The band's core members were Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning. This duo recorded and released the band's ambient debut album Feel Good Lost, in 2001, with contributions from Ohad Benchetrit (also known as Years), Evan Cranley, Leslie Feist, Justin Peroff, Bill Priddle, and Charles Spearin. All of these musicians would emerge as key members of Broken Social Scene in future endeavors.
After the release of Feel Good Lost (an almost entirely instrumental album), Drew and Canning decided to transition the band into a more energetic sound reflective of the Toronto indie music scene of the early 2000's. As a result, they brought in a number of local artistic and musicial friends -- the Apostle of Hustle Andrew Whiteman, Jason Collett, Metric's Emily Haines, and Leslie Feist -- to flesh out their live show with lyrics and vocals. Over time, the band also came to include contributions from James Shaw, John Crossingham, Lisa Lobsinger, Julie Penner, Sam Goldberg, and Stars' Amy Millan.
Many of the later guest musicians joined with Drew, Canning, Peroff and Spearin to record the band's second album You Forgot It In People in 2002 on the label Arts & Crafts. This album, an eclectic, restlessly creative collection of experimental yet accessible pop songs, became the band's critical and commercial breakthrough -- it was greeted with widely positive reviews, and landed on many music critics' year-end Best-Of lists. For the success of the release, Broken Social Scene was awarded the Alternative Album of the Year Juno Award in 2003.
The album also included musical contributions by Bill Priddle, Jessica Moss, Brodie West, Susannah Brady and Ohad Benchetrit, but these were credited as supporting musicians rather than band members. On the supporting tour, the band consisted of Drew, Canning, Peroff, Whiteman and Jason Collett, along with whoever else was available to attend any individual show. Amy Millan and Gentleman Reg also joined for some shows.
In 2004, the B-sides and remix collection Bee Hives was released.
Broken Social Scene released their third full-length, self-titled album on October 4, 2005, with new contributors including k-os, Jason Tait and Murray Lightburn. The inside booklet accompanying album also noted several new faces as part of Broken Social Scene. A limited edition EP To Be You And Me was also printed along with the album. For the first time David Newfeld, who had produced Broken Social Scene's albums, was listed as a band member.
The group appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on January 31, 2006 performing 7/4 (Shoreline). During the several-year recording hiatus that followed, many members focused on their respective solo musical efforts; Drew and Canning both released albums under the name Broken Social Scene. The entire band appeared in the 2009 film The Time Traveler's Wife, performing an acoustic/folk-like cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." In Spring 2009, the band reported that it was in the process of recording a new album under the production guidance of John McEntire (of The Sea and Cake and Tortoise). The album, titled Forgiveness Rock Record, was released on May 4, 2010.
It was announced on August 15, 2011 that the band would go on an indefinite hiatus following an October 1, 2011 show featuring Isaac Brock and a fall tour in support of TV on the Radio. On November 8, 2011, a tweet in advance of a concert in Rio de Janeiro stated that it would be the band's final live performance.
The band returned in 2017 with a tour of Europe, Canada, and California. Their new single "Half-Way Home", was part of their latest album due to be released later in 2017. This was their first time writing a full-length album in 7 years.
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Ibi Dreams of Pavement
Broken Social Scene Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you were there, you were there
I said I was never coming back
And you were there, you were there
Well I know the eyelids are under attack
You were there, you were there
Well, it's like the pressure wants to retract
'Cause you were there, you were there
And if God is what they made
Cut their hands off believers
Don't get high on what you create
Well, I saw the Gazza turn into light
And you were there, you were there
All the subtractions made it on time
'Cause you were there, you were there
Well, all the nice boys wait for a sign
You were there, you were there
When I was out on the town, the town
And I needed it, needed it
And if love is what they gave
Turn wives into healers
Don't get high on what you create
Oh, it might just steal ya
The lyrics of "Ibi Dreams of Pavement" by Broken Social Scene tell a story of being in a dark place and having someone there to support you. The first verse describes getting shot in the back and wanting to leave, but the presence of someone else keeps the pressure from overwhelming. The second verse references seeing the Gaza turn into light, which can be interpreted as a peaceful resolution to conflict, and how having someone there helped things to fall into place. The chorus warns against getting too caught up in creating things, like religion or love, and instead focusing on the real world and the people around us.
The song seems to be about the importance of friendship and community during difficult times, and the dangers of putting too much faith in institutions or creations that may not have our best interests in mind. The repetition of "you were there" highlights the importance of having someone to rely on, and the references to conflict and pressure suggest a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. Overall, the song is a reminder to keep our priorities straight and to appreciate those around us who provide support and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I got shot right in the back
The singer experienced a traumatic event and was hurt unexpectedly.
And you were there, you were there
The person being addressed in the song was present during the traumatic event.
I said I was never coming back
The singer was upset or overwhelmed and expressed a desire to never return to the same situation again.
And you were there, you were there
Despite the artist's declaration, the person being addressed remained present and supportive.
Well I know the eyelids are under attack
The artist is aware of a physical or emotional struggle that is affecting them or someone else.
You were there, you were there
The person being addressed was present during this struggle as well, serving as a witness or participant.
Well, it's like the pressure wants to retract
The singer feels a release or reduction in tension or stress due to the support provided by the person being addressed.
'Cause you were there, you were there
The emphasis is on how the person being addressed was present and supportive during this moment of relief.
And if God is what they made
The line questions the role and identity of religious beliefs and their origins.
Cut their hands off believers
This line may suggest a critique of religious zealotry, or a call to limit the actions of those who use religion to harm others.
Don't get high on what you create
The line advises against becoming too attached to one's own creations or accomplishments, as they may lead to destructive behaviors or attitudes.
Well, I saw the Gazza turn into light
The artist witnessed a transformation or change in someone or something.
And you were there, you were there
The person being addressed was present during this moment of change or transformation.
All the subtractions made it on time
This obscure line may suggest a mathematical or logistical aspect of the transformation the singer witnessed.
'Cause you were there, you were there
Again, the emphasis is on the presence and support of the person being addressed during this moment of change.
Well, all the nice boys wait for a sign
This line may suggest that some people wait for external validation or guidance before pursuing their goals or ambitions.
You were there, you were there
The person being addressed was present or supportive during the artist's pursuit of their goals or ambitions.
When I was out on the town, the town
The singer is describing a past moment when they were engaging in social activities.
And I needed it, needed it
The emphasis is on the singer's need for support or companionship.
And if love is what they gave
This line further questions the nature and origins of social or emotional support.
Turn wives into healers
This line may suggest that women are expected to fulfill a nurturing or caretaking role in relationships or society.
Don't get high on what you create
The line is repeated to reinforce the idea that one should not become overly attached to their own accomplishments or creations.
Oh, it might just steal ya
The line suggests that becoming too attached to one's own creations or accomplishments may lead to negative consequences or a loss of self.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Andrew Whiteman, Brendan Canning, Charles Spearin, Evan Whitney Cranley, James Shaw, Justin Peroff, Kevin Drew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
backyardbeachbum
one of their best tracks i think. just has a great feeling to it. nice little pavement tribute too
sammytheseal814
Last night I was quite down and I didn't know why. Then I remembered how this song makes me feel. After blasting it (and 7/4 Shoreline) a couple of times, I was actually smiling. And still am today. In conclusion, if you're ever blue, harness the power "Ibi", that's an iron-clad guarantee.
Christa Vassillière
@New Groove Vinyl Club but then you remember a part of you that’s not lost
New Groove Vinyl Club
Try again ten years later and you’ll just be sad about how old you got
Francis Cleary
Check out the acoustic version they do for KCRW on YouTube. Equally awesome in a totally different way. Major label debut from the same session is so beautiful as well.
Rene Gonzalez
this song is a mandatory listen during road trips!
Jayme Woodward
Found this album in 2007 and am still listening to it in 2021… the more things change the more they stay the same
lisax852
This is one of my favorite BSS songs! Along with Almost Crimes, Stars and Sons, and Windsurfing Nation.
jakelocker38
goosebumps everytime. this should have more views.
tammy staszko
I can't keep my arms leg's and my body from feeling sooooo alive when I hear anyone of Broken social scene music songs playing , even in the market or out with family friends even walking down the street 🥳😇🥰😅 no control just love every single hit ... DANCE like EVERYONE is watching . From HOLYOKE MASS