The band formed iteratively around Sweeney between '92-'94. They released Gone Glimmering in '95 followed by Ride The Fader in '96, both on Matador.
Sweeney, a longtime friend of Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, has also played in Corgan's side-project, Zwan, and more recently in a duo with Will Oldham on their Superwolf album.
Pitchfork recently reviewed the new Chavez compilation which also contains some nice observations about their sound and its context.
After a lengthy hiatus between 1999 and 2006 they have recently begun playing extensively around the New York area.
Lions
Chavez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Saw what goes down hasn't risen
After all this something good has got to happen
Something good's got to happen
Sleep with the lions
I stand respectfully in horror and wait
I wait attentively and load up my (play?)
I stand respectfully in horror and wait
To hear
Who's next
The lyrics to Chavez's song "Lions" are melancholic and thought-provoking. The first two lines of the song relate how someone becomes thin from a single decision, possibly indicating that a wrong decision brought on dire consequences leading to emotional and physical deterioration. The following line, “Saw what goes down hasn't risen,” suggests that the decision led to an insurmountable fall. However, the next line, “After all this something good has got to happen,” implies that the singer refuses to give up hope despite the misfortunes.
The chorus, “something good's got to happen, sleep with the lions,” is intriguing since it is not entirely clear what the message is behind it. It could be seen as a reference to the expression about sleeping with the lions to suggest that someone is taking on an extreme challenge, facing difficulties head-on, and undergoing growth from the experience. It could also be interpreted that the singer is looking for solace amidst danger and discomfort, suggesting that something good must come from something negative.
The lines "I stand respectfully in horror and wait" and "I wait attentively and load up my (play?)" suggest a state of tension and vulnerability, with the singer waiting for something to happen while watching the outcome of the decision unfold. The final line "To hear, who's next" implies a possible resolution of sorts, but it is ambiguous as to whether it's something detrimental or positive. Overall, the song appears to deal with themes of perseverance, hope, and accepting the risks that come with challenging decisions.
Line by Line Meaning
Got so thin from one decision
I became emaciated from making a significant choice in my life
Saw what goes down hasn't risen
I saw that the negative outcomes of my decision have not improved
After all this something good has got to happen
Despite everything, I am hoping for a positive change
Something good's got to happen
I have faith that a favorable outcome is on the horizon
Sleep with the lions
I am prepared to face danger and adversity
I stand respectfully in horror and wait
I am patiently anticipating what comes next with a mix of respect and fear
To hear
I am listening intently for any sign of what to expect
Who's next
I am wondering who will be faced with the same challenges as me next
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DANIEL GASTON ASH, GLENN DEREK CAMPLING, KEVIN HASKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jess I.
This whole album was so far ahead of its time.
Martin Bourdeau
This song will never get old!
callitsane918
Vocals are about 7 years ahead of it's time
darealjansolo
What fucking great song. Incredible.