The band name originated from a slang phrase used by students at Eric Sean Nally's high school where Foxy Shazam meant "cool shoes". On February 7, 2010, their single Unstoppable was featured in Super Bowl XLIV.
In 2008, the band were named one of the 100 bands you need to know by Alternative Press. They toured with bands such as The Strokes, Bad Rabbits, and The Young Veins. In 2010, the band were placed on Spin's list of ten bands you need to know. Since then, they've appeared on TV programs such as the Daily Haibt. Also in 2010, vocalist Eric Nally helped write songs for Meat Loaf's album, Hang Cool Teddy Bear.
Foxy Shazam have previously toured with Hole and played this year's Lollapalooza festival. They've been appearing in more magazines supporting their latest release like Alternative Press and Spin. They played a 3 song set for The Daily Habit Show on Fuel.tv. They recently performed a 5 song set for shockhound.com. They also recently performed 3 songs acoustic for Spin Magazine, one of which was a brand new song entitled "I'm in love with a boy." The band performed a full set and interview on Chicago's JBTV in July 2010. The band have also performed a live an exclusive version of "oh Lord" for music discovery app and namesake Shazam.
Foxy Shazam's first album, The Flamingo Trigger is seen as a post-hardcore album, with some slight classical influences. The band more resembled peers such as Chiodos and The Fall of Troy. With their second release, Introducing, the band incorporated more genres into their sound, and even making ballads, though still with some post-hardcore influence. Their latest release, Foxy Shazam, has influences ranging from Gospel, Soul, and Glam Metal. The band continues to surprise fans by keeping themselves original.
A quote from lead singer, Eric Sean Nally: "When I listen to a Foxy Shazam record I think of Evel Knievel, Bruce Springsteen, my childhood, Van Morrison, my old friends from high school I don't talk to anymore, Elton John, the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and beyond, Iggy Pop and my first kiss. One of my favorite things to do when listening to my music is to close my eyes and picture a crowd of six million people all chanting "Foxy! Foxy! Foxy!" The lights go out and my band walks on stage. It gives me goose bumps. It all makes sense to me. When you listen to our record, think of your favorite things and it'll make sense to you as well. Foxy Shazam is not concerned with what category it falls into. We want to stand for our generation. We want to be the biggest band in the world. We want to be the Michael Jordan of Rock N' Roll."
Many media outlets compare the band to Queen and Meat Loaf because of their use of theatrics and over-the-tops lyrics. The band themselves have noted the similarities but believe that they are just all influenced by the same things. It's not always music that influences the band, it could even be a smell that triggers a memory.
Eric Sean Nally has said an album that influenced him was Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. The magazine Alternative Press has compared the band to bands like Queen, My Chemical Romance, and The Darkness while also believing that the band has a very unique sound that should best be seen live.
Freedom
Foxy Shazam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She was an American dream
They put a statue of her in the river
Boats passing by catch the big woman's eye
But a second glance, sailor don't give her
Gathering moss, staring across from the city
It's a pity
Nobody care-a
Bout a relic from a bygone era
Freedom, freedom, freedom
Free, that's what I was born to be
Home of the brave
Cradle to grave
Being righteous don't make you no money
'Cause I'm barely able to put food on the table while
Big bear's rolling in honey
But don't cry
There's only one thing you take with you when you die
Freedom, freedom, freedom
The lyrics of Foxy Shazam's Freedom are layered with meaning, but the overall message is about the pursuit of freedom and the reality of the American experience. The beginning of the song references the Statue of Liberty, which is a symbol of freedom to many Americans. However, the statue has become a relic from a bygone era, and nobody seems to care about it. The line "Liberty queen, she was an American dream" perhaps suggests that the American dream of freedom has lost its power and relevance. The big woman's eye catching boats passing by is a metaphor for the idea that freedom has become something that people take for granted, and they fail to appreciate it.
The second verse of the song explores the theme of inequality and the fact that being righteous doesn't necessarily translate into financial success. The line "home of the brave, cradle to grave" is a reference to the idea that America is a land of opportunity, where people can achieve the American dream through hard work and dedication. But the reality is that not everyone has access to the same opportunities, and many people struggle to make ends meet. The line "big bear's rolling in honey" is a metaphor for the wealthy elite who are hoarding resources while others suffer. Despite the harsh realities of life, the song ends on an uplifting note with the refrain "freedom, freedom, freedom. Free, that's what I was born to be," reminding us that the pursuit of freedom is always worth fighting for.
Line by Line Meaning
Liberty queen
The persona is referring to the Statue of Liberty as a queen of liberty.
She was an American dream
The persona is stating that the Statue of Liberty is a representation of what America embodies – freedom and liberty.
They put a statue of her in the river
The persona is acknowledging that the Statue of Liberty stands in the river and it's a popular landmark.
Boats passing by catch the big woman's eye
The persona reveals that boats passing by tend to notice the Statue of Liberty, the iconic landmark of New York City.
But a second glance, sailor don't give her
Despite the landmark's significant recognition, the persona suggests that it's easily ignored by frequent passersby.
Gathering moss, staring across from the city
The persona implies that the Statue of Liberty has been there for so long that it has become part of the natural scenery and history of the city.
It's a pity
The persona expresses sadness for the fact that the Statue of Liberty is not as appreciated or recognized as much as it should be.
Nobody care-a
The persona insists that nobody really cares about the true value of the Statue of Liberty.
Bout a relic from a bygone era
The persona refers to the Statue of Liberty as a monument of the past, an artifact from history that is not considered relevant in modern times.
Freedom, freedom, freedom
The persona repeatedly emphasizes the importance of freedom in their lives and in the world.
Free, that's what I was born to be
The persona believes that they, like everyone else, were born with the inherent right to freedom and believes that it is one of the most valuable treasures in life.
Home of the brave
The persona refers to the United States as a nation of fearless people who have fought for their freedom and liberties.
Cradle to grave
The persona mentions that people are carried from birth to death in their pursuit of freedom, even though most people tend to forget its true value when they are alive.
Being righteous don't make you no money
The persona suggests that having the right principles doesn't necessarily bring wealth, which is a sad reality of life.
'Cause I'm barely able to put food on the table while
The persona acknowledges how difficult life can be without wealth and how it's challenging to provide food for oneself and others.
Big bear's rolling in honey
The persona refers to those who are privileged and rich as bears rolling in honey, which portrays how easy and enjoyable their life can be.
But don't cry
The persona addresses the listener and suggests that they shouldn't lament over the hand dealt to them and instead focus on the things that truly matter in their life.
There's only one thing you take with you when you die
The persona implies that even if wealth and material possessions don't bring happiness, the memory of leading a happy life and being free will live on even after death.
Freedom, freedom, freedom
The persona concludes the song with the same repetition of emphasizing the value of freedom and how it's the most crucial aspect of our lives.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ADRIAN MANUEL, JUDD WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
JazzMan And Friends
One of the most underrated songs by one of the most underrated bands.
OH_I _Will
They are NOT, nor ever been Under-Rated. Go away, Troll
Chris I
This is such a good song! why doesn't it have more views? I just discovered Foxy Shazam yesterday. I NEVER listen to this kind of music, I like mostly old school hip hop, reggae, classic rock, and folk rock. But I have been listening to these guys non-stop since yesterday - their talent has successfully opened my ears to a new type of music! I think that's awesome
Femdriss
,,There's only one thing you take with you when you die
Freedom"
Choctaw_Bladez
It's almost 2018 and this song still makes me.. well..
Dakaria Rodríguez
2020 now! Time flies...
OH_I _Will
Adam you do know there are specialized products for your problem...adult diapers
Shinya Takahashi
It’s 2019 and still so good
Matthew Franz
Sept 2018 still listening
Tying Earl
Adam 2018 now🙂