Girl in a Coma formed when best friends Jenn Alva and Phanie Diaz met in Jr-high school art class over a mutual love of the Smiths, Nirvana, and skipping school. All they needed was a singer. Enter Nina Diaz, Phanie’s little sister. Nina blew them away with her mesmerizing vocals, a powerful voice some critics have compared to Bjork, Patsy Cline, and the band’s hero, Morrissey himself. The trio practiced for three years, gigged at local punk rock clubs, played a High School talent show, one kid’s birthday party, and then hit the road, building up a solid and loyal fan base across the country.
In 2006, the Girls played for Joan Jett and long-time songwriting partner and producer, Kenny Laguna, at New York’s Knitting Factory as part of a cable TV show featuring unknown bands. Jett and Laguna were so impressed with the band that they signed GIAC to their label, Blackheart Records, on the spot.
The band’s 2007 debut album, Both Before I’m Gone, was a critical hit with raves from Alternative Press Magazine, the LA Weekly, Bust magazine, among many others, with the album reaching No. 23 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and No. 21 on iTunes. “Clumsy Sky,” the band’s first single, won a 2007 Independent Music Award.
In 2009, the band released their follow up album, Trio B.C. The album is a unique amalgamation of eclectic influences: oldies, rockabilly, 90s alternative, and contemporary bands both indie and mainstream.
Just a year later, the band recorded a companion piece to Trio B.C. Produced by Grammy-award winning producer Greg Collins (U2 and Gwen Stefani), Adventures in Coverland. features reinterpretations of songs and artists who have impacted the band. The songs range from a punked out version of Selena’s “Si Una Vez” to a stripped down version of Joy Division’s “Transmission.”
In early 2011, new material was piling up and the band was ready to head back into the studio to work on their upcoming album, Exits & All the Rest.
From sharing stages with their heroes to experiencing Arizona’s controversial laws firsthand, the album was born in an especially intense period for the band. The Girls headed a few miles north to Austin and recorded with producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Trail of Dead). It was the band’s first time working on analog tape and all the basic tracks were laid down live. The recording process seemed to help the band capture some of the raw energy and power that they are known for in their live shows.
Empty Promise
Girl in a Coma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
Will you stay for me? I won’t beg oh please.
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
In "Empty Promise," Girl in a Coma explores the anxieties and fears of abandonment in a relationship. The lyrics poignantly express the singer's internal struggle as they confront the reality that their partner is going to leave. The lyrics, "I know that you are gonna leave," are repeated throughout the song, showcasing the singer's growing realization and acceptance of their partner's departure.
The opening line, "Well I went to my black hole still unknown," could refer to a personal state of isolation or depression that the singer is experiencing. The black hole could symbolize a deep, dark place of loneliness that the singer retreats to. The line also hints at the idea that the singer's partner may be the only one who truly knows and understands them, adding to the heightened emotions surrounding their departure.
The line, "Will you stay for me? I won't beg oh please," highlights the singer's desire for their partner to stay, but also their unwillingness to plead or beg for them to stay. This portrays a sense of pride and self-respect that the singer still maintains despite the pain of the impending loss.
Overall, "Empty Promise" is a deeply personal and emotional song that captures the heartbreak of a failing relationship and the struggle to let go.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I went to my black hole still unknown.
I retreated into my own darkness, unsure of what lies ahead.
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
I am aware that you will eventually depart, even though it hurts me.
Will you stay for me? I won’t beg oh please.
I am hesitant to ask you to stay, but I still desire your company.
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
I am acknowledging the inevitable end of our time together, even though it pains me to do so.
I know I know I know that you are gonna leave.
I am aware that you will eventually depart, even though it hurts me.
Contributed by Zachary F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hotpinkmangos
Just discovered them :) I like them!
blastallird
I love nina's stage presence.
Carlos Vald
me enamoré
brooklyn3383
...always a good one!
The Impeccable Rogue
Nina Diaz is God
mampakiki
marry me Nina!