The band is something of a Supergroup: Eric Wilson from Sublime and Long Beach Dub Allstars, RAS-1 also from Long Beach Dub Allstars, Trey Pangborn from the Falling Idols and Bargain Music and Damion Ramirez from Capitol Eye. The latter two bands, albeit not as well known, were quintessential Long Beach bands that helped influence the sound of Long Beach Shortbus today.
Their first CD was a self-titled EP and featured their hit "California Grace." Their second CD was entitled Flying Ship of Fantasy, featuring tracks from their first album. "California Grace" is also available on the soundtrack to the MTV reality series Laguna Beach. Sadly On October 7th, 2007, it was announced that the band will be parting ways. Their final show took place at the Haunted Ball And Chain festival in San Diego, CA, on November 2nd and 3rd.
You're Not Alone
Long Beach Shortbus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Liquor store to liquor store, you've lost your mind
You think you may have left it somewhere
In a dim lit room where you were killing time
Time that's dead and buried in a clock
That's ticking, tocking, but you just can't hear it
No one understands, either you are right
You're not alone
No, you're not alone
You're not
Thinking that the world is all against you
But you don't know you've been up against it
Head is banging on the wall so long
But you can't even feel it
No! You're not alone
No! You're not alone
Even though your mother told you that you would've done this
If you did the first thing you never heard it
Hanging 'round the wrong heads 'cause they had
Something they were selling so they could deal their own shit
You blame it on society, but they don't really even know ya
'Cause you never went out and enjoyed it
You're going nowhere faster!
You're not alone! No!
You're not alone! No!
You're not alone, you're not
The lyrics to "You're Not Alone" by Long Beach Shortbus speak to the feeling of isolation and disconnection that many people experience. The singer describes a person who is spiraling out of control, going from liquor store to liquor store, feeling lost and disconnected from the world around them. They feel like they may have lost their mind and are trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior that they can't seem to break out of. They have trouble relating to others and feel like they are either right and everyone else is wrong or that they are surrounded by evil spirits.
Despite these feelings of alienation, the chorus reminds the listener that they are not alone. The singer is reaching out to the person in question and reassuring them that even though they may feel isolated and misunderstood, there are others out there who understand what they are going through. The final line of the song, "You're not alone, you're not," further reinforces this message of solidarity and support.
The bridge of the song touches on themes of self-doubt and external blame. The singer describes how the person in question has internalized messages from their mother and others about how they could have avoided their current situation if only they had made different choices. They also mention how the person has been influenced by negative influences who are only looking out for themselves. However, the singer challenges these external factors and encourages the person to take responsibility for their situation and to make positive changes in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
Flying round and round and uptown, downtown
Going in circles and feeling lost, wandering from place to place without direction
Liquor store to liquor store, you've lost your mind
Engaging in a destructive habit of alcohol abuse, feeling overwhelmed and out of control
You think you may have left it somewhere
Feeling like something important is missing or lost
In a dim lit room where you were killing time
Spending time in unhealthy and unproductive ways that are taking a toll on your well-being
Time that's dead and buried in a clock
Feeling like time is passing you by and that you're stuck in a rut
That's ticking, tocking, but you just can't hear it
Feeling disconnected from the passage of time, and unable to make meaningful progress
No one understands, either you are right
Feeling isolated and misunderstood, doubting your own sanity
Or all of them are evil spirits
Feeling like everyone else is against you and out to harm you
You're not alone
Despite feeling isolated and disconnected, there are others who share in your struggles and can offer support
No, you're not alone
Repeated reminder that you have a network of support, and are not alone in your struggles
Thinking that the world is all against you
Believing that people are conspiring against you, and that the world is inherently unjust
But you don't know you've been up against it
Feeling like a victim, without the knowledge or awareness of the broader context
Head is banging on the wall so long
Feeling intense frustration and desperation
But you can't even feel it
Feeling numb and disconnected from your own emotions, despite the intensity of your struggles
Even though your mother told you that you would've done this
Feeling like a disappointment or failure, despite the expectations or guidance of others
If you did the first thing you never heard it
Feeling like you missed out on opportunities or failed to heed advice that may have made a difference
Hanging 'round the wrong heads 'cause they had
Surrounding yourself with people who enable or exacerbate your struggles, due to their own problems or motivations
Something they were selling so they could deal their own shit
Being taken advantage of, or manipulated, by those around you for their own gain
You blame it on society, but they don't really even know ya
Feeling like broader societal issues contribute to your struggles, but also feeling invisible or insignificant within that broader context
'Cause you never went out and enjoyed it
Feeling like you missed out on experiences, or that you never fully embraced life
You're going nowhere faster!
Feeling like you're stuck, and unable to make meaningful progress toward your goals
You're not alone! No!
Repeated reminder that you are not alone, and that support and understanding are available
You're not alone! No!
Continued emphasis on the availability of support, and the importance of acknowledging that you are not alone in your struggles
You're not alone, you're not
Final affirmation that, despite all the struggles and feelings of isolation, you are not alone and can find support and understanding in others
Contributed by Sophia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.