The band is best known for the song "Popular", released as a single from their aformentioned debut. The song reached #11 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and propelled the album itself to #63 on the Billboard 200. Each of the verses in "Popular" are extracted from the 1964 guide 'Penny's Guide to Teen-Age Charm and Popularity', a work by former teen television actress Gloria Winters, and the lyrics are sarcastically spoken, with a calm, deadpan voice used initially that gradually builds Kinison-style in teen angst and rage.
The groups follow-up effort, an album titled 'The Proximity Effect', failed to garner as much attention due to music industry shenanigans. The band explains on their official website:
Nada Surf recorded The Proximity Effect in 1998 with Fred Maher (Luna, Lou Reed, Matthew Sweet). It was a mighty fine record. Elektra [now part of Atlantic], claiming they "didn’t hear a single," asked the band to go back in the studio to hunt for one. As this was months after they’d handed the record in, the band refused and were dropped. It’s pretty safe to say, though, that Elektra didn’t appear to be "listening" very hard. The Proximity Effect was released as scheduled in Europe. Critics loved it and fans bought it. Elektra still didn’t care, but the band still did. So after wrestling the rights back, Nada Surf released The Proximity Effect stateside in 2000 on their own label, MarDev Records, and toured accordingly...
After a three-year wait, the group released Let Go through Barsuk Records to positive reviews. The song "Inside of Love" received some airplay and even reached #73 in the United Kingdom, a feat which neither "Popular" nor the other two previously released singles from Let Go achieved. On the strength of the single, the album reached #31 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart.
The band's fourth album, The Weight Is a Gift, was released in Germany on September 5, 2005, by City Slang Records, in Japan/Australia September 12th and in the US September 13th by Barsuk, and in the rest of Europe September 19th by V2/City Slang. It was produced by Chris Walla of the band Death Cab for Cutie, Louie Lino and Nada Surf. The album's lead single is "Always Love."
In 2008, Lucky was released. In 2010 the band returned to the scene triumphantly with the cover-album If I Had a Hi-Fi, revealing a diversity in source material whilst re-moulding it into trademark Nada Surf songs.
The band announced a new record will be released in January, 2012 called " The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy." The first single is called "When I was Young" and is available free to download from the band's website. On Oct 24th, 2011, the song was also featured as an NPR "Song of the Day"
You Were So Warm
Nada Surf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You melted me in your arms
We were so young
You made me come undone
Anyway, I told you
That more than that
I didn't want to go
You were so warm
Oh, so warm
I was young
I didn't want to go
‘Cause you were so warm
You were so warm
Mmm, you were so warm
I couldn't find
The way to make you mine
You were so kind
Laid it on the line
Anyway, remember, as time goes by
That I didn't want to go
I didn't want to go
‘Cause you were so warm
You were so warm
You were so warm
Ah, you were so warm
The song "You Were So Warm" by Nada Surf is a nostalgic reflection on a past relationship that had a profound impact on the singer. The lyrics express a deep sense of longing for a time when he felt deeply connected to someone who made him feel warm and protected. The opening lines, "You were so warm, you melted me in your arms," creates a vivid image of the intensity of the connection between the singer and his lover.
The second verse highlights the youthfulness of the relationship and the way it made the singer feel vulnerable and exposed. The line, "You made me come undone," conveys a sense of vulnerability and surrender to passion. The chorus repeats the idea that the singer did not want to leave the relationship because it was so warm, emphasizing the importance of this emotional connection.
The last verse of the song confirms that the relationship did not work out, but the memories of the warmth and kindness of the lover remain a lasting impression. The line, "I couldn't find the way to make you mine," suggests that the relationship ended because the singer was not able to hold onto the deep connection they once had. The repetition of "you were so warm" at the end of the song emphasizes the lasting impact of this love on the singer's life.
Overall, "You Were So Warm" is a powerful reflection on the intensity of young love and the sense of loss that can accompany its passing.
Line by Line Meaning
You were so warm
You had a comforting and inviting presence
You melted me in your arms
You made me feel safe and loved, causing me to lose myself in your embrace
We were so young
We were inexperienced and naive in our relationship
You made me come undone
You had the power to unravel me emotionally and psychologically
Anyway, I told you
Despite my reservations, I communicated my feelings to you
That more than that
I wanted more than just physical intimacy
I didn't want to go
I didn't want to leave your warm and loving embrace
‘Cause you were so warm
Your warmth was comforting and irresistible
Oh, so warm
Your warmth was particularly intense
I was young
My emotional maturity was lacking at the time
Mmm, you were so warm
Your warmth was particularly alluring and intoxicating
I couldn't find
I struggled to discover
The way to make you mine
The method to gain your affection and commitment
You were so kind
You behaved with generosity and compassion towards me
Laid it on the line
You were honest and direct in your communication
Anyway, remember, as time goes by
Regardless, I hope you don't forget
That I didn't want to go
I had an intense desire to remain with you
Ah, you were so warm
Your warmth was a defining and memorable aspect of our relationship
Contributed by Gianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kevin Jones
great song, great cover! DTB way under rated American Pop!
spshapes
pulled it off very well !! What a beauty of a song by Twilley! Good job fella's
FanaticalJ1
Great version of a great song by Twilley! I love it. Sincerely.
PHAEDRIDER
what a nice cover .
Mark Merrell
Awesome awesome awesome!! Great job boys!
tdcash1
Great job!
Scruffy Looking Brantforder
The beginning's kind of shit but when it kicks in it gets pretty good. I prefer the original though.
Landlines and Percolators
Pretty good, excellent taste.
monkeycupboard
Great!
Robert Dale Cobb
I agree