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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Rosealia
Better Than Ezra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into the crowd he'll never find you
If you walk real fast and you stay down low
[Chorus:]
So many times, so many chances
This one could be your last
You say, "No, no, no the fighting has left me tired"
Put on your mask wearing your cape
Put on your mask, my Rosealia
Put on your mask wearing your cape
Put on your mask, my Rosealia
What has he done my senorita?
His kind of love is going to kill you
Do you fake a smile when you dodge the blows?
[Chorus]
Ladies and gentlemen of America
There'll no longer be hurt
Jealousy can rip your heart out
And jealousy can turn a hand into a fist
[Chorus]
My Rosealia
The song "Rosealia" by Better Than Ezra tells the story of a woman who is trying to escape from a man who is abusive towards her. The lyrics suggest that Rosealia has gone into hiding, hoping to avoid being found by her abuser. The chorus indicates that Rosealia has had many chances to leave this dangerous relationship, but has yet to do so. Despite being tired of fighting, the hurt she's experiencing continues, and the only way she can continue to survive is by putting on a mask and cape to hide her true identity.
The line, "What has he done my senorita? His kind of love is going to kill you" is a clear indication that the relationship is toxic and dangerous for Rosealia. The lyrics also suggest that Rosealia is constantly dodging physical abuse, but still tries to fake a smile to hide the pain. This portrays the reality of many women who are in abusive relationships and feel trapped and scared to leave.
Overall, the song's message is a call to action to recognize the danger of abusive relationships and the importance of leaving them. It's a powerful statement against the cycle of abuse and a reminder that survivors of abuse should never give up fighting for their own freedom and safety.
Line by Line Meaning
Where have you gone my Rosealia?
Asking where Rosealia, the subject of the song, has gone.
Into the crowd he'll never find you
Rosealia doesn't want to be found by someone and has joined a crowd to avoid them.
If you walk real fast and you stay down low
Rosealia is trying to avoid getting caught by someone and is walking fast while trying to stay hidden.
So many times, so many chances
Reflecting on how many chances Rosealia has had to escape a toxic relationship or situation.
This one could be your last
The current chance at escape for Rosealia is important and could be the last.
You say, "No, no, no the fighting has left me tired"
Rosealia is tired of fighting and doesn't want to continue any longer in the current situation.
You say, "No, no, no" but the hurting goes on
Rosealia denies that they are still getting hurt but it is still happening.
Put on your mask wearing your cape
Rosealia needs to put on a mask, pretending to be strong and brave, in order to protect themselves.
Put on your mask, my Rosealia
Someone is encouraging Rosealia to pretend to be strong and brave to protect themselves.
What has he done my senorita?
Asking what has happened to the subject, another name for Rosealia.
His kind of love is going to kill you
The way that someone is 'loving' Rosealia is toxic and will harm them in the future.
Do you fake a smile when you dodge the blows?
Rosealia might pretend to be happy or unaffected when they avoid painful situations.
There'll no longer be hurt
A promise of an end to the hurt that Rosealia had been feeling.
Jealousy can rip your heart out
Expressing how someone's jealousy can be dangerously painful for another person.
And jealousy can turn a hand into a fist
Jealousy might cause someone to become physically violent and hurt others.
My Rosealia
A sweet endearing phrase to refer to Rosealia.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEVIN GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind