Nine Days is a power pop/rock band that was popular in the early 00s. Forme… Read Full Bio ↴Nine Days is a power pop/rock band that was popular in the early 00s. Formed in New York by musicians John Hampson and Brian Desveaux in 1994, they released three albums independently during the 90s before their mainstream debut album, 'The Madding Crowd', was released in 2000. Their greatest popularity came from a handful of songs from said album (which took its title from the 1874 romantic drama novel 'Far From the Madding Crowd') such as the tracks "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" and "If I Am".

Stylistically, the band took influence from both contemporary adult alternative bands as well as earlier power pop and Bob Dylan-like singer-songwriter music. 'The Madding Crowd' generally received positive critical reviews and reached the #67 slot on the Billboard 200, eventually being certified as gold by the RIAA. Yet Nine Days' acclaim ended up being brief. Despite the popularity of "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)", which reached the #1 slot on Billboard's 'Top 40 Mainstream' chart and raced up in other charts, the group's mainstream success quickly faded, and they became saddled with the "one hitwonder" tag because of that single's ubiquitous nature. They're also sometimes labeled as a "two hit wonder" (due to the major airplay of "If I Am" as well).

Their next album, 'So Happily Unsatisfied', was scheduled for a release in 2002. Unfortunately due to complications with their label, Sony Records, this album became delayed and the group was no longer in possession of the rights of the songs. They managed to put it up for online distribution years later after acrimonious conflict. 'Flying the Corporate Jet', released in 2003 by the band by itself, ended up being Nine Days' last full album for some time.

Justly feeling bashed by the music industry, the band went on hiatus through much of the decade. However, In mid-August 2006, Nine Days formally reunited and went back to the studio to record. 'Slow Motion Life (Part One)', a new EP with six songs, was released on January 19, 2007. Part Two was released later that year. Their more recent work has gone in a more Americana type musical direction.

The band has since performed sporadically. Both vocal artists, John Hampson and Brian Desveaux have pursued solo careers and their music is available for purchase from their respective websites. According to the Absolutely (Story of a Girl) Songfacts, Hampson ended up spending a lot of time as a high school English teacher.

Don't Look Back
Nine Days Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

How does it feel up there
Breathing in the fine air
You can't look down but you do not care
When every face knows the lonely place you've become

And you can dream up there with your soul laid bare
Enclose your eyes on the life you share
And you can pretend that it won't mean a thing

When it's gone

'Cause now you see
You're so good looking you should be on tv
But now you're on the radio

Don't look back, don't look back
When you hear them calling
Don't look back, don't look back
Don't look back, don't look back

How does it feel up there
Breathing in the fine air
You can't look down but you do not care
When every face knows the lonely place you've become

And you can dream up there with your soul laid bare
Enclose your eyes on the life you share
And you can pretend that it won't mean a thing
When it's gone

'Cause now you see
You're so good looking you should be on tv
But now you're on the radio

Don't look back, don't look back
When you hear them calling
Don't look back, don't look back
Don't look back, don't look back

Don't look back, don't look back
When you hear them calling
Don't look back, don't look back
Don't look back, don't look back

When you hear them calling you
When you hear them calling you
When you hear them calling you

I know that nobody knows where it comes from or where it goes
But in time you will find

Don't look back, don't look back
When you hear them calling
Don't look back, don't look back
Don't look back, don't look back

Don't look back, don't look back
When you hear them calling
Don't look back, don't look back
Don't look back, don't look back

When you hear them calling you
You hear them calling you
You hear them calling you

You hear them calling you
You hear them calling you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nine Days' song Don't Look Back describe the feeling of being in a position of success and fame, and the consequences that come with it, such as loneliness and the pressure to continue performing. The first stanza refers to the isolation that comes with fame, as the person in this position is breathing in fine air, but cannot look down at those around them due to the distance created by their fame. They may feel detached from those around them, leading to a feeling of loneliness. However, they also have the ability to dream and imagine the life they share with others.

The chorus repeats the phrase "don't look back," which can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is that the person should not dwell on their past and focus on the present, looking forward to new opportunities rather than letting themselves be held back by their past successes. Another interpretation is that they should not focus on the negative aspects of their newfound fame, but instead keep their sights set on their goals and success. The last verse seems to acknowledge that fame is a fickle thing, coming and going without rhyme or reason.

Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the complexity of success and fame, and the hidden struggles that come with it. It encourages the listener to keep pushing forward, but to not forget where they came from.

Line by Line Meaning

How does it feel up there
What is the sensation you experience in that elevated position?

Breathing in the fine air
Inhaling the fresh, pure air around you

You can't look down but you do not care
Despite being unable to see what's beneath you, you're unconcerned

When every face knows the lonely place you've become
Everyone around you is aware of how isolated you feel

And you can dream up there with your soul laid bare
You can have vulnerable, revealing dreams while in that state

Enclose your eyes on the life you share
Close your eyes and focus on your shared experiences with your loved ones

And you can pretend that it won't mean a thing
You can fool yourself into thinking it won't be significant

When it's gone
Once it's taken away

'Cause now you see
Because you've realized

You're so good looking you should be on tv
You're attractive enough for television

But now you're on the radio
But you've ended up on the radio