Oleander was formed by Fred Nelson Jr. (drums), Doug Eldridge (bass guitar), Ric Ivanisevich (guitar) and Thomas Flowers (vocals, guitar) in the mid-90s. Their debut was Oleander, an EP released on Fine Records in 1996, which they followed with the full-length album Shrinking the Blob in 1997. The song "Down When I'm Loaded" became a regional hit, and Oleander signed with Universal Records.
During this time, Nelson left the band and was replaced with Scott Devours. Their major label debut was 1999's February Son which featured the hit singles "Why I'm Here" and "I Walk Alone." After supporting the album with a tour, they released Unwind in 2001. The song "Champion" became a hit, and a symbol of the sacrifice of firefighters during the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York.
Some time later, the band parted ways with Universal Records and moved to Sanctuary, where they released Joyride in 2003.
In November, 2003, drummer Scott Devours issued a statement announcing he was leaving the band to join Ima Robot. The decision was amicable.
The band is on an unofficial hiatus. No statement has been released by the band, however vocalist Thomas Flowers is currently collaborating with the band The Black Summer Crush. The Black Summer Crush have parted ways with front-man Thomas Flowers (ex-Oleander). As a result, the band will now be fronted by Jay Buchanan and have changed the band name to The Pleasant Return. Flowers is rumored to be reuniting with his former Oleander band-mates.
Are You There?
Oleander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From where I want to be
There's nothing left for me, yeah
When I feel too close to breathe
Like a baby cutting teeth
In you I find relief
'Cause when it's more than I can take
A sucker for a saint in your eyes
Criticism comes in waves
Numbering our days
But only you can save me
Is anybody even there
Who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know-are you there?
Does anybody think they can
Begin to understand
This time I need to know-are you there?
Hang on, hang on
I know, I know
It's the lie that we believe
A truth that we conceive
That lies inside of me
When I leave it all behind
Something hypnotized
The moment that it's mine
Is anybody even there
Who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know-are you there?
Does anybody think that can
Begin to even understand
This time I need to know-are you there?
Is anybody even there?
Who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know-are you there?
Does anybody think they can
Begin to even understand
This time I need to know-are you there?
The lyrics to Oleander's song "You Are the One" convey a sense of feeling lost and alone while searching for someone who truly cares. The opening lines express a desire to be closer to where the singer wants to be, indicating feelings of dissatisfaction or unrest. The line "When I feel too close to breathe" suggests feeling suffocated or overwhelmed, comparing the experience to that of a baby teething. However, the singer finds relief in the person they are addressing: "In you I find relief."
The chorus poses questions about whether there is anyone who truly cares or understands. The repeated line "this time I need to know-are you there?" expresses uncertainty and a need for reassurance. The next verse describes leaving everything behind and feeling hypnotized by the moment when the singer finds what they are looking for. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the need for connection and understanding, and the final lines of the song express the hope that the person being addressed is truly there for them.
Overall, the lyrics to "You Are the One" convey a sense of vulnerability and human longing for connection and understanding. The repeated questions about whether there is anyone who truly cares or understands highlight the importance of these human connections and suggest the pain of feeling disconnected or alone.
Line by Line Meaning
When I feel too far away
From where I want to be
There's nothing left for me, yeah
When I feel lost and my destination is distant, everything seems meaningless
When I feel too close to breathe
Like a baby cutting teeth
In you I find relief
Sometimes life suffocates me and I'm struggling, but I find comfort in you
'Cause when it's more than I can take
I pushed and pulled to break
A sucker for a saint in your eyes
Criticism comes in waves
Numbering our days
But only you can save me
When life becomes too overwhelming and I can't handle it, I feel like giving up. Your support and admiration give me strength to carry on
Is anybody even there
Who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know-are you there?
I wonder if anyone is genuinely interested in my well-being, it's a question I need an answer to this time
Does anybody think they can
Begin to understand
This time I need to know-are you there?
It's hard to explain what I'm going through, I'm curious if anyone can grasp the depth of what I'm feeling
Hang on, hang on
I know, I know
Hang in there, don't give up hope. I understand
It's the lie that we believe
A truth that we conceive
That lies inside of me
Sometimes we tell ourselves lies and convince ourselves they're true, but deep down, the truth is waiting to be discovered
When I leave it all behind
Something hypnotized
The moment that it's mine
When I let go of everything that's bothering me, something mesmerizing occurs, and I feel like everything is alright again
Is anybody even there?
Who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know-are you there?
I still wonder if anyone out there truly cares for me and will be there for me when I need them
Does anybody think that can
Begin to even understand
This time I need to know-are you there?
I need someone who can relate to my struggles and truly understand me, can you be that person for me?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KA KEUNG STEVE WONG, KA KUI WONG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aleksandrakostic8409
When I feel too far away
From where I want to be
There's nothing left for me, yeah
When I feel too close to breathe
Like a baby cutting teeth
In you I find relief
'Cause when it's more than I can take
I pushed and pulled to break
A sucker for a saint in your eyes
Criticism comes in waves
Numbering our days
But only you can save me
Is anybody even there
who doesn't just pretend to care
This time I need to know - are you there?
Does anybody think they can
Begin to even understand
This time I need to know - are you there?
Hang on, hang on
I know, I know
It's the lie that we believe
A truth that we conceive
That lies inside of me
When I leave it all behind
Something hypnotized
The moment that it's mine
Is anybody even there
Who doesn't…
@kylenuttree8558
Mannnn, talk about nostalgia. Music was so good in the late 90’s & early 2000’s. Let’s go back.
@rockpaperscissors82
It was even better in the early-mid 90's. I was nine years old when "Smells Like Teen Spirit" opened the door for a new era of rock, which can only be matched by the late 60's / early 70's. I was in high school when Oleander, Third Eye Blind, Our Lady Peace, etc., dominated the unfortunate end of this era. God bless them all.
@layersofjade5197
Plus more women sported full pubic bushes back then
@j.l.3685
@@layersofjade5197 what the fuck dude lol
@GTRrocker84
Great rock singles unlike now
@nimhard
One of the songs that were buried in my mind for some reason and than it popped up on Spotify and I had the greatest feeling ever remembering it. This band rocks.
@mpereirawolf
2023 Are you guys still there listening this? Keep Rockin!
@jeremybowers3181
Rediscovered in 2024! 🤘😎
@elizabethstorm3248
Haven't heard this song in so freaking long. It's just as awesome as I remember.
@NocturnalDoom
Also, his eyes 🥰 🙈