2. A Finnish melodic metal band.
3… Read Full Bio ↴1. An American pop-punk/rock band.
2. A Finnish melodic metal band.
3. A French screamo band.
4. Ultra death minimalist noise by Jamie butch jenny Stewart (Xiu Xiu)
The sophomore album poses an interesting situation for any artist: They can either take the if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach, or they can opt to push the envelope and try something progressive, all the while subjecting themselves to potential failure.
On Run It Up the Flagpole, Greensboro, NC pop-punkers FAREWELL have chosen the latter, toeing the line between sugary pop melodies and unbridled punk-rock energy while creating a record that both Top-40 fans and punk purists can enjoy equally. The set follows 2007's Isn't This Supposed To Be Fun!?, which, along with the band's earn-it-yourself attitude, kept Farewell on the road alongside acts including Forever The Sickest Kids, The Secret Handshake, Four Year Strong and Hit The Lights, as well as earning them a spot on last year's Van's Warped Tour.
When facing the task of writing Fun's follow-up, the band - vocalist Marshall Davis, guitarists Wil Andrews and Kevin Carter, bassist Buddy (just buddy) and drummer Jeff Ellis - set out with one goal: to diversify its sound while proving that it's possible to play catchy, pop-based music without pandering to overtly glossy production and studio trickery. "So many bands' second record sounds exactly like their first one, and it's almost always a letdown," says Davis. "We wanted to continue to move forward as a band and help expand our fans' perception of what "pop-punk" could be. That's why this new record has its own identity. It's a perfect blend of our past and present."
If you're looking for a record full of snot-nosed vocals and breakneck tempos, you'll probably be disappointed. Instead, Farewell's punk influence is exuded in swagger and attitude, drawing from influences like Jawbreaker and Screeching Weasel. Even so, it's clear the band isn't pulling any punches this time around. Calling out the "cookie cutter caffeinated teens, deployed for mass consumption," the lead single "Devoid (That's What I Think About It)" kicks listeners in the teeth with massive Green Day-sized guitars and its rallying-cry chorus of "When did rock and roll become this fucking fashion show!?"
No, Farewell has not become a band of crusty punk-rock bellyachers. Nor have they turned their backs on the fan base that's supported them since the beginning. They're simply not willing to stand by and watch their pop-punk scene be overrun by sound-alike clones who care more about looking good than making good music. "We're basically a punk-rock band that's more rock than punk," Davis laughs. "I wish I could sing like Armstrong, but I guess I'll settle for Hoppus."
Farewell's members, most of whom had grown up playing in various punk and hardcore bands, came together in 2005 and quickly built a name for themselves, touring the Southeast and crafting their upbeat pop-rock sound, all the while showcasing for labels across the country. They eventually caught the ear of Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz, who signed the group in 2007. It was an ideal situation for the band; many of their influences were veteran Epitaph artists. "They understood our band and didn't want to change us," Davis says of the label. "They were stoked on what we had to offer and gave us 100% creative control. It was perfect for us."
Throughout Run It Up the Flagpole, Farewell tempers it's us-against-the-world mentality with a hearty dose of earnestness and sincerity. That's best found on "Catch As Catch Can," an autobiographical mid-tempo number that recaps the band's history - from its nascent stages in the dive-bars of North Carolina to an eventual deal with Epitaph and subsequent worldwide touring. Run It Up The Flagpole not only cements Farewell as a band that won't compromise its ideals for the sake of rock stardom, but also shows its members will never forget their roots and what it took to make it this far. "You have to keep in mind that your fans are growing as individuals too, along with their musical tastes," Davis explains. "We're playing the type of music that made us want to do this in the first place. It's what we love, and what we do best."
check out farewell on the web!
