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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Silly Fool
Better Than Ezra Lyrics
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pushed your finger tip til it turned blue
and you doubted everything you learned
second guessed the best that you can do
well you're growing older
and i think you would have learned
all you're getting over
you silly fool
you must be blind
oh you silly fool
you must be blind
well you call yourself a realist
but its really just the fear that's holding you
so you separate and alienate
anyone who tries to pull you through
and could you tell me something
when you lie alone at night
do you ever wonder
if i feel the same inside
you silly fool
you must be blind
oh you silly fool
you must be blind
everyone can look for reasons
while filling up the seasons
you've got so much to give
sometimes its hard to let you go
and you're growing older
and i think you might have learned
everything you give in life
when you know it will return
you silly fool
you must be blind
oh you silly fool
you must be blind
oh you silly fool
you silly fool
you silly fool
oh oh oh oh
The lyrics to Better Than Ezra's "Silly Fool" tell the story of an individual who has always been doubtful of themselves, and as they grow older, they still doubt and second-guess themselves. The song addresses this self-doubt and the fear that holds people back from pursuing their dreams. The lyrics suggest that this individual tends to distance themselves from those who try to help or support them, and this creates further isolation and more self-doubt.
The song's chorus, "you silly fool, you must be blind," is a poignant indictment of the self-limiting beliefs that can prevent individuals from achieving their full potential. The song suggests that everyone has something to give, and it's essential to let go of the self-doubt that holds people back.
Overall, "Silly Fool" is a powerful reminder to trust oneself, take chances, and not let one's fears or doubts get in the way of their happiness and success. It's an uplifting message that encourages listeners to embrace their potential and live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
from the days when you were still in school
From the time when you were still in your school days
pushed your fingertip till it turned blue
Applied so much pressure that your fingertip became blue
and you doubted everything you learned
You had doubts about everything you learned
second guessed the best that you can do
You overanalyzed and doubted the best things you were capable of doing
well you're growing older
As you are getting older
and i think you would have learned
One might think you would have learned by now
all you're getting over
All the obstacles you're overcoming
don't you know it will return
Don't you know those obstacles might return
you silly fool
You foolish person
you must be blind
You are not seeing the obvious
well you call yourself a realist
You label yourself as someone who is grounded in reality
but its really just the fear that's holding you
But in reality, your fears are what are holding you back
so you separate and alienate
So you distance yourself and push away
anyone who tries to pull you through
Anyone who attempts to help you through your struggles
and could you tell me something
Can I ask you, do you ever
when you lie alone at night
When you are lying awake at night
do you ever wonder
Do you ever contemplate
if i feel the same inside
If I am experiencing the same feelings internally
everyone can look for reasons
Everyone can search for explanations
while filling up the seasons
During the passage of time
you've got so much to give
You have so much to offer
sometimes its hard to let you go
At times, it's difficult to move on from you
and you're growing older
As you continue to age
and i think you might have learned
I expected you may have learned
everything you give in life
Everything you put forth in life
when you know it will return
When you realize that it will eventually come back to you
you silly fool
You foolish person
you must be blind
You are not seeing the obvious
oh oh oh oh
Vocalization
Contributed by Sadie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.