", creating a sense of privilege and indulgence.
Overall, "Circus" is a commentary on the social pressure to consume alcohol and engage in reckless behavior in public settings. Belvedere highlights the irrationality of this cultural norm and plays with the idea of self-deprecating humor to cope with it.
Line by Line Meaning
You think I'm loaded
You assume that I have a lot of money or that I'm drunk
baby I'm just fine
I am not drunk or high, I am okay
met my bottle he's a friend of mine
I like to drink and my bottle is my companion
I bring him to parties he won't leave my side ya
I always bring my bottle to parties and it never leaves my side
i'm a circus and I won't let down
I am entertaining and I will not disappoint
drink that shit oh baby till I drown
Drink alcohol until I am too drunk to function
and i'm not talking controversial sounds yeah
I am not making any controversial statements
and i don't get drunk
I claim that I do not get drunk
but i'd push zero point eight
But I am willing to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08
i'm fucking glad i'm not DD
I am happy that I am not designated driver
and i don't get laid
I do not have sex or get any action
there's nothing happening down there
No one is interested in me sexually
you don't believe me wait and see
If you don't believe me, just wait and see
don't know why I see that guy he
I don't know why that guy is here
makes me wanna have a seat and cry
He makes me feel sad and emotional
he's just pissed you can see it on his face
He is angry and it shows on his facial expression
I'm not there, i'm just alone, i'm sitting here
I am physically present but I feel alone and isolated
drinking on my throne
Drinking alcohol on my seat or perch
hey don't mind me cause I was just passing through.
Please don't pay attention to me because I am just passing by
Go to parties baby wait and see
Attend parties and wait to see what happens
nothing but great catastrophe
This party will be full of disaster
a narrow focus that's myself and me
I am only concerned with myself
ya and I don't care that if you think my way
I do not care if you agree with me
I'll make a fool of myself anyway
I am willing to embarrass myself
and all that's crap cause i'm just ready to play.
I am not serious, I just want to have fun
Contributed by Evelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.