Released on August 4, 1992, 'New Miserable Experience' proved a sonic contrast to the grunge and aggressive hard rock inspired music in vogue at the time. It became a strong commercial success, reaching the #1 spot on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Aforementioned hits "Found Out About You" and "Hey Jealousy" were top 40 smashes on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, still getting consistent radio airplay as the years went on.
Though blessed with songwriting talent, Hopkins struggled both with addiction and with major depression. Sadly, Hopkins committed suicide in December of 1993. The band continued without him and achieved more major success, their power pop inspired, emotional lyrics becoming a precursor to later adult alternative groups of the late 90s and 00s. Still, they experienced more line-up changes, as Rhodes left the band shortly after their 2002 reunion (returning for a brief period in 2005). Currently the band does not have a permanent drummer.
They took their name from a photo of W.C. Fields which bore the caption "W.C. Fields with gin blossoms," referring to the actor's gin-ravaged nose. The band, who were musically weaned on rock artists such as The Byrds and Tom Petty, released three albums and had several hits in the mid-90s before breaking up in 1997. Five years later in 2002, the band reunited, released a DVD, resumed touring, and promised a fourth album.
Titled 'Major Lodge Victory', the Gin Blossoms' first album in ten years was released on August 8, 2006 on the Hybrid Recordings label. They have done much well-received touring since then. For example, the group joined Everclear, Sugar Ray, Lit and Marcy Playground on the 'Summerland Tour 2012', a 31-date nationwide tour that began on June 28, 2012, in Saratoga, California, and ended on August 11, 2012, in Laughlin, Nevada. The band later released 'No Chocolate Cake' on September 28, 2010; and 'Mixed Reality' on June 15, 2018.
Christine Irene
Gin Blossoms Lyrics
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Like some young guy barely got his first kiss
From my first baby steps to my last cigarette
Every single little thing was leading to this
Christine Irene
Pretty as a girl on a magazine
Christine Irene
You've been around too long to react so coy
Like I'm something that you'd best avoid
Like a first date kiss from an anxious guy
Knowing that he's got a little more in mind
Christine Irene
Pretty as a girl on a magazine
Christine Irene
My Christine Irene
We can last `til dawn if the moon stays bright
And hang our secret on its last light
From a first date kiss that could not hide
We both wanted something more tonight
Christine Irene
Pretty as a girl on a magazine
Christine Irene
My Christine Irene
Christine Irene
Prettiest girl as I've ever seen
Christine Irene
My Christine Irene
The lyrics to Gin Blossoms' song "Christine Irene" are emotional and reflective, describing the singer's desire for the titular character. The opening lines suggest a sense of maturity, with the singer admitting that he's "a little too ripe to be actin' like this." He then reflects on his life, noting how every moment has led to this particular longing. The use of the name Christine Irene suggests a specific person from the singer's past, while the comparison to a girl on a magazine adds to the idea of her being a perfect, unattainable figure.
As the song continues, the singer seems to be addressing Christine directly, noting that she's "been around too long to react so coy." He acknowledges that he's interested in her romantically, likening his desire to that of an "anxious guy" on a first date. The chorus repeats the name "Christine Irene," further emphasizing her importance to the singer, and suggesting that he's drawn to her despite any reservations.
The final lines of the song suggest a desire to spend the night with Christine Irene, hanging their "secret on its last light." The singer seems to be acknowledging that this may be a fleeting moment, but one that he's eager to experience nonetheless.
Overall, the lyrics to "Christine Irene" are a poignant exploration of a complicated infatuation. The singer seems to be grappling with the idea that he's perhaps too old for such intense feelings, while also acknowledging that he can't help his desire for Christine.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm a little too ripe to be actin' like this
I'm too old to be playing these games.
Like some young guy barely got his first kiss
Acting like a young, inexperienced guy who just got his first kiss.
From my first baby steps to my last cigarette
Everything in my life has led me to this moment.
Every single little thing was leading to this
My whole life has been leading up to this.
Christine Irene
Addressing the person the song is about.
Pretty as a girl on a magazine
Complimenting Christine Irene's beauty.
You've been around too long to react so coy
You've known me too long to be acting this way.
Like I'm something that you'd best avoid
Acting like you should avoid me.
Like a first date kiss from an anxious guy
Like a nervous first kiss from a guy who wants more.
Knowing that he's got a little more in mind
Knowing that he wants more than just a kiss.
We can last `til dawn if the moon stays bright
We can stay together all night if the moonlight lasts.
And hang our secret on its last light
And keep our secret until the moonlight fades.
From a first date kiss that could not hide
From a kiss on our first date that revealed our true feelings.
We both wanted something more tonight
We both wanted something more than just a kiss tonight.
Prettiest girl as I've ever seen
Christine Irene is the prettiest girl I've ever seen.
My Christine Irene
Emphasizing that Christine Irene is the person the song is about.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JESSE M. VALENZUELA, ROBIN WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind