The group's debut EP, Songs for a Breakup, Vol. 1, was released in 2009. Dangerbird Records signed the group in 2010 and issued their first full-length album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, in August of that year. The album reached #15 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Los Angeles Times music critic Ann Powers wrote, "Fitz & the Tantrums is the kind of band that communicates best in concert, but this album serves as a fine proxy and party-starter." Aly Comingore of the Santa Barbara Independent wrote that the band members craft "soulful, nostalgia pop that's not only infectious, but just fresh enough to make it stand apart from its predecessors."
In 2010 the group opened several dates on tour with Maroon 5. On January 12, 2011, Fitz & the Tantrums performed the songs "MoneyGrabber" and "Don't Gotta Work It Out" on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles. In 2010 the groups music video for the song "MoneyGrabber" was incorporated into the opening scene of a sixth season episode of the CBS crime-drama Criminal Minds entitled "Safe Haven".
Fitzpatrick has said that the band's musical style can be fairly described as "soul-influenced indie pop". He noted that while the band is influenced by the classic songs of the Motown and Stax record labels, the band is not trying to create an exact replica of that music. In another interview, Fitzpatrick talked about his decision to not use guitars in the band. "I did want to try and make a big sounding record without guitars," he said. "For me, I just feel like in any music that has a band, the guitar is always there, it's always featured, it's always prevalent. I'm just sick of hearing it."
In 2012, the band signed to Elektra Records, and started to record their major-label debut More Than Just A Dream, which will be released on May 7, 2013.
6Am
Fitz and the Tantrums Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I really need you now
I've been trying to get back the days that we had
But see, I don't know how
There's no way to conceive the right plans in my head
I just can't hold them down
All my hopes they stay curled in between these four walls,
And I can't shake them out
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
I'm tryna keep up, tryna move on
Beyond this pain before I break
See it's hard to confess, but I miss all the time we spent
I can't explain
'Cause when I start up the nerve to reach out to you, baby,
It just floats away
Still I dream of the days when we were on the same page
I really want them now
All my hopes they stay curled in between these four walls,
And I can't shake them out
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
I'm tryna keep up, tryna move on beyond this pain, before I break
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
A love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
Not for me (no)
Not for me (no)
Not for me (no)
Not for me (no)
Not for me
Not for me, no (no)
Not for me
Not for me, no
The song "6AM" by Fitz and the Tantrums is about the struggle of moving on from a past relationship. The singer is tired of sleeping alone and missing his ex-girlfriend. He tries to get back the days they had but is unsure of how to do that. He has hopes and dreams, but they remain trapped within the four walls of his bedroom, and he can't seem to shake them out. He can't help but reminisce about the good times and how they used to be on the same page. Despite his efforts to move on, he can't seem to escape the pain and heartache that he feels.
The lyrics showcase the feelings of heartbreak and desperation that can come with a break-up. The singer is exposed in his vulnerability, and the weary feeling of trying to move on is palpable. The love song playing on the radio serves as a reminder that he is not the person it is intended for, and he feels lonely and lost.
Overall, "6AM" is a powerful song with a relatable message about heartbreak and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl, I get tired of sleeping alone in my bed
I am lonely and wish to have someone close to me while I sleep.
I really need you now
I am longing for companionship and emotional support.
I've been trying to get back the days that we had
I reminisce about the happy times we had together and wish to experience them again.
But see, I don't know how
I am unsure of how to bring back the good times we shared.
There's no way to conceive the right plans in my head
I am struggling to come up with a plan that will help me reconnect with my partner.
I just can't hold them down
I feel overwhelmed and unable to control my thoughts and emotions.
All my hopes they stay curled in between these four walls,
My dreams and aspirations remain trapped within me and my living space.
And I can't shake them out
I am unable to let go of my desires and move on.
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
I am sleepless and restless, unable to find peace in my thoughts.
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe
My emotional state is in distress and I am heartbroken.
A love song's on the radio,
I am listening to a romantic song that doesn't reflect my current situation.
But these words I hear they're not for me, no
The lyrics of the love song don't resonate with me since I am feeling alone and hurt.
I'm tryna keep up, tryna move on
I am making an effort to move past my pain and keep going.
Beyond this pain before I break
I am struggling to bear the emotional pain and fear of breaking down.
See it's hard to confess, but I miss all the time we spent
It's difficult for me to admit it, but I miss the time we shared together.
I can't explain
I am having trouble finding the words to describe my thoughts and feelings.
'Cause when I start up the nerve to reach out to you, baby,
I am hesitant to contact my partner and express my emotions.
It just floats away
My courage fades and I am left with unexpressed feelings.
Still I dream of the days when we were on the same page
I think back to the time when my partner and I were in sync and wish to regain that connection.
I really want them now
I desire to rekindle the closeness and love we shared before.
Not for me (no)
The love song playing on the radio doesn't speak to me or my current situation.
Not for me
I cannot relate to the romantic message of the song.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: James Midhi King, Jeremy Ruzumna, John Meredith Wicks, Joseph Scott Karnes, Michael Fitzpatrick, Noelle Scaggs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
eliane
LYRIC
Girl, I get tired from sleeping alone in my bed
I really need you now.
I've been trying to get back, the days that we had
But see, I don't know how.
There's no way to conceive the right plans in my head
I just can't hold them down.
All my hopes they stay curled in between these four walls
And I can't shake them out.
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe.
Our love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no.
(x2)
I'm tryin' to keep up, tryin' to move on
Beyond this pain, before I break.
See it's hard to confess, but I miss all the time we spent
I can't explain.
Cause when I start up the nerve to reach out to you, babe,
It just floats away.
Still I dream of the days when we were on the same page
I really want them now.
All my hopes they stay curled in between these four walls
And I can't shake them out.
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe.
Our love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no.
(x2)
I'm tryin' to keep up, tryin' to move on
Beyond this pain, before I break.
It's 6 in the morning, I'm still awake
My sleepless heart is torn up, babe.
Our love song's on the radio,
But these words I hear they're not for me, no.
Not for me,
They're not for me, no...
onemorechance
I still can't get enough of this song so many years later. It is maybe my favorite song ever.
Icegod101
I really do miss this and the out of my league style of fitz, new songs are nice but the old ones from 2010-2014 are just masterpieces
Aieshoo 1234
WHY IS THIS BAND NOT MORE POPULAR?!?
Jeff Archuleta
Don't understand it. I finally broke down and bought their CD, and every song is great.
Aieshoo 1234
Ikr!
son 714
because the music industry is flooded with crappy Bieber music... sadly to say :(
Aieshoo 1234
True
son 714
the sad truth :(
Tommy Pickles
Found these guys on a local music station, and ever since then they've completely blown up! So happy for these guys, they deserve any and all recognition they receive!
Jacob Petrakos
Man, In the first 5 seconds I already feel the flow and download these songs.
Fitz is amazing