According to Songfacts, Buffalo Tom's name is derived from the band Buffalo Springfield and the first name of the drummer Tom Maginnis. The band epitomized the rise of indie guitar rock in the 1990s, but unfortunately they had only limited commercial success, despite the consistently high quality of their records.
While Buffalo Tom never 'officially' broke up, they took a seven year break, starting around 1999/2000. During that time while singer/guitarist Bill Janovitz and singer/bassist Chris Colbourn worked on solo material and other projects (Bill with his band, The Crown Victoria, Chris with former Fuzzy singer/guitarist Hilken Mancini). Drummer Tom Maginnis took up a day job in publishing.
In 2007 the trio began playing again and released an album of new material, Three Easy Pieces.
As of 2018 they are again active, touring behind their album released 3/2/2018, "Quiet and Peace."
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Lost Weekend
Buffalo Tom Lyrics
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But he never turned around to see the smiling faces
And as he left he thought it doesn’t take too much to make you smile
But he never doubted for a second that he’d miss them
Flying into space is like just any other weekend
Get yourself propelled with any fuel that’s for the taking
In between the trip and what you tell for the stories
I’m the one who’s leaving for the weekend
And yours will be the heart that I am breaking
And get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself
And have yourself a merry little weekend
Leaving just a trail of vapor here is all we’re seeing
Billy said he’s back if only just for a vacation
Climbing into cockpits like a plastic bubble
His submarine is in real trouble
It doesn’t bother him to know we miss him
In between the trip and what you tell for stories
All the details of your glory
I’m the one who’s leaving for the weekend
And yours will be the heart that I am breaking
And get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself
And have yourself a merry little weekend
Oh yeah, good bye
In between the tales for what you tell for stories
All the details all the glory
But I’m the one you’re leaving for the weekend
And yours will be the heart that I am breaking
So get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself
To have yourself a merry little weekend
The song “Lost Weekend” by Buffalo Tom portrays the emotions of someone who is leaving their loved ones behind for a weekend. The singer, Billy, leaves with a heavy heart, knowing that he would miss his loved ones. The lyrics of the song paint a picture of someone who is going on a journey, either physically or metaphorically. The song’s title refers to how Billy’s weekend feels like it is lost, almost as if he is disconnected from reality. The lyrics suggest that when people go on trips, they often have their minds occupied by the past or the future, making it hard for them to be truly present in the moment.
The lyrics also suggest that people often put on a brave face when leaving their loved ones, pretending that everything is okay even though they feel sad. The line “And get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself” symbolizes finding a way to deal with difficult emotions and distracting oneself from the pain of leaving loved ones behind. The chorus of the song, “And yours will be the heart that I am breaking,” represents the singer’s realization that, although he is the one leaving, his loved ones’ hearts will also be affected.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy said goodbye, I’m only leaving for the weekend
Billy bid farewell and reassured those he was leaving behind that it was just a short absence.
But he never turned around to see the smiling faces
Billy left without looking back to witness the happiness his presence brought.
And as he left he thought it doesn’t take too much to make you smile
Billy pondered how a little effort could bring joy to those around us.
But he never doubted for a second that he’d miss them
Billy knew he would feel the absence of those he left behind despite the short time frame.
Flying into space is like just any other weekend
Traveling to the vast emptiness of space seems as normal as regular weekend leisure activities.
Get yourself propelled with any fuel that’s for the taking
One can launch themselves into space with whatever is available as fuel without being picky.
In between the trip and what you tell for the stories
As one completes their journey, they have the opportunity to share exciting stories of their trip.
All the details of your glory
All the details of the incredible things experienced can be shared to bring glory to oneself.
I’m the one who’s leaving for the weekend
The artist is the one departing for the short absence.
And yours will be the heart that I am breaking
The artist acknowledges that someone will be heartbroken at their temporary departure.
And get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself
The singer advises to find the necessary motivation within oneself to launch into exciting experiences.
And have yourself a merry little weekend
The artist encourages all to enjoy their limited free time to the fullest extent.
Leaving just a trail of vapor here is all we’re seeing
Billy's departure is evidenced only by the trail of exhaust he leaves behind as he escapes the atmosphere.
Billy said he’s back if only just for a vacation
Billy states that his return is only temporary and only for leisure purposes.
Climbing into cockpits like a plastic bubble
Billy demonstrates how he enters the cockpit as if he's encasing himself in a plastic bubble for protection.
His submarine is in real trouble
The metaphorical submarine that is Billy's life may be in danger as he travels into the unknown.
But I’m the one you’re leaving for the weekend
The artist is the one being left behind for the short duration.
So get yourself a rocketship you can find it within yourself
The singer urges the listener to find personal motivation to pursue their ambitions.
To have yourself a merry little weekend
The singer wishes their audience to fully enjoy their weekend break by seeking happiness.
Contributed by Arianna Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.