Before forming Escape the Fate, vocalist Ronnie Radke, bassist Max Green, drummer Robert Ortiz, lead guitarist Bryan Monte Money, and rhythm guitarist Omar Espinosa were in multiple bands together.
In September 2005, Escape the Fate had won a local radio contest judged by My Chemical Romance. The gig awarded them the opportunity to open a show on the band's headlining tour with Alkaline Trio and Reggie and the Full Effect, which subsequently led to Escape the Fate's record deal with Epitaph.
On May 23, 2006, the band released their debut EP titled There's No Sympathy for the Dead. The EP included two songs that were later on their full-length album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion. The EP was produced by Michael Baskette and helped earn the band attention from record labels and fans alike. After the EP's release, keyboardist Carson Allen left the band to join On the Last Day.
On September 26, 2006, the band released their first full-length album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion.
In 2007, during the Black on Black tour, rhythm guitarist Omar Espinosa left the band due to personal issues.
Ronnie Radke was asked to leave the band after he was sentenced to prison in June 2008 for multiple run-ins with the law involving narcotics and battery for a fight that led up to the death of Michael Cook. As stated by Max Green, "First we couldn't tour out of the country, then out of the state."
After the departure of Radke, former Blessthefall vocalist Craig Mabbitt joined the band, first as a temporary replacement, and then as a permanent member.
This War Is Ours was released on October 21, 2008. It included the singles "The Flood", "Something", "10 Miles Wide", and "This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II)". It was the first Escape the Fate album featuring Craig Mabbitt as the vocalist.
Escape the Fate announced via a MySpace bulletin that they would film a video for "This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II)" on January 9, 2010. It was filmed at the Yost Theater in Santa Ana, California.
On February 15, 2010, Epitaph Records announced the re-release of the This War Is Ours album in deluxe CD/DVD edition. The CD includes two new never before heard songs, later identified to be "Bad Blood" and "Behind the Mask", an acoustic version of "Harder Than You Know", and an unreleased remix of "This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II)" called "This War Is Mine", remixed by the Shawn Crahan. It also came with a DVD that featured the new music video to "This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II)", as well as "Something", "The Flood", and "10 Miles Wide". It also comes with a world tour documentary and a behind the music feature. It was released on April 27, 2010.
In an interview during Warped Tour 2009, Max Green stated that the album will feature a song co-written by Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe, who approached Escape the Fate to collaborate on some songs but later was revealed that they decided against putting the song on the album and saving for a future release.
Starting July 24, 2010, they set off on tour for South and Central America, the country's toured are Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Colombia and Venezuela.
On July 26, 2010, Escape the Fate announced via MySpace some new updates on the album. They officially said that the new record will be released through a major record label, DGC/Interscope, and produced by Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Bullet For My Valentine, Hollywood Undead). Its release was set for November 2nd, 2010. Max Green commented on it, saying, "This record is the cure for the modern-day music epidemic, We are wiping the slate clean and re-writing rock music as you know it.” Escape The Fate was set to take on a United States, Canada, and Europe tour before the release of the album, with Bullet For My Valentine, Drive A and Black Tide but later forfeited their spot due to Max Green admitting to rehab.
On August 31, 2010, the band released the album's first single, "Massacre." Their second single, and first official one to be released to radio stations, "Issues", from the self-titled album, Escape the Fate, leaked via KROQ Radio on the 9th of September, and later officially released the single, "Issues", on September 15, 2010. The music video of "Issues", premiered on September 28 on Youtube. December 21, the next single released was "City of Sin" with a music video for it on Youtube.
On January 11, 2011, the band performed live in "Tues Show" (Fuel. tv) the song "Issues" and "Gorgeous Nightmare" with the special collaboration of Kevin Thrasher (of Lovehatehero). On June 15, 2011, the band released a music video for their next single off the self-titled album, "Gorgeous Nightmare". The video was directed by Robby Starbuck, who has previously worked with Asking Alexandria and Silverstein. On August 19, 2011, the band announced via Facebook that Monte Money would be taking a break from touring but will still be in the band. Kevin Thrasher, who has worked with the band in the past, will be substituting for Monte. It was also announced that Max Green returned to the band after making a breakthrough in the first half of 2011 to recover from his addiction to drugs through rehab. “I’m feeling great and am glad to be back with my band. Escape The Fate is my life. This is where I belong.”, Max Green said. After they played a couple of shows at the 2011 Uproar Festival, Max, again, left the band and Zakk Sandler, from Black Tide (who was also playing Uproar), filled in for him.
Tj Bell, currently bassist of getting Scared once again filled in for bassist Max Green on the bands UK tour with Funeral For A Friend, who had previously filled in for Green on their tour with Papa Roach.
In mid-December 2011, the band re-entered the studio to work on the production of their fourth album. The album will be produced by John Feldmann and is scheduled for release sometime in 2012. It is currently unknown if Max Green has returned to the band to play bass on the upcoming album or if the band hired a new bassist. However, there is much speculation as to former Motionless In White rhythm guitarist and current Get Scared bassist TJ Bell will be taking over on bass due to the band tweeting pictures of him recording in the studio, plus his recent touring history with the band filling in for Max Green.
On December 27, Craig Mabbitt posted on his official Facebook page that he will be recording music for his new side-project all through January 2012 and recording for Escape the Fate all through February. He commented that since they are recording with John Feldmann again, who they worked with on their second album, This War Is Ours, the style of the upcoming album will be similar to This War Is Ours but will also have elements of their self-titled album added in. He teased a big upcoming announcement as well.
Current members:
Robert Ortiz - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–present)
Craig Mabbitt - lead vocals (2008–present)
Thomas "TJ" Bell - rhythm guitar (2013-present), bass guitar (2012-2013), (touring 2011-2012)
Kevin "Thrasher" Gruft - lead guitar (2013–present), (touring 2011)
Erik Jensen – bass guitar, backing vocals (touring 2017–present)
Former members:
Carson Allen - keyboards, synthesizers, vocals (2005–2006)
Omar Espinosa - rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2007)
Ronnie Radke - lead vocals (2004–2008)
Bryan "Monte" Money - lead guitar, backing vocals (2004-2013)
Michael Money - rhythm guitar (2012–2013), (touring 2008-2012)
Max Green - bass guitar, backing vocals (2004-2012, 2013–2014)
Former touring members:
Zakk Sandler – bass guitar, backing vocals (2011)
Davey Richmond – bass guitar (2014)
Alex Torres – bass guitar (2014; 2015)
Tyler Burgess – bass guitar (2015)
Max Georgiev – bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–2017)
Discography:
1. Escape The Fate (EP) (2005)
2. There's No Sympathy For The Dead (May 13, 2006)
3. Dying Is Your Latest Fashion (September 26, 2006)
4. This War Is Ours (October 21, 2008)
5. Escape The Fate (November 2, 2010)
6. Ungrateful (May 14, 2013)
7. Hate Me (October 30, 2015)
8. I Am Human (March 30, 2018)
If Only
Escape the Fate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So much we didn't do
Still got that shirt you let me borrow
That I never returned to you
So many things I should've done
But I always got off track
Here's the money that I owe you
'Cause you never asked for anything,
Not anything at all
Except once in a while
You'd ask if I could give you a call
How I wish that I had listened then
How I wish I gave a damn
How I wish that I could call you now
Just to tell you how I am
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
Since the day you left us
Things just haven't been the same
My family hasn't spoken
Since the day you went away
If only you could see us now
I know you'd be ashamed
Can you send me a sign from heaven
And help us change our ways?
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
I can hear your voice in everything
In every single song
And it's tough holding my head up high
Still knowing that you're gone
These times are so confusing
But I know that in the end
We will spread our wings and fly away
The day we meet again
Don't leave, I need you now
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
I need you now
If only I had found the time (I need you now)
If only I had even tried (I need you now)
If only I had done enough (I need you now)
Having to let you go
Wouldn't have to hurt so much
The lyrics of Escape the Fate's song "If Only" convey a sense of regret and longing for a lost connection and missed opportunities. The singer reflects on all the things left undone and expresses remorse for not taking the time or effort to do them. The mention of a borrowed shirt highlights the physical reminder of the lingering absence and the singer's failure to return it, representing the unfinished business between them.
Furthermore, the lyrics touch upon the singer's indebtedness to the person they are addressing. It is implied that they owe money, but the other person never asked for it back. This speaks to the unconditional support and lack of demands this person has shown towards the singer. The lyrics suggest that the singer failed to appreciate this kindness and wishes they had reciprocated it.
The chorus emphasizes the person's selflessness, portraying them as someone who never asks for anything except for an occasional phone call. This contrasts with the singer's own lack of attentiveness in their relationship. The regret deepens as the singer reflects on how they should have listened, cared, and made the effort to stay connected. These lines highlight a missed opportunity to nurture the relationship and convey the singer's longing to have another chance to express themselves.
The second verse shifts focus to the impact of the person's absence on the singer's family. The lyrics suggest that since the person left, the family dynamic has deteriorated, and communication has ceased. The singer expresses their belief that the person, if they were still here, would feel ashamed of this outcome. They ask for a sign from heaven, implying a hope for guidance and the possibility of healing and redemption.
The bridge of the song reflects on the lasting presence of the person who has passed away. The singer hears their voice in everything, particularly in songs, which may serve as a reminder of their shared experiences and the emotions that accompanied them. Clinging to memories and hearing their voice creates a bittersweet struggle for the singer as they try to hold their head up high in the face of their absence.
In the final chorus, the singer pines for the lost time, effort, and connection. They express a need for the person who is no longer there. The repetition of the line "If only I had" emphasizes their longing and the weight of their regret. The lyrics imply that had they done more, saying goodbye to the person would not cause as much pain as it does now.
Overall, the lyrics of "If Only" by Escape the Fate reveal a deep sense of regret for lost opportunities, unfulfilled obligations, and a longing for a lost connection. The singer's remorse extends to both their personal relationship and the impact on their family. They yearn for a sign from the person and express the struggle of carrying on without them. The repeated longing for more time and effort reflects the magnitude of their regret and the desire for redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
There's so many things we left undone
There are numerous unfinished tasks and actions between us
So much we didn't do
We had a lot of missed opportunities and unexplored experiences
Still got that shirt you let me borrow
That I never returned to you
I still possess the shirt you lent me, which I failed to give back
So many things I should've done
I should have accomplished numerous things
But I always got off track
However, I frequently deviated from my intended path
Here's the money that I owe you
That you never asked for back
Here is the money I should have repaid, but you never requested it
'Cause you never asked for anything,
Not anything at all
Because you never made any demands or requests
Except once in a while
You'd ask if I could give you a call
Except on occasion, when you would inquire if I could contact you
How I wish that I had listened then
Oh, how I desire to have heeded your words during that time
How I wish I gave a damn
How I wish I displayed genuine concern and care
How I wish that I could call you now
Just to tell you how I am
Oh, how I wish to have the opportunity to update you on my current state by making a phone call
If only I had found the time
If only I had managed to allocate the necessary time
If only I had even tried
If only I had made an effort
If only I had done enough
If only I had accomplished sufficient actions
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
If I had fulfilled my responsibilities, the pain of saying goodbye wouldn't be as intense
Since the day you left us
Things just haven't been the same
Since the day you departed from our lives, everything has changed
My family hasn't spoken
Since the day you went away
My family members haven't communicated with each other since you departed
If only you could see us now
I know you'd be ashamed
If only you could witness our current state, I am certain you would feel disappointed
Can you send me a sign from heaven
And help us change our ways?
Is it possible for you to send a sign or message from the afterlife, guiding us to improve ourselves?
I can hear your voice in everything
In every single song
I perceive echoes of your voice in every aspect of life, especially in music
And it's tough holding my head up high
Still knowing that you're gone
It is difficult to maintain my composure and confidence while being aware of your absence
These times are so confusing
The present circumstances are filled with uncertainty and perplexity
But I know that in the end
We will spread our wings and fly away
However, I have faith that eventually, we will overcome these difficulties and embark on a new journey
The day we meet again
The day when we reunite
Don't leave, I need you now
Please do not depart, as I require your presence urgently
If only I had found the time (I need you now)
If only I had managed to allocate the necessary time (I need you now)
If only I had even tried (I need you now)
If only I had made an effort (I need you now)
If only I had done enough (I need you now)
If only I had accomplished sufficient actions (I need you now)
Having to let you go
Wouldn't have to hurt so much
The pain of saying goodbye could have been lessened if I had fulfilled my responsibilities
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Thomas J. Bell, Howard M. Benson, Kevin Howard Gruft, Robert Ortiz, Craig Edward Mabbitt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sulli P
[Verse 1]
There's so many things we left undone, so much we didn't do
Still got that shirt you let me borrow that I never returned to you
So many things I should've done, but I always got off track
Here's the money that I owe you, that you never asked for back
'Cause you never asked for anything, not anything at all
Except once in a while you'd ask if I could give you a call
How I wish that I had listened then, how I wish I gave a damn
How I wish that I could call you now just to tell you how I am
[Chorus]
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
[Verse 2]
Since the day you left us things just haven't been the same
My family hasn't spoken since the day you went away
If only you could see us now I know you'd be ashamed
Can you send me a sign from heaven and help us change our ways?
[Chorus]
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
[Verse 3]
I can hear your voice in everything, in every single song
And it's tough holding my head up high, still knowing that you're gone
These times are so confusing, but I know that in the end
We will spread our wings and fly away the day we meet again
Don't leave, I need you now
[Chorus]
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
I need you now
If only I had found the time
If only I had even tried
If only I had done enough
Having to let you go wouldn't have to hurt so much
Rita Sliter
Robert wrote this song for his grandfather who passed away a few years ago. This song touches my heart in ways I can’t explain. Much love 💛
Breyana Anderson
Awwe thats super sweet ♡ bittersweet tho
Rita Sliter
Jae Phalcon Yeah! He talked about it at their concert here in El Paso Texas 😢
Lil Jae, The Autistic
Rita Sliter did he really
Caitlin Vaughn
Ive listened to this song a million times already! I cry every single time...Such an amazing album <3
Ariel Wilson
@Luce
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alanmooreis rasputinreincarnated
@Don't read my name they don't mean that literally moron who counts how many times they listen to a song
Paris France
Caitlin Vaughn, same here gurl, same
Romhel Afalla
Buuurn @pujaso lmao
Caitlin Vaughn
Pujaso asd I own the album..