Their first EP, "Building An Empire", produced by Casey Crescenzo (ex-The Receiving End of Sirens, The Dear Hunter) was released in June 2008. Their Sophomore effort, the EP "This Is A Murder Scene" was recorded at Nada Studios with John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Matchbook Romance, Senses Fail) and released July 6th, 2009.
The band has been touring heavily including the "I Got Caught Touching Your Sis-Tour", "Benicio del Tour-o" and the "2 Cool 4 Skool Tour" and a stint on the 2008 Van's Warped Tour. Playing to sold-out hometown crowds of 1000+, the band has shared the stage with acts including, The Cab, VersaEmerge, There For Tomorrow, The Ataris and more.
The band will be on the "Flirting w/ DisasTOUR" this November with City Lights and Time & Distance.
On May 24, 2010, Hollywood Lies disbanded.
Southbound Train
Hollywood Lies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Hollywood Lies's song Southbound Train can be interpreted as a reflection of a difficult and tumultuous relationship. The singer begins by acknowledging their own previous shortcomings, describing feeling "humble and out of key" the last time he saw the subject of the song. He then references the other person's plans to sit back and essentially give up on the relationship ("sit back with your hands folded over your lap"), which he seems to find frustrating.
The lyrics then become more introspective, with the singer acknowledging that the relationship is a "competition" and a "never ending battle." Despite this, however, he admits that he could get used to the "hassle" if the other person would just hold him close. The lines "My hands shake receivers tapping morse code cut in to our hearts and now we're off on our own" seem to suggest a communication breakdown that has led to the couple growing apart.
The chorus of the song, with its repeated references to a "southbound train" and feeling "cold," lends an air of melancholy to the lyrics. The second half of the song seems to be a plea to the other person not to leave ("you had better not count me out") and a promise to hold on to memories of their time together ("I will wrap myself in memories"). The final line, "an image of a broken man, and his whole heart says, I love you," implies that despite everything, the singer still cares deeply for the other person.
Interestingly, the song's lyrics are open to interpretation and could be seen as being about a romantic relationship, but they could also be about a friendship, sibling relationship, or even a professional partnership. Regardless, the emotional struggle and heartbreak are evident throughout.
Line by Line Meaning
Last time I saw you, I was humble and out of key.
When I last saw you, I felt embarrassed and insecure.
I didn't know about your plans to sit back with your hands folded over your lap, and I know that you did.
I wasn't aware that you had already given up on our relationship, but now I understand that you had.
This is a competition, never ending battle.
Our relationship is a constant struggle, like a competition that never ends.
I guess I really could get used to this hassle.
I suppose I could learn to accept the difficulties of our relationship.
But sweetie, you should have held me close.
I wish you had shown me more love and affection.
My hands shake receivers tapping morse code cut in to our hearts and now we're off on our own.
I feel like we're communicating in code and our hearts are no longer connected.
Oh, baby, don't you know I can't be trusted alone?
I need you in my life and can't be left alone.
Hang it over my head like mistletoe, just kiss me when you come back around again.
Promise to return to me and we'll share a tender moment like kissing under the mistletoe.
Let it flow until our hearts collide.
Let's be open with our emotions until we reconnect on a deeper level.
I think I'm coming back down again, but you had better not count me out. No, not this time.
Our relationship has its ups and downs, but don't give up on me. I'm not giving up on us.
And this southbound train never looked so cold.
I feel alone and lost like I'm on a cold, lonely train journey.
I've been coming up short with the antidote that will keep you here in my arms, so please won't you smile at me tonight?
I can't find a solution to keep our relationship strong and close, so I beg for a little kindness and affection.
I will wrap myself in memories. Tomorrow, you'll pack your bags.
I'll cherish the memories we made together, knowing that tomorrow you'll be ready to leave.
Come Tuesday you'll be gone, I'll be alone. Time will heal all your open wounds, and your broken heart.
Soon you'll be gone, and I'll be left behind to heal my own heartbreak and accept our separation.
Watch it over and over again - an image of a broken man, and his whole heart says, I love you.
I'll relive our memories and share my love with a heavy heart, knowing that our relationship is over.
Contributed by Jayce E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.