The band released their second studio album on February 24, 2009 entitled Masterpiece Theatre.
It takes some real cojones to include the word 'Masterpiece' in your album title, but Josh Ramsay isn't too worried. "I suppose I could be digging myself into a hole calling the record Masterpiece Theatre," he chuckles, "but it's tongue-in-cheek. And I'm not the kind of person that people would assume as being an egomaniac. I hope not, anyway."
Given his feverish imagination and comprehensive musical gifts, Ramsay could probably get away with a little egomania. And with the release of Masterpiece Theatre, the frontman of Vancouver's Marianas Trench makes a iron-clad case for a prodigious set of talents - both his own and those of his bandmates, guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman.
Marianas Trench had already elevated itself above the rest of the pack with a 2006 debut, Fix Me, that showcased a knack for colouring outside the lines of factory-issue millenial punk, shrewdly-built pop, and super-adrenalized modern rock. The single and in particular the video "Shake Tramp" was enough to demonstrate these qualities, coupled with Ramsay's uninhibited urge to be the complete song-and-dance man.
But with both the industry and the fans beating down the door for a quick second album, the Trench decided to put on the brakes. "All of a sudden you have six months to do your next record," Ramsay sighs. "So I really had to just put my foot down and say, 'No, I need the time to do this.' I was not interested in putting something out for the sake of putting something out."
Two years later, Marianas Trench has re-emerged with Masterpiece Theatre. And not surprisingly, it's a work of soaring ambition and decisive technical prowess – that easily might not have happened. "It's one thing when you're Chad Kroeger and you just finished writing 'How You Remind Me'," Ramsay states. "I didn't have some mega-platinum song to back up my argument with, so I was lucky that the band and the label trusted me enough to do it."
By "it", Ramsay means he was allowed to indulge a high-concept fantasy for the band's sophomore album, which is built, for starters, around a song called "Masterpiece Theatre". Adopting Brian Wilson's notion of the 'pocket symphony' and then running with it, the three distinct versions of “Masterpiece Theatre” dotted across the record feature an almost perfect balance between the vocal theatrics of Queen and the more hymnal qualities of the Beach Boys.
By the time “Masterpiece Theatre” is reprised for a final, climactic time, every other song on the album is quoted and incorporated into an intricately constructed dramatic revue that swings from pristine pop, to propulsive riff rock, to quasi-doo wop, to robotic new wave, and finally into a wholly satisfying thematic payoff.
"You know in the climax of a musical, there's always that medley at the end, and I thought that would be cool on a rock record," explains Ramsay, "but it turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. I wrote it in the studio as we recorded it, and it took about three weeks."
After a beat, he adds, "But really it took me two years because it draws from all the songs on the whole album."
Bassist Mike Ayley readily admits, "I don't think any of the three ‘Masterpiece Theatre’ songs could have gone on Fix Me had they been written at the time. ‘Masterpiece’ 2 and 3 in particular are amazing songs that really explore the potential of Josh's writing. You really have to hear them to get it. It's like trying to explain ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to somebody who has only heard Kanye West and Katy Perry."
Ramsay agrees. "I really wanted to have a 'Good Vibrations'/'Bohemian Rhapsody’ style song on the first record,” he says, “but I don't think I was a mature enough writer to have written it yet, and I still feel like I was in over-my-head when we did this one, and I just barely made it."
Ramsay is unnecessarily modest; the whole of Masterpiece Theatre demonstrates a startling compositional maturity compared to the Marianas Trench of two years ago.
"Beside You" is a panoramic exercise in big emotions, with a dash of the Dream Academy's "Life In a Northern Town”. "Acadia" begins with a clipped, bright acoustic guitar, and blossoms into something like the Who reconsidered by U2, reimagined for the net generation. In the crunchy "All to Myself", the power ballad "Lover Dearest", and the strident "Good to You" (in which he duets with Kate Voegele), Ramsay pulls out the kind of honeyed vocals more attuned to modern RnB than white, adolescent rock.
"I always had that aspect in my voice but the first record just didn't have songs that were conducive to me singing that way," he states. "I think it's from growing up listening to a lot of Michael Jackson. With these songs, it made sense to stretch out a little more."
On "Cross My Heart" and "Celebrity Status", the band conjures up a kind of perfect pop crossover. Producer Dave 'Rave' Ogilvie was responsible for the latter track, which cops a move he used on Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People" with three drummers (Casselman, Ramsay and Shane Wilson) playing at once - much to Ramsay's delight. "He's just worked with so many great artists which makes his well of tricks and ideas so vast," he says.
True to Ramsay's quest for "more diversity on this album" - not to mention the indulgence of his record label - Rave was just one of four prominent guest producers eventually roped into Masterpiece Theatre. Their collective resume includes Nine Inch Nails, Sum 41, Iggy Pop, Avril Lavigne, and Hedley among others.
"I feel really fortunate to have worked with all those guys," Ramsay says, "coz they all bring really unique things. Dave Genn and I have a really good working relationship with each other, and he has such a unique style with arrangement and stuff. Greig Nori was a really pleasant surprise. As far as I can tell, he wanted to work with us because he liked our video. The whole time he was just trying to get me to dance around like an idiot. And Raine Maida, man? Raine's a trip!"
Bassist Ayley also credits Maida for encouraging the band to “find a personality-identity that wasn't as evident when we started the production process," while also praising Ramsay for his production efforts. Ramsay took charge of four songs on the finished record. “Josh is really about capturing the emotion and power which isn't surprising considering all the feeling in the writing,” he says.
Oddly enough, Ramsay also wanted Disney's in-house genius Alan (Little Mermaid) Mencken to twiddle the knobs for the climactic version of "Masterpiece Theatre", but admits, "it's a pretty tall order to get an Academy Award winner to come and work on your record."
Still, the album is certainly not diminished by the few things Ramsay didn't get. And once the world gets a load of this Masterpiece, Mencken, Pharrell Williams, Phil Spector... you name it. They'll probably be lining up.
Shut Up and Kiss Me
Marianas Trench Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But if you're young, it's new, I guess
But I don't want you leaving me now
You can say that I don't know romance
I can sing but I can't dance
And I don't want you leaving me now
Oh well you say I'm a mess
You say everything but a yes
You say your mamma will hate me
Or you can just shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Say you won't
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Oh shut up and kiss me
Sha nah nah nah (the how do we know)
Sha nah nah nah (the more you say no)
Sha nah nah nah (so let's get down low)
Baby don't say to me
You should stay away from me
'Cause I don't want you leaving me now
Oh you say I don't listen right
I only hear just what I like
I don't want you leaving me now
Well, you think I'm a mess
You say everything but a yes
You say you'll never date me,
Say you'll momma'll hate me
Or you can just shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Say you won't
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Oh shut up and kiss me
(Shut shut shut shut shut shut up
You gotta shut shut shut shut shut shut up)
You gotta shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Shut up and kiss me
Say you won't
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Oh shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Oh shut your mouth and kiss me baby
Shut up (shut up)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
Don't sound like Mike did (sound like Mike did)
No, but it's all right for a white kid
Sound like Mike did (sound like mike did)
No but it's alright for a white kid
The lyrics to Marianas Trench's song "Shut Up and Kiss Me" reflect a playful and persistent romantic pursuit. The song is essentially a plea for the other person to stop overthinking or doubting the relationship and simply give in to the passion and chemistry they share. The singer acknowledges their flaws, referring to themselves as a mess and admitting that they lack certain romantic skills. However, despite these perceived shortcomings, they desperately want the other person to stay and give their relationship a chance.
Throughout the song, the singer addresses the other person's reservations, highlighting that their refusal is based on various concerns, including their mother disapproving or potential conflicts. The repeated line, "Or you can just shut up and kiss me," emphasizes their desire to move past these obstacles and focus on the deep connection and attraction they share. The chorus serves as a direct plea, urging the other person to silence their doubts and give in to the power of their love.
The repeated "Sha nah nah nah" section in the song acts as a playful and catchy interlude, further reinforcing the lighthearted and fun nature of the song. Overall, "Shut Up and Kiss Me" captures the excitement and urgency of a young love that is brimming with passion and a willingness to take risks for the sake of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You can say you're kind of bored with this
You may express that you find this situation uninteresting
But if you're young, it's new, I guess
However, if you're young, it may be a novel experience
But I don't want you leaving me now
Nevertheless, I don't want you to abandon me at this moment
You can say that I don't know romance
You might claim that I lack understanding of romance
I can sing but I can't dance
I possess the ability to sing, but dancing is not my forte
And I don't want you leaving me now
Furthermore, I don't desire for you to depart from me at this time
Oh well you say I'm a mess
Oh, indeed you describe me as someone who is disordered
You say everything but a yes
You utter everything except an affirmative response
You say you'll never date me
You proclaim that you will never engage in a romantic relationship with me
You say your mamma will hate me
You express that your mother will hold strong dislike towards me
Or you can just shut up (shut up)
Alternatively, you can simply cease speaking
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking)
Shut up and kiss me
Cease your words and convey your affection through a kiss
Say you won't
Express that you will not do so
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
You possess the option to refuse and release me from this situation
Or maybe if you don't, then just
However, if you choose not to, then simply
Shut up (shut up)
Stop talking (stop talking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Cease speaking, cease speaking, cease speaking)
Oh shut up and kiss me
Oh refrain from words and express your affection through a kiss
Sha nah nah nah (the how do we know)
Repetitive vocalization without a specific meaning (possibly representing uncertainty)
Sha nah nah nah (the more you say no)
Repetitive vocalization without a specific meaning (possibly representing refusal)
Sha nah nah nah (so let's get down low)
Repetitive vocalization without a specific meaning (possibly representing excitement)
Baby don't say to me
Darling, do not express these words to me
You should stay away from me
You should keep your distance from me
'Cause I don't want you leaving me now
Because I do not wish for you to depart from me at this moment
Oh you say I don't listen right
Oh, you remark that I do not listen correctly
I only hear just what I like
I only perceive what aligns with my preferences
I don't want you leaving me now
I do not desire for you to abandon me at this time
Well, you think I'm a mess
Well, you believe that I am disordered
You say everything but a yes
You articulate everything except a positive response
You say you'll never date me
You declare that you will never engage in a romantic relationship with me
Say you'll momma'll hate me
Express that your mother will hold strong dislike towards me
Oh you can just shut up (shut up)
Oh, you can simply cease talking
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop speaking, stop speaking, stop speaking)
Shut up and kiss me
Stop talking and convey your affection through a kiss
Shut up (shut up)
Cease speaking (cease speaking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking)
Shut up and kiss me
Refrain from words and express your affection through a kiss
Say you won't
Express that you will not do so
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
You possess the option to refuse and release me from this situation
Or maybe if you don't, then just
However, if you choose not to, then simply
Shut up (shut up)
Stop talking (stop talking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Cease speaking, cease speaking, cease speaking)
Oh shut up and kiss me
Oh refrain from words and express your affection through a kiss
(Shut shut shut shut shut shut up
(Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop talking
You gotta shut shut shut shut shut shut up)
You must cease cease cease cease cease cease talking)
You gotta shut up (shut up)
You must stop talking (stop talking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Cease speaking, cease speaking, cease speaking)
Shut up and kiss me
Refrain from words and express your affection through a kiss
Shut up (shut up)
Cease speaking (cease speaking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking)
Shut up and kiss me
Stop talking and convey your affection through a kiss
Say you won't
Express that you will not do so
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
You possess the option to refuse and release me from this situation
Or maybe if you don't, then just
However, if you choose not to, then simply
Shut up (shut up)
Stop talking (stop talking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Cease speaking, cease speaking, cease speaking)
Oh shut up and kiss me
Oh refrain from words and express your affection through a kiss
Shut up (shut up)
Cease speaking (cease speaking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking)
Oh shut your mouth and kiss me baby
Oh, close your mouth and express your affection through a kiss, baby
Shut up (shut up)
Cease speaking (cease speaking)
(Shut up, shut up, shut up)
(Stop talking, stop talking, stop talking)
Don't sound like Mike did (sound like Mike did)
Do not resemble Mike in behavior (resemble Mike in behavior)
No, but it's all right for a white kid
No, but it is acceptable for a white individual
Sound like Mike did (sound like Mike did)
Resemble Mike in behavior (resemble Mike in behavior)
No but it's alright for a white kid
No, but it is acceptable for a white individual
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Josh Ramsay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@strawberrymilk467
You can say you're kind of bored with this
But if you're young, it's new, I guess
And I don't want you leaving me now
You can say that I don't know romance
I can sing but I can't dance
And I don't want you leaving me now
Oh, well you say I'm a mess
You say everything but a yes
You say you'll never date me
You say your mom will hate me
Or you can just shut up
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
You say you won't
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
The higher we go
The more you say no
So let's get down low
Baby, don't say to me
You should stay away from me
'Cause I don't want you leaving me now
Oh, you say I don't listen right
I only hear just what I like
And I don't want you leaving me now
Well, you say I'm a mess
You say everything but a yes
You say you'll never date me
You say your mom will hate me
Or you can just shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
You can say you won't
And you could tell me no
And you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
Oh, oh, oh
Shut, shut, shut
Shut, shut, shut up you gotta
(Shut, shut, shut)
(Shut, shut, shut up you gotta)
Oh, shut, shut, shut
Shut, shut, shut up you gotta
Oh, shut, shut, shut
Shut, shut, shut up you gotta
Oh, shut, shut, shut
Shut, shut, shut up you gotta
Shut, shut, shut
Shut, shut, shut up you gotta shut up
(Shut up) shut up, shut up
Shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Oh, shut up and kiss me
And you can say you won't
And you could tell me no, and you can let me go
Or maybe if you don't, then just shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Oh, shut up and kiss me
Shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up
Shut your mouth and kiss me baby
Shut up (shut up)
Shut up, shut up, shut up (oh, yeah)
Don't sound like Mike did (sound like Mike did)
No, but it's all right for a white kid
To sound like Mike did (sound like Mike did)
No, but it's alright for a white kid
@taylorhavrilla5510
I've loved this band for like almost five years now and tbh they practically own me at this point... I love them so much 😭😭♥♥
@WhatsAOlivia
Taylor Havrilla same!!!
@Natalie_9
Same! But only 3 years
@tenspretty
Taylor Havrilla I've loved them for 5 years as well ❤
@haleypalmer2459
Taylor Havrilla I've been listening for them to 7 years this August. I've been listening to them since I was 6.
@beautymillion9739
Taylor Havrilla same
@_lillie_2917
I just have to say this real quick. So I have been listening to marianas trench since I was three years old, and I turn 13 tomorrow (July 21) and I could literally cry that's how much I love this band. Their music has gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life, and I could not thank them enough. I love the story of how the band got together, the meanings behind the music, the wacky outfits, you name it. Josh Ramsay has been my idol forever and if he's reading this, I just want to say, You have meant more to me than you will ever understand. Your music and story make me believe that there is still hope for me, and I thank you for being my idol, and for being someone I can just look up to feel inspired and happy. I don't ever feel happy anymore, and you make me so happy no matter how sad I am. Also, I live in Squamish BC. I love you Marianas Trench, so so much.
@brynn9448
happy birthday :)
@chandram8304
Wow. That's the exact same thing with me and Fall Out Boy. I hope you get to see them in concert one day. ♥
@ZebraLuver31323
Tigerlillie their first album had so many swears and just omfg and u listened to that as a kid? omg lol