Frankenreiter started playing in the group, Peanut Butter and Jam, at the age of 18. In 1996 he began to seriously pursue a musical career when he formed the band Sunchild. In Sunchild, Frankenreiter was the lead guitar player but did not sing. The band had a 70s rock sound similar in style to The Black Crowes. They released their first CD, Barefoot & Live, on Surfdog Records in 1997. Produced by Gary Hoey, the live album featured covers of The Allman Brothers Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison, as well as several originals. California Honey followed in 2000 on their own Sunchild Records. This studio album is now out-of-print. Sunchild disbanded in 2001 and Frankenreiter went on to pursue a solo career.
In 2002, Frankenreiter signed with Brushfire Records. His self-titled solo album, Donavon Frankenreiter, was recorded with co-producers Jack Johnson and Mario Caldato Jr. Johnson appears on the album, as do G. Love and Eels member Koool G. Murder. The album was released in April 2004 in Australia due to his high profile in that country from his support gigs for Jack Johnson and from Frankenreiter’s own surfing career. He toured Australia in April 2004, helping the album reach the top forty of the ARIA albums chart. Gary Jules was his support act on this tour. The album was released in the United States one month later, on 11 May 2004.
In 2006, Frankenreiter left Brushfire Records and signed with Lost Highway Records, home of such notable artists as Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams and Willie Nelson. His follow-up album, Move by Yourself, was released on June 6, 2006. Soon afterwards Donavon recorded a song called "Lovely Day" with Koool G., which was featured on the soundtracks to two films, Snakes on a Plane that same year and Georgia Rule in 2007.
In 2010 Donavon parted ways with Lost Highway Records and formed his own label, Liquid Tambourine Records. He subsequently recorded and released his fourth studio album of original material entitled "Glow", which was produced by Mark Weinberg.
In early 2012, Donavon cut ties with band mates Eric Brigmond, Craig Barnette, and Pete Winders, but maintained ties with original band member Matt Grundy.
www.donavonf.com
By Your Side
Donavon Frankenreiter Lyrics
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A friend gone done me wrong
And that's alright
'Cause bad thing don't last long
They made me believe
Believe they were my friends
But I'm not blind
Blind to see it end
I'm going to be just fine
'Cause I'm going home tonight
I'm gonna be right by your side
It's gonna feel so good
I'm gonna be right by your side
Ask how you're doin'
And don't even get a reply
I guess they think
I'm just another guy
Quick to forget
About the friends you had
But then again
I really think you're glad
But you know what
I'm going to be just fine
'Cause I'm going home tonight
I'm gonna be right by your side
It's gonna feel so good
I'm gonna be right by your side
I'm comin' home baby
I'm gonna be right by your side
I can't wait, I can't wait
I'm gonna be right by your side
I'm comin' home baby, comin' home
I'm gonna be right by your side
It's gonna feel so good
I'm gonna be right by your side
I can't wait baby no
I died I'm gonna be right by your side
It's gonna feel so good
I'm gonna be right by your side
The song "By Your Side" by Donavon Frankenreiter talks about a person who has just received news of betrayal from a friend. The singer acknowledges that it's alright because bad things don't last long. He reflects on how the friend group made him believe they were on his side, but after the betrayal, he's no longer blind to the truth. Despite the hurt, he remains optimistic and says he will be just fine because he's going home tonight. The main message of the song is about coming home to the people who support and love us no matter what happens, and how being around that kind of love makes a person feel good.
The song also touches on the theme of the fragility of friendship and how some people are quick to forget about the friends they had. The singer mentions how he asks his friend how they're doing but doesn't get a reply. He believes that his friend is glad that he got betrayed by the group, indicating that there's a level of jealousy, bitterness or even ill will among the friend group that led to the betrayal. Overall, the song is reflective and optimistic, and it reminds listeners that sometimes the best thing to do after a tough time is to go home to those who love and support us.
Line by Line Meaning
I got word today
I received some news today
A friend gone done me wrong
A friend has betrayed me in some way
And that's alright
However, I'm okay with it
'Cause bad thing don't last long
Because, negative things don't last forever
They made me believe
They convinced me to think that
Believe they were my friends
That they were truly my friends
But I'm not blind
But I'm not naive
Blind to see it end
Unable to see the end coming
But you know what
But you know what, though
I'm going to be just fine
I'll be okay
'Cause I'm going home tonight
Because I'm going home tonight
I'm gonna be right by your side
I'm going to be with you
It's gonna feel so good
It will feel great
Ask how you're doin'
Inquire about how you're doing
And don't even get a reply
And don't even receive a response
I guess they think
I suppose they believe
I'm just another guy
That I'm only an ordinary person
Quick to forget
Eager to forget
About the friends you had
About the friends you once had
But then again
But then again, maybe
I really think you're glad
I genuinely believe you're happy
I can't wait, I can't wait
I'm very excited
I died I'm gonna be right by your side
Even in death, I'll be with you
I'm comin' home baby, comin' home
I'm heading home, baby
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RENEE ANDREA NEUFVILLE, JEAN EVALYN NORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind