The Uglies have earned residencies at several venues in the Mid Atlantic region, and have been spreading their sound at live shows around the country since 2009. Their music and popularity has organically spread throughout the East Coast, and 2011 and beyond will see Bumpin’ Uglies touring new cities around the nation, spreading their trademark laid back yet precise live performances. The Uglies have the mettle to carry the torch of the reggae/ska/rock genre into the future; to be the band that builds its own success simply by delivering memorable music from their souls; music which listeners can relate to and fully embrace.
Bumpin’ Uglies released their debut LP, Free Candy, in June of 2011. Not since Sublime was selling 40 oz. to Freedom out of the back of their van has an independent LP surprised the listening public with such well-crafted and prolific sounds. Free Candy dares to feel accessible and raw in a rootsy sense, with real, sparkling talent and versatility giving the entire album excellent shape and allure throughout. Lead singer and song writer, Brandon Hardesty proudly claims that, “Free Candy is music for people with real lives and real problems. Most of the songs are based on experiences I’ve had throughout my twenties, so I think there are themes in the songs that most people can relate to.”
Get Back
Bumpin Uglies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been feeling out of touch
Didn′t take your call the other day
Because I couldn't find the words to say
See, I've been chasing
I′ve been reaching out
So, I′ve been spacing
And darling it′s love
That brought me here
I never seen so clear
Music saved my life
The first taste
I finally had a place
So please excuse me while I reminisce
How did I ever get like this
Slave to my drive
When I'm so free
I need to get back to being me
To being me
I′ve been drinking way too much
Because the life I chose is rough
Need to stop thinking about what I'm not
Make time to focus on what I got
Because I′ve been chasing
I've been reaching out
So, I've been spacing
Of what it′s all about
And darling it′s love
That brought me here
I never seen so clear
Music saved my life
The first taste
I finally had a place
So please excuse me while I reminisce
How did I ever get like this
Slave to my drive
When I'm so free
I need to get back to being me
To being me
In Bumpin Uglies's song "Get Back," the singer shares his personal struggles with feeling disconnected from the world and himself. He admits to sleeping too much, feeling out of touch, and drinking too much, all while trying to chase something unknown. He also confesses to missing a call from someone important because he couldn't find the words to say. The chorus of the song talks about how love brought him to where he is, and how music saved his life by providing him with a sense of belonging where he finally felt like he had a place.
The lyrics of the song depict a person who is feeling lost and trying to find their way back to themselves. At first, the singer describes how he has been chasing something and reaching out, but he feels like he's not really sure what he's reaching for. He's spacing out and feels like he's lost touch with what's important. However, despite his struggles, he knows that love is what brought him to where he is, and he's never seen things clearer than he does now. The chorus of the song repeats that music saved his life, giving him a sense of belonging and purpose.
As the song progresses, the singer acknowledges that the life he's chosen is rough and that he's been drinking too much in an attempt to cope. Here, he realizes that he needs to stop thinking about what he's not and focus on what he's got. He reaffirms that with love, he can get back to being himself and break free from being a slave to his own drive. The song's ending leaves the listener with a sense of hope that the singer will be able to reconnect with himself, his loved ones, and the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been sleeping way too much
I've been neglecting my responsibilities and losing sight of my goals by spending too much time in a state of rest.
I've been feeling out of touch
I've been disconnected and disengaged from the things that usually bring me joy and fulfillment.
Didn't take your call the other day, because I couldn't find the words to say
I avoided speaking to you because I didn't know how to express the complex emotions I've been dealing with.
See, I've been chasing
I've been pursuing something obsessively without taking time to reflect or consider other options.
I've been reaching out
I've been seeking help or guidance from others in an attempt to fill a void or find direction.
So, I've been spacing
I've been mentally checked out, disengaged from reality, and struggling to stay focused.
Of what it's all about
I'm uncertain about my purpose or my place in the world, and I'm feeling lost and aimless.
And darling it's love
The driving force behind my actions and behavior is my desire to find and preserve meaningful connections with others.
That brought me here
It is the power of love that has influenced my decisions and led me to where I am today.
I never seen so clear
I've gained new insights and become more self-aware through my experiences, allowing me to see things more clearly.
Music saved my life
The art of music has played an instrumental role in helping me overcome adversity and shape my identity.
The first taste
My initial exposure to music sparked a transformation in me, awakening me to new possibilities and potential.
I finally had a place
Music provided me with a sense of belonging and purpose, helping me to feel more grounded and centered.
So please excuse me while I reminisce
I need to take some time to reflect on my journey and acknowledge the pivotal moments that have shaped my life.
How did I ever get like this
I'm struggling to reconcile my present self with the person I used to be, and I'm feeling conflicted and uncertain.
Slave to my drive
My intense motivation and ambition have led me to become overly focused on achievement and success, to the point where it dominates my life.
When I'm so free
Ironically, despite my frenzied pursuit of success, I'm actually feeling trapped and stifled by my own narrow definition of success.
I need to get back to being me
I need to reclaim my sense of identity and prioritize the things that truly matter to me, rather than being consumed by external pressures and expectations.
To being me
Ultimately, I must learn to embrace and accept myself for who I am, flaws and all, in order to find true fulfillment and happiness.
Writer(s): Brandon Hardesty
Contributed by Addison N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@josh13faulk
Some people have it...and some people dont... this dude right here has it (soul) this is fire!
@michealwhyel7681
Probably just saved my life , thank you for the reminder.
@jessicadarr8235
I feel this song in my SOUL ❤
@tonykennedy1385
Thank you Josh Rodkey for introducing me to Bumping Uglies. You are truly a best friend.
@sandiee1243
If something is broken in this world music can fix it As you said the 1st time you play music You found Yourself Always and forever Music heals the world
@taylorfrost9365
I'm so obsessed. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this today.
@fairyvina4715
My heart…….brings up a lot of feelings - and I see my comment on this from a yer ago I don’t remember listening to this…..
@laurashepherd7335
One of my favorite songs ! Can’t wait to see you guys in couple weeks in Detroit! For the second time, at that location!
@meganmcafoose5543
I have prob listened to this song 100 times in the last couple weeks, along with every other song of yours. I just can't seem to get sick of any of them. Im diggin it!! see you in Illinois next month!!!
@chrisprice6551
You're not alone sister