Together since high school, and still only in their early twenties, Dont Look Down have earned their stripes as relentless road-dogs, sharing stages nationwide with the likes of Yellowcard, Simple Plan, RUFIO, New Found Glory and endless others since releasing their debut full-length Start The Show in early 2002.
With their honest and evolving style (a compelling and unique blend of pop/punk energy and dark, driving rock....played with precision and intensity) and impressive appetite for touring, Dont Look Down's hard work was paying off: the band sold over 5,000 copies of their Five EP, produced by Will Salazar (Fenix TX), on their own in a matter of months, Nitro Records snapped them up in 2003 and recently matched the band up with Brian McTernan for their sophomore album. The Fear In Love is Dont Look Down's next step in their sonic evolution.
“We wanted there to be more of an emphasis on instrumentation on this record to show off our playing ability a bit more,” explains Ogren “We always want to keep challenging ourselves musically.”
Producer Brian McTernan (Thrice, Cave In, Hot Water Music) played an integral roll in Dont Look Down’s maturing sonic signature, bringing The Fear In Love a welcome sense of scale and depth-of-field without sacrificing the band’s emotive rough-edges or performance panache.
Though all four members of Dont Look Down contribute to the writing process, Ogren remains their creative leader. Music entered his life early. He grew up listening to the classic rock of Led Zeppelin and Guns ‘n Roses, before being impacted by the ‘new school’ punk of NOFX, MXPX and later the Ataris and New Found Glory.
More recently, musically ambitious influences like Thrice, Recover and Story of the Year have also influenced the songwriting which became The Fear In Love: the restless riffage and twin-guitar harmonizing of “Stages Of Dying,” juxtaposed against Ogren’s optimistic, cinematic vocal refrains; the ominous bass, interjected guitars and intricate counter-melody of opener “Right Where It Hurts;” and the shape-shifting guitar and drum assault of “Last Breath,” which sets up plaintive plateaus of hope and harmony.
Lyrically, The Fear In Love is at once a personal and universal document, relating what Dont Look Down have been through as a band to what we all experience in life and relationships: “The title, The Fear In Love refers to the fact that with anything involving love there’s always an aspect of fear,” says Ogren. “We love what we do but there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work out - just like with any relationship: you put in all you have, but in the back of your head you really don’t know what’s going to happen. You just have to hope for the best ...”
Having grown up together, Dont Look Down have a best friends’ chemistry on stage which can’t be manufactured, and, though they’re as energetic a band as you’ll see, they have too much respect for their music to let adrenaline overwhelm artistry:“We try to find some sort of medium between going off on stage and playing really well, being a really tight band ...we just try to go out there and play every show as if it is our last.”
A rare coming-together of youthful intensity, unique songwriting skill, fierce playing ability, and endless back-breaking roadwork: Dont Look Down have nothing to fear with The Fear In Love.
Better Off
Don't Look Down Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause I am so tired here and nothing seems alright.
The world it turns around on me and I am spinning.
I'm always far behind, I'm never in front, I'm never winning.
Simply put, I need a break from everything that I am.
Simply put, I need a rest from everything that I can.
[Chorus]
I think I'm better off alone and standing here.
Simply put, I need a break from everything that I am.
Simply put, I need a rest from everything that I can.
I think I'm better off alone [Repeat x2]
Let's go!
Better off alone, alone
The lyrics to "Better Off" by Don't Look Down expresses the desire to escape from the current situation and the need to take a break from everything. The singer is feeling exhausted and drained from their current circumstances, and they desire to go somewhere else where they can find solace, peace and recharge their batteries. They feel like the world is spinning around them and they are struggling to keep up, as they are always behind, never winning, and never in front. The singer recognizes the need for a break and rest from everything they are currently dealing with.
The chorus of the song, "I think I'm better off alone and standing here," represents the singer's belief that they are better off by themselves and that they do not need anyone to help them. The song is a representation of the struggle to take care of oneself, to acknowledge when it's time to take a break, and to embrace the courage to stand alone.
In conclusion, "Better Off" by Don't Look Down is an introspective song that reflects on the need for self-care, rest and the desire to stand alone to recharge.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feeling like, I need to go somewhere else tonight.
I have the urge to be somewhere else tonight because I feel exhausted and nothing seems to be going right here.
Cause I am so tired here and nothing seems alright.
The constant feeling of tiredness is overwhelming and nothing about my current situation makes me feel content.
The world it turns around on me and I am spinning.
The chaos and unpredictability of life leave me feeling lost and disoriented.
I'm always far behind, I'm never in front, I'm never winning.
I constantly feel like I'm not keeping up with others in life, and can never seem to get ahead.
Simply put, I need a break from everything that I am.
In simpler terms, I require a break from my usual way of life and everything that makes me who I am.
Simply put, I need a rest from everything that I can.
Similarly, I need a break from all of the things that I am capable of doing and everything I'm expected to do.
I think I'm better off alone and standing here.
I believe that being by myself and staying still is the best course of action for me right now.
I think I'm better off alone [Repeat x2]
Repeating the idea that being alone is most beneficial for me at this moment.
Let's go!
An enthusiastic call to action, indicating the desire to make a change and leave the current situation behind.
Better off alone, alone
Repeating the central message that I will be better off and more comfortable by myself for now.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Forrest
Love this song! Thanks for posting!!
Adam Parker
Hey man - do you have a digital version of this song? I used to own the "Start the Show" album back in 2002, but can't find a digital version anywhere these days. Would you be able to send it to me by any chance? Thanks
Juliano Silveira
hahahahhaha.... foi uma passagem rápida por aqui!!!! KkKKKk