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
Mediator
Belvedere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
upon my rough decision you comply
cause my job applies when two sides collide
just respect those binding contracts live or die
It's cause some lessons can't be taught
and some might say that realism and favors can be bought
(open your eyes)
I know you won't budge but i'm just like a judge
and i hope that both defendants understand
what i say is binding so stop all the whining
and look at the respect that i demand
I spend my days on this and that
experienced mediation over things that might go wrong
(that might go wrong)
and that's why objective as i am i might just take it away
I spend my days off breaking up promises
but my mind's made up and i'm getting back to what matters first this time
I spend my days off breaking up promises
just look inside and you'll see what happens when you forget to sign
It's cause some lessons can't be taught
and some might say that realism and favors can be bought
(open your eyes)
and that's why objective as i am i might just take it away
I spend my days off breaking up promises
but my mind's made up and i'm getting back to what matters first this time
I spend my days off breaking up promises
just look inside and you'll see what happens when you forget to sign
I spend my days off breaking up promises
but my mind's made up and i'm getting back to what matters first this time
I spend my days off breaking up promises
but my mind's made up
The song Mediator by Belvedere is a powerful anthem about the necessity of boundaries, consequences, and justice. The lyrics narrate the role of a mediator, who is responsible for making restrictions and placing convictions on people who fail to comply with binding contracts. The mediator's job is to apply objectivity to situations where two sides collide to ensure that the respect demanded by such situations is maintained.
The mediator tells both sides that they must understand what is binding, and stop whining. The song suggests that some lessons cannot be taught, and that realism and favors can be bought. It warns that if people forget to sign their promises, then they will pay the price, even if it means taking it away. The lyrics suggest that the mediator is like a judge, and although he may be objective, he cannot back down because of the value of the respect that he deserves.
The song carries a powerful message of responsibility, claiming that people must accept the consequences of their failed promises. The realization that some lessons cannot be taught, and that favoritism has no place in enforcing promises, is also a central theme in the song. Overall, the lyrics of Mediator call for accountability, respect, and the understanding that people must learn to live with the consequences of their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm making restrictions and placing convictions
I am enforcing rules and principles
upon my rough decision you comply
You follow my decision, even though it may be difficult
cause my job applies when two sides collide
My role is to mediate when there is conflict between two parties
just respect those binding contracts live or die
You must adhere to the legally binding agreements, no matter what
It's cause some lessons can't be taught
Sometimes people have to learn the hard way
and some might say that realism and favors can be bought
Some people believe that honesty and favors can be purchased
(open your eyes)
Wake up to reality
and that's why objective as i am i might just take it away
I may have to make the tough decision to take something away objectively
I know you won't budge but i'm just like a judge
I understand that you may be stubborn, but essentially, I am like a judge
and i hope that both defendants understand
I hope that both sides comprehend and accept my decision
what i say is binding so stop all the whining
My words have legal force, so cease complaining
and look at the respect that i demand
Observe the reverence I command through my role as mediator
I spend my days on this and that
I focus my energy on mediating disputes
experienced mediation over things that might go wrong
I am knowledgeable about mediating conflicts that may arise
(that might go wrong)
There may be problems that arise
I spend my days off breaking up promises
Even when I'm not working, I have to deal with the repercussions of broken promises
but my mind's made up and i'm getting back to what matters first this time
I have already made my decision and am focusing on what is most important in this situation
just look inside and you'll see what happens when you forget to sign
If you don't sign, the consequences can be severe
Contributed by Skyler E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.