Founded by Farrell and original bass guitarist Eric Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band Psi Com, Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Jane's Addiction's first release was a self-titled live album in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band's first two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation". The band's initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.
The band briefly reunited in 1997, with Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Avery on bass guitar. In 2001, a second reunion took place, with Martyn LeNoble—and later Chris Chaney—occupying the role of bass guitarist. In 2003, the band released its third studio album, Strays, before dissolving again the following year.
In 2008, the band's original line-up reunited and embarked on a world tour. Eric Avery, however, subsequently left the band in early 2010 as the group began working on new material. The band released its fourth studio album The Great Escape Artist in 2011, with Chaney returning to the band for its recording and subsequent tour. In 2016, Jane's Addiction were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Thank You Boys
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
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Thank you boys is a song by the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction. It appears on their 1990 album, "Ritual de lo Habitual". The song is a tribute to the band's fans, who had been loyal and had supported them throughout their career. The lyrics are reflective of Perry Farrell's gratitude and appreciation towards his fans, and their role in the band's success.
The first verse acknowledges the fans' commitment to the band; "Rolling with me, you trusted mate/ Thank you boys, I'd like to state/ This my gratitude, makes my heart bigger/ Never ever been a multi-million figure". The second verse describes how the fans had been there for the band, through both good times and bad; "Tribulations, cheers and jeers/ All hover near/ You were there". The chorus then repeats the titular phrase, thanking the fans once again for their support; "Thank you boys/ I'm alive and I'm feelin' good".
The song's themes are consistent with the band's ethos of embracing individuality and rebelling against societal norms. It also showcases Perry Farrell's charismatic delivery and Dave Navarro's impressive guitar work. Overall, the song is a tribute to the band's fans, and a reminder of the importance of their support throughout their career.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you boys
A simple expression of gratitude towards a group of individuals
For reminding me
Appreciation towards the group for serving as a reminder for something important
Of why I live
The group has helped the singer remember the purpose of their existence
And for the privilege
An acknowledgment of the privileged position the group holds in the singer's life
Of loving you boys
A declaration of the singer's love and affection towards the individuals being addressed
Thank you boys
Reiteration of gratitude towards the group of individuals
For listening to me
Appreciation towards the group for lending an ear and being attentive to the singer's thoughts and opinions
And for trying to see
Gratitude towards the group for making an effort to understand the singer's perspective
Things the way I see
Appreciation towards the group for attempting to empathize with the singer's point of view
For accepting my faults
Acknowledgment of the group's ability to accept and overlook the singer's flaws and weaknesses
And for not holding me up
Gratitude towards the group for not portraying the singer in an idealized or unrealistic light, and instead allowing them to be themselves
To ridicule or scorn
Appreciation towards the group for not belittling or mocking the singer's shortcomings or failures
Thank you boys
Reiteration of gratitude towards the group of individuals
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC ADAM AVERY, PERRY FARRELL, DAVID NAVARRO, STEPHEN PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind