Five Iron Frenzy started as a local side-project of Reese, Keith, Micah, and Scott's band Exhumator. Although the original intent was for the band to stay local and help support the local music scene, Five Iron Frenzy (FIF, or Five Iron) signed to Frank Tate's 5 Minute Walk records in 1995 and was touring nationally within a year. They reached the peak of their fame around 2000, with the release of All The Hype That Money Can Buy. They were known for dressing up in wacky costumes and fundraising for social causes. In December 2002, they announced that they would be breaking up after a final tour. They played the final show of the tour on November 22, 2003 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, which was recorded for The End Is Here (disc 2) (this disc features that show in its entirety and was sold with the band's album, The End is Near). This show had an attendance of over 4,000 people.
On November 22, 2011, they announced via social media outlets and a week-long online scavenger hunt that they were recording a new album. The entire project was crowd funded in under an hour and met with a reunion show and touring. The results of the endeavor, Engine of a Million Plots, was released on November 26th, 2013. All members of the 2003 lineup participated in the project, with the exception of bassist Keith Hoerig, who was replaced by original guitarist Scott Kerr (who had left the band in 1998).
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Five Iron Frenzy Lyrics
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"How are things?"
"Great they're going okay!"
Something stale and superficial,
Not to ruin your day.
Something swell,
Something gay,
With the toothiest smile,
Something happy,
Something smells like bile.
I don't want to burst your bubble,
Not to rain on your parade,
Underneath my skin I'm tired,
Limping down the path I've made.
The clap of thunder in my veins,
Breaks on barren manifold,
Still and small and so mundane,
The greatest story ever told.
Are you crawling through the dismal?
Gray of nothing,
Frostbite kills.
Does this world make light of weaving,
Shrouds to bury,
Graves to fill?
I am just a kindred spirit,
A runner who is running still.
Welcome to the longest mile,
The most costly thing you'll ever hold,
Wonderful is the journey,
The greatest story every told.
All my dreams are slowly dying.
I can count my years in scars.
The only one that's never left me,
Has carried me so very far.
I've heard it said that he wastes nothing,
So beautiful to behold,
The Author of my hope is writing,
The greatest story ever told.
The song "The Greatest Story Ever Told" by Five Iron Frenzy starts off with an exchange of greetings, "How's your life? / How are things?", followed by a superficial answer, "Great they're going okay!". However, the singer reveals that underneath his smile, he is tired and worn out from the path he has made. Amidst the frustration, he finds solace in the thought that even the quiet and commonplace moments in life are part of the greatest story ever told.
The second verse paints a picture of a bleak and desolate world, where death and sorrow are pervasive. The singer compares himself to a runner, still trying to move forward despite the odds. The chorus returns with the same message, but with a touch of hope and wonder. The journey might be long and arduous, but it's also beautiful and worth it.
Overall, the song captures the essence of a life that's both full of struggles and moments of brilliance. It's a reminder that even the most mundane or painful experiences can be part of a grander story that's still unfolding.
Line by Line Meaning
How's your life?
Asking how are you and how is life treating you.
Great they're going okay!
Things are going well, but at a superficial and shallow level.
Something stale and superficial,
Life is boring with no excitement or meaning.
Not to ruin your day.
I am not trying to bring you down with my thoughts.
Something swell,
Something good and positive.
Something gay,
Something happy and cheerful.
With the toothiest smile,
Displayed with the most widely spread ‘fake’ smile.
Something sappy,
Something overwhelmingly sentimental.
Something happy,
A source of extreme joy and elation.
Something smells like bile.
Something unpleasant that causes discomfort and repulsion.
I don't want to burst your bubble,
I do not intend to destroy your illusions or dreams.
Not to rain on your parade,
I do not wish to cast a negative vibe on your happiness.
Underneath my skin I'm tired,
Deep down, I am emotionally drained and fatigued.
Limping down the path I've made.
Amid the struggles of life, I am trying to keep going.
The clap of thunder in my veins,
The strong emotions that cause excitement or distress.
Breaks on barren manifold,
Overwhelmed by the emptiness inside.
Still and small and so mundane,
Describing the routine, uneventful nature of life.
The greatest story ever told.
Referring to the story of Jesus Christ's life and teachings.
Are you crawling through the dismal?
Do you feel hopeless and lost?
Gray of nothing,
Life has become monotonous and colorless.
Frostbite kills.
Life is cruel, and its harshness takes its toll.
Does this world make light of weaving,
Does life find pleasure in putting us through trying times?
Shrouds to bury,
Life brings sadness and sorrow in abundance.
Graves to fill?
Is the price of life paid in the loss of loved ones?
I am just a kindred spirit,
I am a person who shares your values and views.
A runner who is running still.
I am a survivor who is fighting to keep going and face each challenge thrown at me.
Welcome to the longest mile,
The journey of life can be daunting and challenging.
The most costly thing you'll ever hold,
Life is precious and must be valued above all else.
Wonderful is the journey,
Emphasizing the beauty of life's journey despite all its difficulties.
The greatest story every told.
Referring again to Jesus Christ's life story and teachings.
All my dreams are slowly dying.
I am losing hope and feel like I am drifting aimlessly in life.
I can count my years in scars.
My life has been full of ups and downs, with each challenge leaving its mark.
The only one that's never left me,
A reference to god's constant presence throughout our lives.
Has carried me so very far.
If not for my faith, I wouldn't have made it to where I am today.
I've heard it said that he wastes nothing,
God turns everything, even the bad things in our lives, to good.
So beautiful to behold,
The beauty of god's handiwork and how he works out all things for good.
The Author of my hope is writing,
My faith helps me to face each challenge knowing that god is in control.
The greatest story ever told.
Again, referring to the story of Jesus Christ's teachings and how that inspires hope in people.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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