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.
Smart
Girl in a Coma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i’ve never been in love like this
place a ring upon a finger
i’ve never felt a rush like this
don’t you ever start to wonder what’s it like to be alone?
to sit and stare and ponder
oh let’s watch tomorrow go
hold your head up though you’re shaking
i’ve never felt a rush like this, not quite like this
you were never one to fake it
i’ve never felt a lust like this, not quite like this
don’t you ever start to wonder what’s it like to be alone?
to sit and stare and ponder
living life its not your own
oh let’s watch tomorrow go
The lyrics of Girl in a Coma's song "Smart" revolve around the relationships we have with ourselves and others, as well as the emotions and doubts that go along with those connections. The first verse describes a wall of faded pictures, which could represent memories that are no longer as vivid or meaningful as they once were. The singer then talks about love and the rush that comes with it – something she has never experienced before. However, there is also an uncertainty in her voice, a hint of doubt about whether or not she truly knows what love is.
The second verse continues with the theme of uncertainty and doubt, as the singer talks about wondering what it's like to be alone. This could be interpreted in a couple of ways – either she is questioning whether she will ever be alone (suggesting a fear of commitment) or she is simply curious about what it's like to live life without any attachments. Regardless, the underlying sentiment is one of unease, as she ponders the idea of living a life that is not entirely her own. However, the chorus then shifts the focus to something more optimistic – the idea of watching tomorrow go. This could be interpreted as the singer trying to let go of her doubts and fears and enjoy life in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
face the wall of faded pictures
Looking at old pictures on a wall, reflecting on past memories
i’ve never been in love like this
Never experienced a love as strong as this
place a ring upon a finger
Symbolizing a commitment or promise
i’ve never felt a rush like this
Feeling an intense emotion or sensation
don’t you ever start to wonder what’s it like to be alone?
Questioning what it feels like to be without companionship
to sit and stare and ponder
Reflecting and contemplating alone
living life it’s not your own
Feeling like someone else is controlling or influencing your life
oh let’s watch tomorrow go
Embracing the future and accepting whatever may come
hold your head up though you’re shaking
Maintaining composure even when feeling uncertain or anxious
you were never one to fake it
Being authentic and genuine
i’ve never felt a lust like this, not quite like this
Experiencing a strong desire or passion
don’t you ever start to wonder what’s it like to be alone?
Questioning what it feels like to be without companionship
to sit and stare and ponder
Reflecting and contemplating alone
living life its not your own
Feeling like someone else is controlling or influencing your life
oh let’s watch tomorrow go
Embracing the future and accepting whatever may come
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@veilofmaya75
Wow. You can really hear the influence of The Smiths on their music in this song. While listening to it, I kind of felt like I was gently being pulled back into the 80s. These girls are ridiculously talented. Lucky for us, they have a platform to share their amazing talents with all of us. This is truly a GREAT song.
@funnywise
I love the moment when they sing "and don't you ever start to wonder". It is just so frankly said and melodically meant.
@chevive81
Love this song , Nina's voice!!
@greatriffishere
San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the country, we are larger than dallas but we keep a nice small town atmosphere in SA! We are proud of GIAC and we think when more people discover GIAC and hear their songs they will be the biggest all girl band in the world and they are already the best all girl band in the world WAKE UP AMERICA these girls are amazing!!!!
@kittyerin8476
love girl in a coma 💗💗💗
@rogertx210
Such a great band out of my hometown of San anto Nina is amazing and so beautiful
@cherrydelrey1949
This is one of my favorite songs, EVER. <333
@Yhondhaime
ESTA ES UNA DE ESAS CANCIONES K RECORDARAS TODA LA VIDA ESTUPENDA CANCION
@LouieNYI09
This song brings me back to the early and mid 90s indie rock scene.....love it
@richardgordon5362
Awh this song reminds me of home. The best parts, family, friends my dogs. I just want to be home with everything I’m familiar with, my favorite parts. The times, how simple things were. I love how a song can make me feel so much