Phillips began Toad the Wet Sprocket in 1986. By 1988, they had signed with Columbia Records. After recording six albums and playing many major tours, they disbanded in 1998.
During his time in Toad the Wet Sprocket, Phillips was involved in a pop rock project called flapping, Flapping.
Three years later, following the breakup of Toad, Phillips released his first solo album, Abulum, which was a change from the sound that Toad the Wet Sprocket was known for. This was followed up by a self-released live album and solo touring, along with a reunion tour with his former Toad bandmates
In 2004, Phillips, with Nickel Creek, released a long-awaited collaboration as Mutual Admiration Society. The self-titled album had been recorded in 2000 and featured songs written by both Phillips alone and as collaborative efforts, and was released on Sugar Hill Records.
In 2005, Phillips returned to a major label via Universal Records' Lost Highway imprint and released the critically acclaimed Winter Pays For Summer. The album included the radio single "Duck and Cover," but Phillips and the label would part ways due to some creative differences.
Phillips released his third proper solo album, Mr. Lemons in the spring of 2006. The music video for the album's first single, "Everything But You," made its debut as a Yahoo! Exclusive Premiere on May 11, 2006.
Careless
Glen Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With a pool and a maid, Mom and Dad always out
And I always thought that you had it so good
Just imagine my surprise when they blew off the roof
I couldn't be more careless
You're probably dead and I'm just embarrassed
When you got too skinny you moved to LA
Just a regular city dropped from a great height
With the millions inside just along for the ride
And I couldn't be more careless
You're probably dead and I'm just embarrassed
To be the one who always had it nice
With not a clue and too much advice
I'll let you live your life like you let me live mine
So whatever you need it's just fine, it's just fine
You've been here before, you'll probably be back again
'Till the hair of that dog is too frayed at both ends
And I couldn't be more careless
You're probably dead and I'm just embarrassed
Glen Phillips's song "Careless" is a lyrical masterpiece that delves deep into themes of privilege, abandonment, and self-destruction. The opening lines describe a childhood of material abundance but emotional neglect, with a big empty house, a pool, and parents who were always absent. The singer, who thought the subject of the song had it "so good," is then surprised when their world is rocked by a catastrophic event: "they blew off the roof." It becomes clear that this idyllic-seeming upbringing was a façade, and the subject of the song was truly alone in the world.
As the song progresses, we see the subject of the song spiral downward into self-destruction. After getting "too skinny," they move to Los Angeles, a city that is "just along for the ride." The singer can see what is happening but cannot or does not want to intervene. They feel helpless and impotent, saying that they "couldn't be more careless" even though the subject of the song is probably dead. The singer is consumed with guilt and shame over their own privilege and lack of understanding, acknowledging that they had "not a clue and too much advice."
Ultimately, the singer resigns themselves to letting the subject of the song live their own life, knowing that it will likely lead to more pain and suffering. They offer a resigned acceptance, saying "whatever you need it's just fine," but it is clear that the damage has already been done.
Overall, "Careless" is a haunting and powerful examination of the ways in which privilege can obscure the truth, and the devastating consequences that can result. Its piercing lyrics and melancholy melody create a sense of sadness and regret that lingers long after the song has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
You grew up alone in a big empty house
You were raised in a spacious and quiet home without anyone to accompany you.
With a pool and a maid, Mom and Dad always out
Despite the extravagance of your family's property and the presence of house servants, your parents were always absent.
And I always thought that you had it so good
I had the impression that you had a perfect life because of your wealthy upbringing.
Just imagine my surprise when they blew off the roof
My shock was immeasurable when I found out your family was actually struggling.
I couldn't be more careless
I was indifferent to your circumstances.
You're probably dead and I'm just embarrassed
It's possible that you're not well off and I'm feeling ashamed of my insensitivity towards you.
From out of the fire and into a flame
You left one disaster and went straight into another.
When you got too skinny you moved to LA
After you got unhealthy thin, you relocated to Los Angeles.
Just a regular city dropped from a great height
LA is a typical urban location after departing from your previous privileged setting.
With the millions inside just along for the ride
The city is full of people with no unique purpose or ambition.
To be the one who always had it nice
I am somebody who constantly had a pleasant existence.
With not a clue and too much advice
Despite possessing a lot of guidance from others, I was still clueless about life.
I'll let you live your life like you let me live mine
I will allow you to live the way you desire, just like how you permitted me to do so.
So whatever you need it's just fine, it's just fine
I am okay with whatever choices you make for yourself.
You've been here before, you'll probably be back again
You have experienced this phase before, and it's highly probable that you will revisit it.
'Till the hair of that dog is too frayed at both ends
You will remain in this cycle until your condition worsens.
And I couldn't be more careless
I am still unconcerned.
You're probably dead and I'm just embarrassed
You might be struggling, and I'm feeling ashamed of my disregard for your welfare.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GLEN PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind