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.
True
Glen Phillips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you reeled it in again
I could be caught on that line
Spending my time swimming with you
You love is often unkind, bitter and blind
Sometimes casually cruel
But it's true
You give more that you would ever take
Forgive the mess I leave in my wake
I'm inconsistent at best
Never at rest, ever the fool
I'm always stumbling around knocking things down
But whatever else I do
I'll be true
I'll be true
You're in and out of my hands
Slipping like sand, passing like time
You love is brutally bold, careless and cold
But it's mine, mine
I won't tell you a lie, so be careful what you ask me
I don't care, I don't mind if you never understand me
Every day, every night I can promise you, I can promise you
I'll be true
I'll be true
True
The song "True" by Glen Phillips is a beautiful piece about love, honesty, and consistency. The opening lines "So how, how did I lose the thread when you reeled it in again" suggests that the singer is in doubt and confusion about the status of his relationship with another person. However, he acknowledges that his partner's love can be "unkind, bitter and blind" while at the same time being "brutally bold, careless and cold." He further acknowledges that he may not always be consistent, but he promises to be true to his words and actions, thereby expressing his desire for a lasting relationship.
The phrase "You're in and out of my hands, slipping like sand, passing like time" suggests that the singer acknowledges the fleeting and unpredictable nature of the relationship. Despite this, he remains faithful to the love he shares with his partner. The repetition of "But it's true" is a testament to the strength of the love he shares with his partner. The line "I won't tell you a lie so be careful what you ask me" is an indication that he is willing to be honest even when honesty might be inconvenient. Overall, the song is an expression of deep and unwavering love, honesty, and the willingness to remain faithful through the ups and downs of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
So how, how did I lose the thread
I'm not sure where our relationship went wrong
When you reeled it in again
But somehow you managed to pull me back in
I could be caught on that line
I'm willing to be trapped in this relationship
Spending my time swimming with you
Because spending time with you is my priority
Your love is often unkind, bitter and blind
Your love can be hurtful, cruel, and irrational
Sometimes casually cruel
You can be cruel without even realizing it
But it's true
But I still know that your love is genuine
You give more than you would ever take
You're always generous and selfless in our relationship
Forgive the mess I leave in my wake
I'm sorry for the chaos I cause in your life
I'm inconsistent at best
I'm unreliable and inconsistent in our relationship
Never at rest, ever the fool
I'm always on the move and making foolish decisions
I'm always stumbling around knocking things down
I often make mistakes and cause damage
But whatever else I do
Despite my flaws
I'll be true
I will always be honest and faithful to you
You're in and out of my hands
Our relationship is unpredictable and fleeting
Slipping like sand, passing like time
Like sand and time, our relationship is slipping away from me
Your love is brutally bold, careless and cold
Your love can be harsh, reckless, and indifferent
But it's mine, mine
But I still cherish it, it's all I have
I won't tell you a lie, so be careful what you ask me
I value honesty, so think twice before asking me something
I don't care, I don't mind if you never understand me
I'm okay with you never fully comprehending who I am
Every day, every night I can promise you, I can promise you
But what I can promise is my unwavering commitment
I'll be true
I'll always be true to you, no matter what happens
True
The truth of my love and commitment to you
Lyrics © COMPASS RECORDS GROUP INC, BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANIEL WILSON, GLEN PHILLIPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind