Their debut full-length, Background Music, was recorded for Equal Vision Records in 2001 and was released to much acclaim. In 2003, the band faced a legal battle with a similarly named band from Philadelphia. The band then changed their name briefly to the initials "A.N." then to American Nothing for a brief period. After the other American Nightmare threatened to press charges again, they changed their name to Give Up the Ghost (which was intended to be the name of their second album). Their second full length, We're Down Til We're Underground released on Equal Vision Records, displayed the band experimenting with their sound, with longer songs that didn't follow the typical hardcore songwriting formula they had adhered to in their previous releases.
The band broke up suddenly in June 2004, a day after announcing the cancellation of a European tour. The band issued a statement which cited "health and personal reasons" for the split. Give Up the Ghost's success, combined with the success of contemporary Boston bands like The Suicide File, cemented the position of the Boston scene as the bellwether for new trends during the early 2000s. Members went on to join / form other bands such as Cold Cave, Some Girls, XO Skeletons, Ye Olde Maids, Head Automatica, Bars, and The Hope Conspiracy. Wes also went on to start a publishing company called Heartworm Press and co-owns Philadelphia based bookstore/performance space Juanita And Juan's. Give Up the Ghost came back into the headlines in 2007 under accusations that Fall Out Boy had taken lyrics from Wes Eisold, the band's lyricist, resulting in an out-of-court settlement and a credit in the liner notes of both the multi-platinum selling From Under the Cork Tree and Infinity on High.
After seven years of disbandment, Give Up the Ghost played two reunion shows in December 2011. The band performed in Revere, Massachusetts (just outside of Boston) on December 29, and in Los Angeles on December 31. Deathwish Inc. reissued Give Up the Ghost's albums Background Music (2001) and We're Down Til We're Underground (2003) to coincide with the reunion dates. Tickets for the two reunion shows went on sale on October 29, 2011 and both shows sold out in under a minute. As a result, a special ticket package was announced to go on sale November 7, with all proceeds going to Shirts For A Cure Project, which benefits the Syrentha Savio Endowment. The package included two tickets and two t-shirts for $100, which in turn also sold out in under a minute.
Give Up the Ghost played additional reunion shows on July 20 and July 22, 2012 at Webster Hall in New York City. In addition, Give Up the Ghost performed at the FYF Fest in Los Angeles, California in September 2012 under their original name American Nightmare. They scheduled two more shows under the American Nightmare name in June 2013 in Chicago and Toronto. Shows in Anaheim CA and Seattle WA are also scheduled for December of 2013.
Wes Eisold - vocals
Tim Cossar - guitar
Brian Masek - guitar
Josh Holden - bass
Alex Garcia Rivera - drums
http://screaminggetsyounothing.com/
Hearts
Give Up The Ghost Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know what's wrong...
But it's suicide eyes
That wrote this song
For all I'm worth
Writer's block is a bitch
Words falling like bricks
For a New England wish...
In the town of "naive-ity"
All I wanted was a shot in the dark
But like a knife through the heart
I choke on spit covered words...
Oh my god - It happened again
What's wrong with me?
Screaming gets you nothing
One more night in this town
And I swear that I'm dead...
I drew a heart
Around the name of your city...
"Hearts" is a song by Give Up The Ghost that centers on the theme of distance and the longing for a romantic relationship. The lyrics refer to the eastern promenade, which creates an atmosphere of solitude and contemplation. The opening lines, "Dear eastern prom / I know what's wrong... / But it's suicide eyes / That wrote this song," suggest that the singer is struggling with some inner turmoil that he cannot fully articulate. The reference to "suicide eyes" may imply a sense of desperation or hopelessness that the writer feels.
The lyrics go further in expressing the writer's frustration with his own creative process. He acknowledges that he's struggling with writer's block and that finding the right words is like "words falling like bricks." The sentiment of wanting to make something happen is hinted at when he talks about wanting "a shot in the dark." The singer feels like a failure in finding the right words, but he also seems resentful of the innocence and naivety of others around him. The reference to being an "easy male fuck" implies a sense of vulnerability but also hints at taking advantage. The sense of isolation and desperation culminates in the lines, "Screaming gets you nothing / One more night in this town / And I swear that I'm dead..."
Line by Line Meaning
Dear eastern prom
Addressing the eastern promenade, personifying it as if it were a person.
I know what's wrong...
Acknowledging something is not right, but not specifying what it is.
But it's suicide eyes
Referring to a look or expression that conveys a deep, emotional pain or despair.
That wrote this song
Implying that the emotions behind the song are intense and raw.
For all I'm worth
Despite all of one's efforts or abilities, they feel like they are not enough or not appreciated.
Writer's block is a bitch
Expressing frustration with an inability to write or be creative.
Words falling like bricks
Describing the difficulty of coming up with something to write or say when feeling stuck.
For a New England wish...
Alluding to a desire for something more or better, specifically in New England.
I was an easy male fuck
Feeling used or taken advantage of for being available or accommodating.
In the town of 'naive-ity'
Referring to a place where people are innocent or trusting, possibly to their own detriment.
All I wanted was a shot in the dark
Expressing a desire to take a chance or make an attempt without knowing the outcome first.
But like a knife through the heart
Referring to the disappointment or pain caused by something not turning out as hoped.
I choke on spit covered words...
Feeling unable to speak or express oneself, either due to fear or emotional turmoil.
Oh my god - It happened again
Exclaiming surprise or frustration at something recurring or repeating.
What's wrong with me?
Questioning one's own flaws or faults.
Screaming gets you nothing
Implying that expressing anger or frustration outwardly does not always lead to a positive outcome.
One more night in this town
Expressing a desire to leave or escape a place or situation.
And I swear that I'm dead...
Feeling as though a part of oneself has died or become numb.
I drew a heart
Creating a symbol of love or affection.
Around the name of your city...
Associating certain feelings or memories with a specific location or place.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind