After releasing numerous demos, splits, and EPs, Left Alone released their first full-length, Streets of Wilmington, in 2002. A year later, the band compiled their earlier, out-of-print recordings on the anthology Left Alone: 1996-2000. In 2003, Cortez went on the Warped Tour as a roadie. After Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman heard Left Alone's music, he chose the band to be the Warped Tour BBQ band for the 2004 tour. The band were invited back to be the BBQ band for the 2005 tour. While on the Warped Tour, Tim Armstrong of Rancid heard Left Alone's 2004 album, Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts. Armstrong signed the band to his label, Hellcat Records, and re-released Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts. The band released their third full-length album, Dead American Radio, on August 8, 2006, which features guest appearances from Tim Armstrong and Patricia Day of the Horrorpops.
The band released their self-titled album on April 7, 2009.
Heart Riot
Left Alone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the memories of when I knew you
And through the dim light I caught a vision
A sight of the things you used to do
I can't stop it, my heart feels like a riot
And there's nothing you can do
And when things get complicated, I feel used and jaded
Well it ended tonight in a one man ballroom fight
Bloodied knuckles bloody 'cause of you
And to this day I've got nothing to say
I keep it in till the next time I see you
I can't stop it, my heart feels like a riot
And there's nothing you can do
And when things get complicated, I feel used and jaded
Even though I'm with you
The lyrics of Left Alone’s “Heart Riot” delve into the complicated emotions that arise when someone is stuck in a tumultuous relationship. The song starts off with the singer reflecting on their past with their significant other, remembering both the good and the bad times. However, despite the memories of pain and regret, the singer is still deeply, uncontrollably in love with this person. The “vision” that they caught a glimpse of could symbolize the hope that things could go back to the way they used to be, or it could represent the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia that complicates the present.
As the song progresses, it becomes more clear that the relationship is unhealthy and damaging. The singer notes that they feel “used and jaded” even though they are still with the person who is causing them so much turmoil. The second verse reveals that the situation has escalated to the point of physical violence. The “one man ballroom fight” suggests that the singer is fighting a solitary battle, and that their relationship has left them feeling isolated and beaten down. Despite the violence and the emotional exhaustion that this person has caused them, however, the singer still can't help but feel consumed by their love for them.
Overall, “Heart Riot” is a raw and bleak portrait of a relationship that has taken its toll on both parties. The lyrics tap into the complicated emotions of love, pain, regret, and nostalgia, and paint a vivid, if disheartening, picture of what it is like to be stuck in a relationship that feels like a losing battle.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it started today with a fistful of regret
The day began with regret, and I wish I had done things differently.
And the memories of when I knew you
I remember what it was like when we were together.
And through the dim light I caught a vision
Despite the poor lighting, I was able to glimpse a memory of you.
A sight of the things you used to do
I recall the actions and behavior that I loved about you, but now they are only memories.
I can't stop it, my heart feels like a riot
My emotions are intense and unstoppable, my heart feels like a riot.
And there's nothing you can do
There is nothing you can do to change how I feel.
And when things get complicated, I feel used and jaded
During difficult times, I feel like I'm being taken advantage of and become disheartened.
Even though I'm with you
Despite being in a relationship with you, I still have these feelings.
Well it ended tonight in a one man ballroom fight
The night culminated in a violent fight, where I was the only one fighting for our love.
Bloodied knuckles bloody 'cause of you
My fists are bloody and injured because of the fight, and indirectly because of our relationship.
And to this day I've got nothing to say
Until now, I've never spoken about my feelings towards you and the relationship.
I keep it in till the next time I see you
I don't express my emotions to you until I see you again.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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