Big Head Todd and The Monsters – singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr, bassist-singer Rob Squires, drummer-singer Brian Nevin and keyboardist-guitarist-singer Jeremy Lawton -- could have begun resting on their laurels back in 1993, when their Top 10 singles “Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior,” “Circle” and “It’s Alright” pushed the album Sister Sweetly to platinum certification. However, Mohr says, “I’ve fought throughout our career not to be a one-trick pony, to be the kind of band that has depth and diversity in its catalogue. I’m a fan of this band, and I’m constantly looking forward to what comes next.”
The essence of Big Head Todd and The Monsters – a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock ’n’ roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting – has been winning fans since Mohr, Rob Squires and Brian Nevin started playing together in high school (Jeremy Lawton joined in 2004). Needless to say, the three never expected to be in the same band at this late date, but, as Mohr points out, “It was a really fortunate combination of musical personalities, and we’re still partners in every sense of the word.”
The band spent seven years developing their chemistry and amassing a following, boosted significantly by the independent releases Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990), before being “discovered” by the listening public at large with 1993’s Sister Sweetly. After a major-label stint (Sister Sweetly, 1994’s Stratagem, 1997’s Beautiful World), during which the trio increasingly found itself frustrated artistically, they reclaimed their independent status (2001’s Riviera, 2004’s Crimes of Passion). “If it were not for our ability to do things for ourselves, we would have disappeared a long time ago,” Mohr allows.
Glow
Big Head Todd and the Monsters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sincerity reflects off the cellophane.
Burning embers that fill the ashtray, let me write away.
I'm ready to rest, I'm ready to die.
God I Love your face.
Love is blind, so feel the warm glow.
You're so scared you'll get cut.
One more smoke and then I've gotta run,
and the longings just begun.
With all the hearts that I've known,
Can yours be the last one?
I hope my eyes don't hurt too much when I look back.
I know by morning time your pillow will be black.
I hope that every night you'll bring me new light.
I hope my trembling hands get held by yours, so tight.
So baby just glow.
I hope my eyes don't hurt too much when you look back.
I know by morning time, your pillow will be black.
I know that every night you'll bring me new light.
And I hope you'll hold this broken heart,
I'll be yours, I wont go, so baby let's glow.
So I'll shout at the storm.
Dark thunder farewell.
So long, dark clouds.
I'll see you in Hell....
So Baby Just Glow.
...I'm so proud of you for glowing....
The first paragraph sets a nostalgic tone as it describes a picture of someone, perhaps a loved one, that is kept in a plastic page. The sincerity of the emotions felt for this person is reflected off the cellophane covering the picture. The reference to burning embers in the ashtray adds a sense of intensity and urgency, suggesting that the singer has a lot to express through writing. The line "I'm ready to rest, I'm ready to die" could be interpreted as a metaphorical expression of being emotionally drained and ready to let go. Despite this, there is still a deep love for the person depicted in the picture.
The second paragraph brings up the concept that love is blind, implying that it can make one feel vulnerable and afraid. The singer acknowledges this fear, reassuring the person addressed as "kid" that they understand it. The mention of smoking and the longing it perpetuates suggests a desire for something or someone beyond the current experience. The question posed at the end of the paragraph, "Can yours be the last one?", expresses a hope for finding lasting love.
The third paragraph continues with expressions of hope and desire. The singer hopes that looking back on their relationship won't cause too much pain, indicating a recognition that their time together might not have been easy. The mention of the pillow turning black by morning time suggests tears and emotional struggles that have taken place during the night. Despite this, the singer hopes for a future where the person they address will bring them new light. The desire for physical and emotional connection is emphasized through the hope of holding trembling hands tightly.
The final paragraph takes a more defiant and empowering turn. The singer shouts at the storm, bidding farewell to dark and tumultuous times. They acknowledge that dark clouds may still be present but express a determination to face them fearlessly. The line "I'll see you in Hell" can be interpreted as an expression of defiance towards the challenges and struggles they have faced. The closing line, "I'm so proud of you for glowing", suggests that the singer admires and appreciates the person they address for their resilience and ability to shine despite difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Your picture resides in a plastic page.
Your image is preserved in a lifeless, artificial state.
Sincerity reflects off the cellophane.
Authenticity shines through the facade of superficiality and artificiality.
Burning embers that fill the ashtray, let me write away.
As I try to find solace in writing, the remnants of our past fill the ashtray with smoldering memories.
I'm ready to rest, I'm ready to die.
I am emotionally drained and ready for an end to the pain and suffering.
God I Love your face.
I deeply adore and cherish your presence.
Love is blind, so feel the warm glow.
Love is unpredictable and encompassing, so embrace its comforting and radiant warmth.
You're so scared you'll get cut.
You are filled with fear and vulnerability, afraid of being emotionally wounded.
Believe me kid, I know.
Trust me, I understand and can relate to your fears and anxieties.
One more smoke and then I've gotta run, and the longings just begun.
Before I have to leave, I indulge in one last moment of escape, but the yearning for something more lingers on.
With all the hearts that I've known, Can yours be the last one?
Having encountered many hearts in the past, I wonder if yours could be the final one, the one that completes me.
I hope my eyes don't hurt too much when I look back.
I hope the pain of nostalgia and reminiscence won't be too overwhelming when I reflect on our past.
I know by morning time your pillow will be black.
I am aware that tears will stain your pillow during the night, a testament to your sorrow and heartache.
I hope that every night you'll bring me new light.
I hope that each night, you'll bring me fresh hope and optimism, illuminating my life.
I hope my trembling hands get held by yours, so tight.
I yearn for the comfort and reassurance of your firm grip, soothing my anxious and shaky state.
So baby just glow.
So, my love, radiate your inner light and brightness.
I hope my eyes don't hurt too much when you look back.
I hope the pain of nostalgia and reminiscence won't be too overwhelming for you when you reflect on our past.
I know by morning time, your pillow will be black.
I am aware that tears will stain your pillow during the night, a testament to your sorrow and heartache.
I know that every night you'll bring me new light.
I am certain that each night, you'll bring me fresh hope and optimism, illuminating my life.
And I hope you'll hold this broken heart, I'll be yours, I won't go, so baby let's glow.
I desire for you to embrace my wounded heart, committing to me and our relationship. Let's shine together.
So I'll shout at the storm. Dark thunder farewell. So long, dark clouds. I'll see you in Hell....
I will confront and overcome the difficulties and adversities in my life, bidding farewell to the dark and troublesome circumstances.
...I'm so proud of you for glowing....
I deeply admire and commend you for embracing your inner light and shining brightly.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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