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.
In The Background
Girl in a Coma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Towards an image of rush yet you wait in line until your turn to say
You are all that I know lovely Saturday show
You stood there in the background sulking in your drink until you see...
That Saturday nights don't seem, so dull when your cheersing for dreams yeah
There's another day when the sun will shine and all will be for you.
You scream alone and your fist will moan.
You have been waiting for so long.
You cry alone and your wrist will moan.
You have waited for this all night long, but oh...
Stay with us for a while when you'll see all that you do.
Hang with us for a while when you'll see all we do.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
The Girl in a Coma song "In The Background" speaks to the experience of being on the sidelines, feeling left out or overlooked, and longing to be included. The lyrics describe a scene where everyone else is trying to be the center of attention, rushing towards an image of success or excitement, but the singer stands back, waiting patiently for her turn. She recognizes that her life is not glamorous, but she finds comfort and joy in being with her friends, sharing a drink, and dreaming about what the future might bring.
As the song progresses, the singer grows increasingly confident and empowered. She imagines a future where her enemies will be put in their place, where she will no longer have to suffer in silence, but can scream and shout and let her feelings be known. She knows that this day is coming, and she is preparing herself, building up her strength and her courage, so that when the time is right, she can seize her moment and make her mark.
Despite the struggles and setbacks that she faces, the singer remains strong and resilient, holding onto her dreams and her sense of self. Even though she may feel like she is standing in the background, watching others take the spotlight, she knows that she is an important part of the scene, and that her time will come. As she sings, "Stay with us for a while when you'll see all that you do. Hang with us for a while when you'll see all we do."
Line by Line Meaning
You stood there in the background while everybody tried to make their way
While others were fighting for attention and success, you were content to stand back and observe.
Towards an image of rush yet you wait in line until your turn to say
You recognized the pressure to conform to society's expectations, but chose to wait patiently for your own chance to be heard.
You are all that I know lovely Saturday show
The simple pleasure of spending time with loved ones on a Saturday night is all that truly matters to you.
You stood there in the background sulking in your drink until you see...
You may have felt overshadowed or ignored, but you were willing to wait and remain hopeful.
That Saturday nights don't seem, so dull when your cheersing for dreams yeah
When surrounded by supportive friends and optimistic dreams, even the most mundane Saturday night can be exciting and full of potential.
There's another day when the sun will shine and all will be for you.
You know that hard work and perseverance will eventually lead to success and happiness.
There's another day when your enemies will taste their sour words and you..
You believe that your detractors and naysayers will one day face their own failures and regrets while you prosper.
You scream alone and your fist will moan.
Sometimes you feel frustrated or angry, but you are strong enough to face those emotions and move forward.
You have been waiting for so long.
You have been patiently working towards your goals for a significant period of time.
You cry alone and your wrist will moan.
Even in moments of sadness, you are still determined to keep pushing forward.
You have waited for this all night long, but oh...
Although it may have been a long wait, you know that the eventual reward will make it all worth it.
Stay with us for a while when you'll see all that you do.
By sticking with your supportive friends and family, you will soon realize the extent of your own capabilities and accomplishments.
Hang with us for a while when you'll see all we do.
When surrounded by positive influences and hardworking peers, you can draw inspiration and motivation from their successes.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
Despite feeling unnoticed, you remained dedicated to your own goals and values.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
You were willing to wait for your own moment to shine, even if it meant staying in the background for a while.
You stood there in the background waiting for the Saturday night cheers alone.
Although others may have been seeking attention or validation, you were content to simply wait and enjoy the moment.
Contributed by Jayce E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.