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
That's Too Bad
Donavon Frankenreiter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby don't you know that, I don't want to fight
Oh baby why did you get up and leave
Don't you know woman, you're the roots of my tree
That's too bad
That's too bad
Yesterday seems like a life ago
But today seems like it' movin' real slow
When I look into your big brown eyes
I don't care if tomorrow's ever gonna lie
That's too bad
That's too bad
Your love ain't gonna make me sad no more
That's too bad
That's too bad
Your love ain't gonna make me sad no more, no more, no more, no more
In Donavon Frankenreiter's song That's Too Bad, the singer recounts his lover's departure the night before and expresses his frustration and sadness at her leaving. He wonders where she went and what she did, emphasizing that he does not want to fight with her. He also pleads with her to stay, telling her that she is the foundation of his happiness. The chorus repeats the phrase "that's too bad," suggesting that despite his feelings of sadness and disappointment, he will not allow her love to continue to hurt him.
As the song continues, the singer reflects on how time seems to pass more slowly without his lover present. However, when he looks into her eyes, he is reminded of how much he cares for her and does not care about what tomorrow may bring. The chorus repeats, emphasizing that the singer has reached a point of acceptance and is no longer going to allow his lover's actions to break him down.
Overall, the lyrics of "That's Too Bad" convey the ups and downs of a romantic relationship, from the pain of separation to the joy of reconciliation. The repetition of the phrase "that's too bad" serves as a reminder that while love can be complicated and difficult, it is ultimately the singer's choice whether or not to let it bring him happiness or sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
Where did you go, what did you do, late last night
Tell me, my dear, where you wandered off to and what you did last night
Baby don't you know that, I don't want to fight
Darling, don't you realize that I don't wish to argue
Oh baby why did you get up and leave
Oh, darling, why'd you have to leave me alone
Don't you know woman, you're the roots of my tree
My dear, you are the very foundation of my life
That's too bad
Well, I suppose that's unfortunate
That's too bad
I guess that's just too bad
Your love ain't gonna make me sad no more, no more, no more, no more
But your love won't bring me down any longer, no longer, no longer, no longer
Yesterday seems like a life ago
The previous day feels like it happened ages ago
But today seems like it' movin' real slow
However, today seems to be crawling along
When I look into your big brown eyes
Whenever I gaze into your beautiful brown eyes
I don't care if tomorrow's ever gonna lie
I don't mind what the future may hold
Your love ain't gonna make me sad no more
Your love isn't going to depress me anymore
That's too bad
I guess that's too bad
That's too bad
Oh, well, I suppose that's a shame
Your love ain't gonna make me sad no more, no more, no more, no more
But your love won't bring me down any longer, no longer, no longer, no longer
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.