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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Mercy
Better Than Ezra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aches from each night we lie and fight
In your bed
Can we just sleep tonight
[Chorus]
Now I quit
I give
So I quit
I give
Mercy
So, suffer
Neither one giving in
You think
We lurk
Somewhere a compromise
[Chorus]
All those letters
Split them tonight
Each wanting less than the other would like
So I quit
I give
Mercy
[Chorus]
[Repeat: x5]
Mercy
The lyrics to Better Than Ezra's song Mercy describe a strained relationship and the desire to put an end to the constant arguing and fighting. The first verse describes the physical toll of the arguments, with the singer's head aching from the many nights of fighting while lying in bed with their partner. The chorus then declares that the singer is giving up and asking for mercy, meaning an end to the fighting and a chance to just peacefully sleep. There is a sense of exhaustion and defeat in the lyrics, with no clear solution in sight.
The second verse touches on the idea of compromise, but acknowledges that neither party is willing to give in. The line "each wanting less than the other would like" suggests that both people are unhappy with the current state of the relationship, but neither is willing to make the necessary changes. Finally, the song concludes with a repetition of the word "mercy", underscoring the desperation and plea for relief from the constant strife.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my head
Expressing the physical discomfort and emotional frustration caused by nights of arguing in bed.
Aches from each night we lie and fight
The toll the conflict has taken on their bodies and minds from laying awake and arguing.
In your bed
Literal location of the argument, but also a symbol for the intimacy and vulnerability of their romantic relationship.
Can we just sleep tonight
A plea to let go of the conflict and return to the peacefulness of sleep.
Now I quit
A decision to end the cycle of fighting, acknowledging that it's not worth the pain.
I give
A surrender of their position, realizing that neither side is gaining anything from continuing to argue.
Mercy
An acknowledgment of the futility of the conflict and the need for forgiveness and peace.
So, suffer
Recognizing that both parties are experiencing pain and discomfort, but also acknowledging that continuing to argue will only prolong that suffering.
Neither one giving in
Describing the stalemate of the argument and the stubbornness of both parties.
You think
A reflection on how the other person may be viewing the situation.
We lurk
A sense that the conflict is always lingering and ready to resurface at any moment.
Somewhere a compromise
Holding onto the hope that a solution can be found that will lead to mutual understanding and peace.
All those letters
Possibly referencing past communications between the parties that haven't resolved the conflict.
Split them tonight
Symbolically tearing up those old attempts at resolution and starting anew.
Each wanting less than the other would like
Perhaps acknowledging that the underlying issue can't be fully resolved, but a compromise can still be made that meets both parties' needs.
Mercy
Restating the central theme of surrender, forgiveness, and a plea for peace.
Lyrics © DistroKid, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Cloud9
Written by: Karl Hyde, Richard Smith, Alfred Thomas, Richard David Smith, Alfie Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind