The group released their self-titled first album in 1994 on Okeh/Epic, a subsidiary of Sony Music. On the strength of the single "Cold Beverage", in part due to MTV rotation, the album nearly went gold. After which, trying to capitalize on the success of the album, the group toured heavily, eventually landing a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. tour.
In 1995 they released their follow up album Coast to Coast Motel. Though it did not sell as well as the first album, it is generally considered among critics as the stronger of the two albums.
On tour following the release of the second album the group nearly broke up, due to bickering about finances. Deciding on a hiatus the three members went their separate ways, working on various side projects.
By October 1997 the group had reconciled their differences and released their third album, Yeah, It's That Easy, which along with their own work, showcased their collaboration with several other bands and musicians, including All Fellas Band, Philly Cartel, King's Court, and Dr. John. This soul-influenced album was more similar to their debut album than their previous release.
Soon after G. Love & Special Sauce set out on another world tour, returning to Philadelphia in 1999 for the release of their fourth album, Philadelphonic. Philadelphonic was followed up with Electric Mile in 2001, an album that shows the wide-ranging influences of the group, incorporating hip-hop, funk, psychedlia, blues, and soul in equal and ambitious measure. Ever the road band, the release of "Electric Mile" was followed by extensive touring.
By 2004 and The Hustle, G. Love (with the help of his bandmates and others) went solo and had eased up a little on the kitchen sink approach, offering instead a cohesive, dry groove reminiscent of his earliest efforts. Hustle was also the first G. Love release under Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records banner; the two had been pals at least since Philadelphonic, which Johnson had been a guest on.
Special Sauce did a series of shows in 2004 with Jack Johnson and fellow Brushfire artist Donavon Frankenreiter, and the trio also found time to issue a brief live EP, titled Some Live Songs.
In the summer 2005, the band was featured (along with the less well known Philly local Chuck Treece of 80's skate-rock band McRad) in an advertisement for the launch of Coca-Cola Zero, featuring the groups own unique version of the noted Coca-Cola advertising song I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.
G. Love's 2nd electrical solo release Lemonade also included Special Sauce on some tracks. Jack Johnson, Tristan Prettyman, Ben Harper, Jasper, and Blackalicious also contrbuted.
G. Love still continues to tour with the Special Sauce in the meantime.
Hammer
G. Love & Special Sauce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
it was enough time to see that everything has changed for me
so much for birthday wishes
I've been too busy with my memories you made me
i don't think ill get over it
to be honest i can't see how this could be fair
I'm so alone but you seem to be just fine
don't ask me to think
good intentions won't change everything
this could be the last day i hold my breath
and stay and wait for you
20 hours deep
oh, it was enough time for you to change everything for me
20 hours deep
i'm drowning myself with thoughts of you and you're comforting
tell me how this is fair
don't ask me to think
good intentions won't change everything
this could be the last day i hold my breath
and stay and wait for you
stay away ..
stay away ..
don't ask me to think
good intentions won't change everything
this could be the last day that ii'll hold my breath and wait for you
don't ask me to think
good intentions won't change everything
this could be the last day i hold my breath and wait for you
stay away
good intentions won't change anything
yeah i'll hold my breath and wait for you
The lyrics to G. Love & Special Sauce's song "Hammer" depict a sense of longing and heartbreak. The singer is reflecting on a significant change that has occurred in their life over a span of 20 hours. They convey a feeling of being overwhelmed by memories and struggling to come to terms with the situation. The lines "so much for birthday wishes, I've been too busy with my memories you made me" indicate a sense of disappointment that the singer's expectations have been overshadowed by the impact of these memories. They express a belief that they won't easily recover from this experience and question the fairness of it all.
The lyrics also convey a stark contrast between the singer's own feelings of loneliness and the apparent ease with which the other person is dealing with the situation. This contrast is highlighted in the line "I'm so alone but you seem to be just fine." The singer seems stuck in a cycle of holding their breath and waiting for the other person, despite realizing that good intentions alone won't change the outcome. The repetition of the phrase "don't ask me to think, good intentions won't change everything" suggests a frustration with being expected to make sense of it all, as well as a realization that their own intentions won't be enough to alter the situation.
Overall, "Hammer" is a poignant song exploring themes of heartbreak, longing, and the struggle to come to terms with a significant change. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion, capturing the tumultuous journey of healing from a broken relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
20 hours deep
After spending a significant amount of time reflecting, I have come to realize...
it was enough time to see that everything has changed for me
During this period, I have observed that my entire perspective and circumstances have undergone a profound transformation.
so much for birthday wishes
All those hopeful aspirations and dreams I had seem to have been overshadowed.
I've been too busy with my memories you made me
I have been overwhelmed, preoccupied, and consumed by the nostalgic thoughts of the experiences you offered me.
i don't think ill get over it
Honestly, I find it difficult to imagine ever recovering from this emotional impact.
to be honest i can't see how this could be fair
In all sincerity, I fail to comprehend the justice or fairness in this situation.
I'm so alone but you seem to be just fine
While I feel utterly isolated, it appears that you are content and unaffected.
don't ask me to think
Please refrain from expecting logical reasoning or rationality from me.
good intentions won't change everything
Merely having positive intentions does not possess the power to alter the circumstances entirely.
this could be the last day i hold my breath
There is a possibility that today might mark the end of my anxious anticipation.
and stay and wait for you
Continuing to patiently remain in this state of longing and anticipation, hoping for your presence or response.
oh, it was enough time for you to change everything for me
Remarkably, within this span, you managed to profoundly impact and alter the entirety of my existence.
i'm drowning myself with thoughts of you and you're comforting
I am submerging myself in constant thoughts of you, finding solace and comfort in their presence.
tell me how this is fair
Kindly explain the rationale behind the fairness of this situation to me.
stay away ..
Please maintain your distance and avoid involvement.
don't ask me to think
I implore you not to request logical reasoning or rationality from me.
good intentions won't change everything
Having positive intentions alone cannot completely transform the circumstances.
this could be the last day that ii'll hold my breath and wait for you
There is a chance that today signifies the concluding chapter of anxiously awaiting your presence or response.
stay away
Please maintain your distance and refrain from involvement.
good intentions won't change anything
Having positive intentions alone cannot alter the outcome or result in any significant change.
yeah i'll hold my breath and wait for you
Indeed, I will continue to endure the suspenseful anticipation, steadfastly hoping for your presence or response.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHOI CLAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind