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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Under You
Better Than Ezra Lyrics
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While you read your magazine,
I was counting all the markers.
And California seemed to draw you like a siren
From a postcard, or a letter, in a frame of film melting.
But under you, I hear your breath move in, out slowly.
Under you, let go completely feeling you take over me.
A Hollywood flat where we'd laugh about our fortunes
Well we held jobs in this bar down at 3rd and San Vicente.
And Ramen Noodles at 4:30 in the morning,
When we barely could survive, I was never more alive.
Under you, I feel your blood flowing out slowly.
Under you, let go completely feeling you take over me
You moved in slow degrees
A sudden memory
You're a Leonard Cohen song
But every now and then I'd swear
I see you standing on a sidewalk, in a
Restaurant, from a taxi cab passing.
Under you I feel you moving in, out slowly
Under you let go completely feeling you take over me.
Take over me.
The lyrics of "Under You" by Better Than Ezra speak to the emotional connection and memories shared by two people. The song paints a picture of a relationship where both individuals count the memories and markers they've made together. The singer reminisces about living in a Hollywood flat with his partner and laughing at their fortunes, holding jobs at a bar down at 3rd and San Vicente, and enjoying Ramen Noodles at 4:30 in the morning. Even though those times were tough, the singer never felt more alive.
The song also talks about how a memory of the partner can suddenly appear, whether it's in a Leonard Cohen song or in a sidewalk, a restaurant, or a passing taxi cab. But, ultimately, the focus is on the present moment where the singer is with his partner. He can hear her breath move in and out slowly, feel her blood flowing out slowly, and when she is under him, he completely lets go, and she takes over him. The lyrics express a deep emotional connection with a partner both in past memories and in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Along the edges, colors blur at seem familiar.
The surroundings are hazy and indistinct, but still recognizable.
While you read your magazine, I was counting all the markers.
While you were occupied with leisurely activities, I was keeping track of important details.
And California seemed to draw you like a siren, from a postcard, or a letter, in a frame of film melting.
California was irresistible to you, like a tempting, mythical creature, depicted in old, fading media.
But under you, I hear your breath move in, out slowly.
When I am close to you, I am aware of your presence and how you breathe.
Under you, let go completely feeling you take over me.
When I am with you, I surrender control and become consumed by you.
A Hollywood flat where we'd laugh about our fortunes, well we held jobs in this bar down at 3rd and San Vicente.
We shared a residence in Hollywood and commiserated over our luck while working at a bar on 3rd and San Vicente.
And Ramen Noodles at 4:30 in the morning, when we barely could survive, I was never more alive.
Eating ramen noodles in the early hours of the morning, when we were struggling to get by, was a thrilling experience that made me feel truly alive.
Under you, I feel your blood flowing out slowly.
When I am close to you, I am aware of your body and how it functions, like the gentle flow of your blood.
You moved in slow degrees, a sudden memory. You're a Leonard Cohen song.
You changed and left my life gradually, but now you exist only as a fleeting memory like the lyrics of a Leonard Cohen song.
But every now and then I'd swear I see you standing on a sidewalk, in a restaurant, from a taxi cab passing.
Although I know you are no longer with me, I sometimes imagine seeing you in everyday situations like standing on a sidewalk, or sitting in a restaurant, seen while riding in a cab.
Under you I feel you moving in, out slowly. Under you let go completely feeling you take over me. Take over me.
When I am with you, I am aware of your body and how it functions, and I surrender control to you completely, letting you consume me.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN GRIFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind