Like many bands in the then-burgeoning alt-rock movement of the mid-'90s, Better Than Ezra enjoyed their period of greatest chart success immediately following their debut major-label release (Deluxe), which spawned their highest-charting hits. At least commercially (and in terms of mainstream radio play), the band has experienced slightly diminishing returns with each successive release; however, unlike the majority of their contemporaries, Better Than Ezra's extremely loyal fan base has kept the group from dropping off of the musical map. Ezra's followers, who refer to themselves as Ezralites, have never cared whether radio stations play the band or not--in fact, many fans follow the band religiously, attending scores of their performances. It is Ezra's loyal fans and a relentless touring schedule which has allowed them to continue to produce new music, remain extremely viable in the music world, and out-live their projected shelf life. Additionally, Better Than Ezra's independence and survival in a business that has chewed up and spat out many bands who they used to jockey for chart position seems to indicate that the band will be around to satisfy their fans' rapacious appetite for their music for many years to come.
In addition to vocalist and guitarist Kevin Griffin from Monroe, Louisiana, the current members of Better Than Ezra are bass guitar player Tom Drummond and drummer Travis McNabb. Original drummer, Cary Bonnecaze, left the band after the release of Deluxe. Original lead guitarist, Joel Rundell, committed suicide in 1990. Multi-Instrumentalist James Arthur Payne also from Monroe, Louisiana tours with the band, fills in vocal, keyboard, guitar, and harmonica parts, and is a fan favorite.
Who or what Ezra might be is a mystery that the band members have no interest in clearing up. Drummond once told a reporter that the meaning of the band's name is "so lame you wouldn't even want to print it." However, it has also been said that the name came into being when the then nameless band entered a battle of the bands in competition with a group named Ezra. Needing a name to register they simply said that they were better.
In 2005, Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry used the band's song "Juicy" as the background music for the second season of the show's promotional advertisement.
The band is slated to headline A Taste of Fort Collins in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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In 2009 there were line-up changes and a new album released. Drummer Travis McNabb left to tour with the Country music group Sugarland. The split was friendly and McNabb still serves on the Ezra charitable organizations. McNabb was replaced by Michael Jerome as touring and ?future? drummer, with Blair Sinta filling in on parts of the album Paper Empire and 2 dates of the bands summer 2009 concert tour.
Travis McNabb played his last show with Ezra on Feb. 15, 2009 in Metairie, Louisiana.
Paper Empire was released on May 12, 2009.
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Heaven
Better Than Ezra Lyrics
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Can you teach the savage mind, their ways are wrong
Help them see, what they want and what they need
And if we have to twist their arms
They know not what they do is wrong
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
Now maybe I'll, maybe I'll, maybe I'll try
Heretics and hypocrites
Wear the same face through the years
Of telling lies and laying blame
Damn the fire to feed the flame
I'll dance I'll sing
I'll try to fade their images planted in your head
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
Ivy is just a dog
With a heart that's noble as the greatest man who ever lived
Won't you please help her learn
That if we have to twist her arms
She knows not what she does is wrong
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
And if you said I would go to heaven
Now maybe I'll try
And if you said I would be a rich man
Now maybe I'll, maybe I'll, maybe I'll try
Maybe I'll try
Maybe I'll try
Maybe I'll try
The lyrics to Better Than Ezra's "Heaven" discuss the idea of fighting for a cause and teaching others to understand what they want and need. The lyrics ask if one is willing to fight for the cause and teach the "savage mind" that their ways are wrong. It is suggested that twisting their arms may be necessary as they know not what they do is wrong.
The song also discusses hypocrisy and blaming others, with the line "Heretics and hypocrites wear the same face through the years, of telling lies and laying blame." The lyrics suggest dancing and singing to try to fade the images that are planted in one's head.
The final verse brings in the character of Ivy, who is just a dog but has a heart as noble as the greatest man who ever lived. It asks for help in teaching Ivy that if we have to twist her arms, she knows not what she does is wrong. The song concludes with the repeated refrain, "And if you said I would go to heaven, now maybe I'll try."
Overall, the song is about trying to make a positive difference in the world, even if it means using tough love or facing hypocrisy.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you fight for the cause
Are you willing to stand up for what's right?
Can you teach the savage mind, their ways are wrong
Are you able to educate those who are misguided and help them understand their mistakes?
Help them see, what they want and what they need
Assist them in discovering their true desires and necessities.
And if we have to twist their arms
If necessary, use force to make them see straight.
They know not what they do is wrong
They are unaware of the negative impact of their actions.
And if you said I would go to heaven
If you promised me that I would be rewarded for doing what's right.
Now maybe I'll try
Then perhaps I'll make an effort to do what's right.
Heretics and hypocrites
Those who defy and contradict the moral and ethical standards.
Wear the same face through the years
They maintain their facade over a long period of time.
Of telling lies and laying blame
By spreading falsehood and diverting accountability.
Damn the fire to feed the flame
They provoke violence and conflict that further fuels their negative behavior.
I'll dance I'll sing
I'll express myself freely and joyfully in the face of adversity.
I'll try to fade their images planted in your head
I'll help you let go of the negative influence these individuals may have had on you.
And if you said I would go to heaven
If you promised me that there is a reward for doing what's right.
Now maybe I'll try
Then perhaps I'll make an effort to do what's right.
Ivy is just a dog
Ivy is a living being who deserves respect and love, despite being an animal.
With a heart that's noble as the greatest man who ever lived
Ivy's compassion and loyalty are as great as any human being's.
Won't you please help her learn
Can you assist Ivy in gaining knowledge and understanding?
That if we have to twist her arms
That if necessary, we'll use force to train her.
She knows not what she does is wrong
She is unaware of the potential negative consequences of her actions.
And if you said I would go to heaven
If you promised me that there is a reward for doing what's right.
Now maybe I'll try
Then perhaps I'll make an effort to do what's right.
And if you said I would be a rich man
If you promised me that I'd be rewarded financially for doing what's right.
Now maybe I'll try
Then perhaps I'll make an effort to do what's right.
Maybe I'll try
Perhaps I'll give it a shot, and try to do what's right.
Maybe I'll try
Perhaps I'll give it a shot, and try to do what's right.
Maybe I'll try
Perhaps I'll give it a shot, and try to do what's right.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY DARNELL GRIFFIN, STACY EPPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind