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
Class A Jackass
Belvedere Lyrics
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The song "Class A Jackass" by Belvedere is a powerful anthem about standing up against bullies and not allowing them to keep us down. The lyrics speak of a person who has suffered abuse at the hands of another, yet has remained loyal to them. The singer asks if the abuser thought they would simply stand there and take the punishment without question, and demands an explanation for the abuse. The lyrics suggest that the victim is struggling to come to terms with what has happened and is seeking closure through understanding.
As the song progresses, the singer reveals that they have been by the abuser's side for ten years, despite being mistreated. However, the victim has reached a breaking point and is now standing over the abuser's body as they die. The lyrics imply that the abuser's drug addiction was to blame for their behavior and that they were not in control of their actions. While the song does not condone violence or revenge, it shows the consequences of abusive behavior and the need to stand up against those who would take advantage of others.
Overall, "Class A Jackass" is a powerful commentary on bullying, loyalty, and the need to stand up for oneself. Despite the difficult subject matter, the song is ultimately uplifting, reminding us that there is always a chance for redemption and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you think i'd stand there while you kicked me in the face
It's not logical to allow someone to physically attack me. I need to understand why you would hurt me like that.
doesn't make much sense to push me down
It's illogical to try to bring me down.
I need explanation to adjust my way of thought
To cope with what you did, I need to understand why you did it and reframe my thinking.
did you think you'd find me hanging round
Did you expect me to continue to stay loyal to you, even after you wronged me?
and it's ten years later and I haven't left your side
Despite your past behavior, I continued to support you and remain by your side.
even though you gave me reason to
Although you gave me a significant reason to leave you.
and I'm standing over your body's losing life
Now, I am witnessing you suffer the consequences of your actions, as your physical body deteriorates.
I guess things are hard to name a few
I suppose your behavior is only one example of how difficult life can be.
did you think i'd take it when you pushed me in disgrace
Did you expect me to tolerate being treated with disrespect or shame?
very hard to leave that behind
It's challenging to move on from being mistreated in that way.
I hate aggravation but that's why you made me fight
Although I dislike conflict, your actions forced me to defend myself.
have to face it you were just high.
Despite any rationalization or excuse you might provide, the root cause of your behavior was likely being under the influence.
Contributed by Tristan K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.