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.
ellis island
Big Head Todd and the Monsters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come from a land she's never known.
She sees in her future castles burning bright,
But she's got no place to go.
And if you should ever speak with her,
Keep your promises to a whisper.
She is listening. She hears everything.
Into the evening, forgotten in her lonely soul.
She wonders why everything ain't right
For all the people down here below.
Hey, sister where's your life?
Brother, where's your home?
And if you should ever speak with her,
She is listening. She hears everything.
Into the air, and disappears,
Into the evening, forgotten in her lonely soul.
There's a whisper inside every broken heart.
A frail, frail dream.
Which runs through the traffic and plays a part.
Sweet love through eternity.
And if you should ever speak with her,
Keep your promises to a whisper.
She is listening. She hears everything.
Into the air, and disappears,
Into the evening, forgotten in her lonely soul.
The lyrics to Big Head Todd and the Monsters' song "Ellis Island" speak to the immigrant experience in America. The singer is a woman who has come to the United States, leaving behind her homeland for a new life. However, she finds herself struggling to find her place in this new world. She dreams of a better future, but feels as though she has no home and no one to turn to. The dim trumpet light sets the scene for a dark and introspective mood, reflecting the woman's feelings of isolation and uncertainty.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of broken promises and dashed hopes. The woman listens to those around her, hoping for a better future, but is often let down. The refrain "keep your promises to a whisper" suggests that she has learned not to trust others too easily, as they may not always keep their word. She wonders why everything isn't right for all the people "down here below", hinting at the socioeconomic inequality and discrimination that many immigrants faced when arriving in America.
Despite the melancholic tone of the lyrics, there is a message of hope in the end. The "whisper inside every broken heart" is a "frail dream" of finding love that can carry one through even the most difficult times. This dream is present even in the midst of the chaotic traffic and confusion of the city. The woman disappears into the evening, forgotten in her lonely soul, but this dream of finding love and a home endures.
Line by Line Meaning
New York lady slips underneath the dim trumpet light.
A woman from a foreign land arrives in New York and walks under the dimly lit trumpet light, unsure of her surroundings.
Come from a land she's never known.
The woman is from a place she's never known before.
She sees in her future castles burning bright, But she's got no place to go.
Despite her bright dreams for the future, she has no place to call home.
And if you should ever speak with her, Keep your promises to a whisper. She is listening. She hears everything.
If you talk to her, be careful with your words because she's paying attention to everything you say.
Into the air, and disappears, Into the evening, forgotten in her lonely soul.
The woman disappears into the night, feeling forgotten and alone.
She wonders why everything ain't right For all the people down here below.
She questions why things are not fair for everyone.
Hey, sister where's your life? Brother, where's your home?
The song asks about the woman's life and home, as well as those of her fellow immigrants.
There's a whisper inside every broken heart. A frail, frail dream.
Despite feeling broken and fragile, everyone has a dream.
Which runs through the traffic and plays a part. Sweet love through eternity.
The dream is something that transcends the current chaos and represents eternal love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TODD PARK MOHR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tnrc75
Amazing - I had one of their albums 25 years ago but I didn't appreciate it and I didn't get "hooked". I'm glad to be here now.
@en5788
Just incredible. Wish i was there. This has to be one of the most epic shows of all time.
@michaelparsons3893
Been listening to these guys since about '93... doesn't get any better - and these Red Rock recordings are incredible!! ☺
@Gavgoyle
Such casual, easy brilliance from the lot of them... I am always in awe of BHT!
@merc260ss
In Todd We Trust
@davidmartinez2833
I met them at the Mile High Flea Market in Denver in 1991. They were selling Midnight Radio CDs and signed my copy for me. I’d never heard of them before but once I put the music on for my 6 hour trip home, I was hooked. Met up with them again in Boise in 1993. Seen them live many times and try to make the Red Rocks show every June
@dantallman5345
The bass was filthy on this!
@tommajni228
These guys can bring a Studio Recording to a live Venue?
Non Better.
@mbkk2951
these guys are very good !!! just what the soul needs every once in while !!!!!!
@Adewhurst10
Excellent