1. A pop … Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists which have used the name Hanson
1. A pop rock group from Oklahoma, United States
2. A funk rock group from the United Kingdom active in the 1970's.
1. Hanson is an American pop rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The band consists of guitarist and vocalist Isaac Hanson (born November 17, 1980) pianist and vocalist Taylor Hanson (born March 14, 1983), and drummer and vocalist Zac Hanson (born October 22, 1985). Their work has spanned many different genres, including rock, blues, folk, and pop. They are most noted for their Grammy-nominated 1997 hit single, “MMMBop.” Their 1997 album Middle of Nowhere (the band’s third recorded album and first major studio album, also nominated for a Grammy) was met with critical acclaim and went on to achieve multi-platinum status. The group’s subsequent major effort, This Time Around showcased the brothers’ considerable talent and artistic growth, receiving wide critical acclaim for its bluesy/classic-rock and soulful pop harmonies. The album failed to repeat the commercial success of Middle of Nowhere however, only achieving gold status. The album has since been considered a trend-setter and precursor for such acts as Michelle Branch, John Mayer, Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Vanessa Carlton and Eisley.
After many promotional and artistic conflicts with Island/Def Jam, Hanson split from the label in 2003 and started their own label, 3CG Records. In 2004, they released their third major studio album, Underneath, independently. The album reached #1 on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart and has since been noted as one of the biggest-selling independent albums of all time. The single “Penny & Me” reached #2 on Billboard’s Top 200. Like This Time Around, Underneath was well-received and well-reviewed for its more mature classic rock/pop sound.
The band continues to have a dedicated fan base and Internet presence, and recently completed a tour of college campuses, showing a documentary, Strong Enough to Break, made about their struggle to form their own label and release Underneath. The documentary http://www.last.fm/music/Hanson was also shown at the Hollywood Film Festival in October 2006.
A live album (The Best of Hanson; Live & Electric), recorded in Melbourne on the Australian leg of the “Underneath: Live & Electric” tour was released in October 2005.
The band released of their fourth major studio album, The Walk in North America on July 24th, 2007. They have released a second documentary, titled Taking The Walk as a continuation of their struggles and successes of writing, recording and producing their own album. After spending some time in Africa, Hanson released a single “Great Divide” for World AIDS Day, with 100% of the download proceeds going to the Perinatal HIV Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.
During the making of The Walk, Hanson made a trip to Africa to record some tracks with the African Children's Choir. They were so inspired by their experiences there that they have since teamed up with TOMS Shoes--a california-based company who donates a pair of shoes for each pair sold to a child in poverty who does not have shoes.
In order to raise awareness for this charity and the daily things we take for granted, as well as small and impactful ways to help those in need, Hanson organizes one mile barefoot walks before each of their shows. As of 10/30/08 they have walked a total of 100 miles together with their fans. They are donating $1 for each person who walks with them to one of 5 causes to help children and monthers in Africa battling AIDS and poverty. The fans are invited to organize their own walks and Hanson will also donate a dollar to whatever cause they are walking for. The goal is to Walk around the World and as of 2/4/2009 have walked 19,236 miles and have 5,666 to go.
More information is available at www.takethewalk.net
Hanson released their 5th studio album entitled "Shout It Out" on June 8, 2010. Leading up to this release they performed all of their albums at 5 sold out shows at the Gramercy Theater in New York City.
2. Hanson is a funk rock band formed in 1973 by reggae musician Junior Marvin. The group released two albums - "Now Hear This" (1973) and "Magic Dragon" (1974) before disbanding in 1974.
Breaktown
Hanson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you ready to win?
Well I've been losing for so long
I can't begin
I'm a man on the moon
I'm a man on the ledge
I'm the words you never knew were in your head
You can't help you're so insecure
Your hurt right down to the core
You're only stuck in your pain today
Welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
Are you ready to quit?
Are you ready to learn?
Are you ready to find the spark inside and let it burn?
I'm the walls that close in
I'm the words you won't say
I'm the voice you choose to keep inside and lock away
Everyday
You keep it all to yourself
You're just like everyone else
So take a good look around
Now, welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
When you're driving through
There's a room with a view
Just hanging around yeah
Woah
Welcome to Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
Breaktown, Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
Welcome to Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
Oh oh
The lyrics of Hanson's song "Breaktown" seem to be about the experience of hitting "rock bottom" and coming to terms with personal difficulties. The repeated refrain "Welcome to Breaktown" suggests a sense of acceptance of one's current struggles, as if to say, "this is where we are now, and it's okay." The opening lines of the song pose a question of readiness, asking if the listener is prepared to both lose and win. Hanson then confesses that they themselves have been losing for so long that they can't even start to think about winning.
The following lines describe a sense of isolation and being stuck, with Hanson comparing themselves to a man on the moon or on a ledge - someone removed and separate from the world around them. The song then shifts to address the listener, citing insecurity and inner pain as things that may be holding them back. Here, Hanson adopts the role of "the voice you choose to keep inside and lock away," perhaps urging listeners to express themselves and seek help if necessary.
The final verse of the song poses more questions about readiness, asking if the listener is prepared to quit, learn, or let their spark burn. The song ends with a description of driving through Breaktown, with a room and a view and a sense of acceptance in the refrain.
Overall, "Breaktown" appears to be a song about embracing struggles and difficulties, and recognizing that everyone goes through their own version of "rock bottom."
Line by Line Meaning
Are you ready to lose?
Asking if you're prepared to face failure
Are you ready to win?
Asking if you're ready to embrace success
Well I’ve been losing for so long, I can't begin
Admitting that they've dealt with failure for a long time, making it difficult to start winning
I’m a man on the moon
Feeling distant and isolated from the rest of the world
I’m a man on the ledge
Feeling like they're on the edge of a major change, possibly a breakdown
I'm the words you never knew were in your head
Their music is speaking words that resonates with listeners
You can’t help you’re so insecure
Acknowledging the struggle with insecurity
Your hurt right down to the core
Feeling hurt at the deepest level
You’re only stuck in your pain today
Believing that the pain is temporary and won't last forever
Welcome to Breaktown
Introducing the listener to a metaphorical place where they can go through hard times and grow
For the first time it’s a great town
Admitting that Breaktown can still offer positive experiences despite being a difficult place
For your worst time
Acknowledging that people will turn to Breaktown during their lowest moments
When you freak out there’s a road sign
A metaphorical sign that welcomes and directs those who feel lost and overwhelmed
Are you ready to quit?
Asking if you have the stamina and strength to continue even when things get tough
Are you ready to learn?
Asking if you're ready to embrace new knowledge and grow from experiences
Are you ready to find the spark inside and let it burn?
Encouraging the listener to embrace their passions and let them flourish
I'm the walls that close in
Feeling like their environment is oppressive and overwhelming
I'm the words you won't say
The words the person wants to say but is being held back by fear or insecurity
I'm the voice you choose to keep inside and lock away
The voice is who they truly are but is hidden away from the world because of fear or shame
Everyday
This is a constant battle and is faced every day
You keep it all to yourself
Preferring to keep their struggles to themselves and bottling up their emotions
You’re just like everyone else
Making the realization that many people struggle with similar issues and are not alone
So take a good look around
Encouraging the listener to observe their surroundings and realize that others are going through similar struggles
Now, welcome to Breaktown
Further emphasizing that Breaktown is where they are and it's okay to go through tough times
When you’re driving through there’s a room with a view
There's always a positive side, even though it may currently be obscured or out of sight
Just hanging around yeah Woah
A feel-good and optimistic vibe that places an emphasis on endurance and perseverance
Welcome to Breaktown
Reinforcing the song's message that Breaktown is where the person is and it's okay
Welcome to Breaktown
Reiterating the message once more
Oh oh
An expressive vocalization, emphasizing the overall positive message of the song
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MARK ADDISON, JEZ ASHURTZ, ISAAC HANSON, TAYLOR HANSON, ZAC HANSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Amanda Wichael
Are you ready to lose?
Are you ready to win?
Well I've been losing for so long
I can't begin
I'm a man on the moon
I'm a man on the ledge
I'm the words you never knew were in your head
You can't help you're so insecure
Your hurt right down to the core
You're only stuck in your pain today
Welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
Are you ready to quit?
Are you ready to learn?
Are you ready to find the spark inside and let it burn?
I'm the walls that close in
I'm the words you won't say
I'm the voice you choose to keep inside and lock away
Everyday
You keep it all to yourself
You're just like everyone else
So take a good look around
Now, welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
When you're driving through
There's a room with a view
Just hanging around yeah
Woah
Welcome to Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
Breaktown, Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
For the first time
It's a great town
For your worst time
When you freak out
There's a road sign
"Welcome to Breaktown"
Welcome to Breaktown
Welcome to Breaktown
Oh oh
HANSON
Last week we gave the backstory of Breaktown. Today, we show you the full string performance of it. Enjoy!
Marina
THANK YOU! MERCI BEAUCOUP! OBRIGADAAAAAAA ❣️❣️❣️
Deven H
<3 Lovely. Can you put out Bridges of Stone somehow somewhere?
Red_Moonlight
HANSON I really love this song! Your music really soothes my soul since 1997. I love you so much, Isaac, Taylor, & Zac! 💖 - From one of your loyal fans here in the Philippines 🇵🇭
Joseph
I wish I would have been able to sign you guys when you first made your splash. It’s a shame you guys weren’t protected. Hollywood knew they couldn’t manipulate you guy’s spirit so they tucked you away. Glad to see that your making 🎶
Red_Moonlight
Joseph
Totally agree! However, it's such a good thing that they can do their own material. Unlike in the mainstream world, where they manipulate their artists.
Anessa Muncie
This song HURTS me on a level I cannot express. I remember listening to a short unfinished version of it that I downloaded way back in the early 2000's and burned on a CD and kept in my car. I still have that CD and ALL the Hanson albums. It touches my soul as much now, as it did way back then, as a young adult, just starting out, trying to figure things out, dealing with my first REAL heart break. Now, I'm 37 and married to that man with 4 children and I wish I could tell my heartbroken young self, that listened to "Breaktown" and wept, that everything would be okay. Man, if only y'all knew how much you've brought me through. From homelessness in high school to drug addiction in my adult life, I've always had your music to turn to, to work through it all. Honestly, the thing most people remember about me, is my undying love for my Hansons. Thank you guys for creating the soundtrack to my life. I love y'all so much. ❤
Danna Creates
Some people write words and make music to accompany them. Then there are those born to make it. Y'all clearly fall within the parameters of the latter and what a blessing your music has been to me (and likely many, many others) in the last few years. This resonates far deeper than I wish it did to be honest, but what a beautiful piece of artistry this song is. Thank you all for using your talent for good. <3
Matt Quanstrom
I’m still in awe this song found its way to release. And there couldn’t have been a more perfect way than with an orchestra. Thank you for this song. The melody sticks with me, and it’s just...for some of us fans BreakTown is one of “those,” songs that truly means a lot. It sticks with us.
You guys are a high note in the music industry, standing the test of time and making music that resonates.
Skittzles Forever
This song has helped me so much through the years and I didn't think it would be one you did for String Theory and I'm so glad you did. Not to be "that emo person" but this song has saved at least one life and I'm sure many more. Thank you guys so much for what you do.