http://www.purevolume.com/farewell
http://www.myspace.com/farewell
http://www.merchdirect.com/farewell
We All Fall Down
Farewell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Head trips grasping for something to say
Make your move before it's too late
Because we all fall down
Left for dead
Decaying in your grave
Daily routine future filed away
It's time for you to wake up tonight
I'm sick of you running my life
And these hang ups are getting harder to deal with
every time
It's time for you to wake up tonight
You know I'll be just fine
(You might catch me saying)
Step on the gas and get out while you can
Strike up a match and burn the master plan
I saw you waste your youth
You never wanted to go
Up in a ball of flames
So I'll be waiting right here without a sound
It's time for you to burn out tonight
And keep your dreams locked up inside
And these hangovers are getting harder each and every time
It's time for you to wake up tonight
You know I'll be just fine
Keep heading straight down to your grave
I swear I saw you waste your youth
You never wanted to go
Up in a ball of flames
So I'll be waiting right here without a sound
And I just though you should know
Lost hopes and plastic egos
Won't save your soul this time around
Step on the gas and get out while you can
Strike up a match and burn the master plan
Run your tank dry and see where you land
I saw you waste your youth
You never wanted to go
Up in a ball of flames
So I'll be waiting right here without a sound
(I'll tell you why)
And I just thought you should know
Lost hopes and plastic egos
Won't save your soul this time around
Until you hit the ground
The song We All Fall Down by Farewell is an anthem for those who feel trapped in their daily routine and are struggling to break free from their own perceptions of what they can achieve. The writer of the song is addressing someone who is not living up to their full potential and is too afraid to take a risk, resulting in a life of missed opportunities. The opening line "This time we'll set the record straight" sets the tone for a direct and honest message that the writer is intending to convey. They encourage the listener to take action before it's too late as "we all fall down". This line is not only a reminder of the finality of life but is also a call to action for the listener to take control of their life before it is decided for them by fate.
The second verse further explains how the daily routine can be suffocating and how it's essential to break free from the monotony to achieve success. The writer admonishes the listener to wake up and take control of their life, to stop giving someone else control. The line "I'm sick of you running my life" is a reminder that the listener has the potential to take ownership of their choices and steer their life in the desired direction. The chorus encourages the listener not to waste their youth and take risks, and the line "I saw you waste your youth" reinforces the idea that the writer believes that the listener is capable of more.
Overall, We All Fall Down is a powerful song that encourages the listener to take the reins of their life and not be afraid to chase their dreams. The writer has created an uplifting and empowering message that is not preachy or condescending but relatable and inspirational.
Line by Line Meaning
This time we'll set the record straight
We will finally be transparent and honest.
Head trips grasping for something to say
Trying to come up with ideas, but struggling.
Make your move before it's too late
Take action now or risk missing your chance.
Because we all fall down
We will all face failure eventually.
Left for dead
Feeling abandoned and hopeless.
Decaying in your grave
Giving up and accepting defeat.
Daily routine future filed away
Going through the motions without a plan or goal.
Flash-backwards thinking everyday
Dwelling in the past and missing the present opportunities.
It's time for you to wake up tonight
Realize the urgency of the situation and take action now.
I'm sick of you running my life
Tired of someone having control over one's life.
And these hang ups are getting harder to deal with every time
Issues and problems are becoming more difficult to manage.
You know I'll be just fine
Assurance that the situation will not affect one's well-being.
Step on the gas and get out while you can
Take action quickly to avoid getting trapped or stuck.
Strike up a match and burn the master plan
Eliminate the original plan that has not been successful.
I saw you waste your youth
Observation of someone not making the most of their younger years.
You never wanted to go
No desire or motivation to pursue anything meaningful.
Up in a ball of flames
Going down in failure or defeat.
So I'll be waiting right here without a sound
Watching and waiting, without making any noise or interference.
And keep your dreams locked up inside
Not sharing one's ambitions with others.
And these hangovers are getting harder each and every time
The negative consequences of past decisions are becoming more severe over time.
Keep heading straight down to your grave
Continuing to fail and give up.
I swear I saw you waste your youth
Attesting to the observation of someone not making the most of their younger years.
So I'll be waiting right here without a sound
Observing and waiting without interfering.
Lost hopes and plastic egos
Despair and fake personalities.
Won't save your soul this time around
These things won't lead to success or happiness in the present situation.
Run your tank dry and see where you land
Exhaust all opportunities before giving up completely.
Until you hit the ground
Complete failure or defeat is inevitable.
Contributed by Jake L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.