Hammerbox were a female-fronted alternative/grunge band from Seattle, WA. T… Read Full Bio ↴Hammerbox were a female-fronted alternative/grunge band from Seattle, WA. They released their first LP, Hammerbox on independent label C/Z Records. This album earned them the opportunity to sign to a major label - they signed to A&M Records for the release of their second album. Despite the band's appearance at rock festival Endfest in Bremerton, Washington to support their album, it did not sell well and the band were dropped by the label. Carrie Akre left soon after to form Goodness, while Harris Thurmond went on to join Orbiter. Hammerbox attained a certain level of exposure when two of their songs ("Trip" and "Simple Passing") were featured in some releases of the very popular video game Road Rash alongside songs by Soundgarden. Live EMP Skychurch, Seattle, WA, an album containing live material was released in 2005, long after the band's split.

Outside
Hammerbox Lyrics

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Here you sit and
There I had to go to
Serenity
Oh serenity

Teach me how to touch
The things you read
The things you watch

Oh cross my heart
And give me anything
Outside
One world
Here now
Outside

Tell me
Where to go
And I would go
Outside

I've got my books
And my simple things
And my TV plays a scream
Already and trying and rose
I think I've got to last
Forever
Forever
Outside
One world
Here now
Outside

Oh tell me
Where to go
How should I go?
Outside

Show me just how
Show me just how
Show me just how
Show me just how
Show me
Yes, show me
Just how I should go
Show me, yes
Someone show me

The way
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Outside" by Hammerbox is about feeling stuck and trapped in one's current situation or environment and longing to escape to a place of serenity and freedom. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning for guidance and direction, as the singer asks to be shown the way out.

What is interesting about this song is that it was written and recorded in the early 1990s, a time when grunge and alternative rock were dominating the music scene in Seattle and across the country. Hammerbox, who were part of this scene, had a unique sound that blended punk, metal, and pop influences.

The lead singer, Carrie Akre, has a powerful and soulful voice that adds depth and emotion to the lyrics. Akre was one of the few women in the Seattle music scene at the time and helped pave the way for other female artists.

Line by Line Meaning

Here you sit and
There is a separation between two people, one of whom is sitting while the other had to go away.

There I had to go to
The singer had a choice to leave and go somewhere else.

Serenity
A state of calmness and peacefulness.

Oh serenity
A yearning desire for a peaceful state.

Teach me how to touch
Asking to be taught how to understand and connect with something on a deeper level.

The things you read
The knowledge that one acquires from reading.

The things you watch
The knowledge that one acquires from watching.

Oh cross my heart
Promise to be sincere and truthful.

And give me anything
Willingness to accept anything that will help one achieve serenity.

Outside
Looking for a way to break away from the current state and find something new.

One world
There is only one world but many ways to experience it.

Here now
Being present in the moment and not worrying about the past or future.

Tell me
Asking for guidance and direction.

Where to go
Asking for guidance to find a path towards serenity.

And I would go
Willingness to follow the guidance given.

I've got my books
The comfort of knowledge found in books.

And my simple things
The simple essentials that bring joy and comfort to life.

And my TV plays a scream
The negativity that can be found in media.

Already and trying and rose
Struggling and experiencing growth towards finding serenity.

I think I've got to last
Hopeful to overcome the obstacles and last through the journey.

Forever
A desire for the journey towards serenity to never end.

Oh tell me
Reaffirming the need for guidance and direction.

How should I go?
Asking for specific guidance on how to find serenity.

Show me just how
Willingness to learn through visual demonstration.

Someone show me
Asking for anyone to guide and show the way.

The way
The path towards finding serenity.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARRIE AKRE, DAVID BIRENBAUM, HARRIS THURMOND, RALPH ATKINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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