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.
Boys Don't Cry
Oleander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I know that this time I have said too much been too unkind
I would break down at your feet and beg forgiveness plead with you
But I know that it's no use 'cause now there's nothing I can do
I try to laugh about it
Cover it all up with lies
Hiding the tears in my eyes
'Cause boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
I would tell you that I love you if I thought that you would stay
But I know that it's too late 'cause you've already gone away
Misjudged your limits
Pushed you too far
I took you for granted
I thought that you needed me more, more, more, more
I would do most anything to get you back by my side
But I'll just keep on laughing
Hiding the tears in my eyes
'Cause boys don't cry
Boys don't cry
The lyrics to Oleander's song "Boys Don't Cry" showcase the raw emotions of heartbreak and regret. The singer is expressing remorse for the way they treated a loved one and acknowledges that they were cruel and unkind. They wish to make things right and apologize, but they know that it's too late and nothing can be done to change what has happened.
The vulnerable tone of the lyrics is highlighted by the repetition of the phrase "I try to laugh about it, hiding the tears in my eyes" throughout the song. The singer is attempting to appear strong and stoic through the pain but is failing to hold back their emotions. The line "Cause boys don't cry" is a societal expectation that men must be emotionally strong and not show their feelings, but the singer is identifying the toll that putting on a brave face is taking on them.
The lines "Misjudged your limits, pushed you too far, I took you for granted, I thought that you needed me more, more, more" are especially poignant in illustrating the singer's realization of how they mistreated their loved one. These lines speak to the theme of taking people for granted and not truly understanding the value of those who are important in our lives until it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
I would say I'm sorry if I thought that it would change your mind
If I believed apologising to you would make a difference, I'd do it
But I know that this time I have said too much been too unkind
I'm aware that my words and actions have caused too much damage for a simple apology to resolve
I would break down at your feet and beg forgiveness plead with you
In desperation to save our relationship, I wish to beg for your forgiveness
But I know that it's no use 'cause now there's nothing I can do
Understandably, it's beyond late and there's no possible action to fix what is already broken
I try to laugh about it
I'm attempting to mask my emotions with laughter
Cover it all up with lies
I'm using lies to hide my true feelings and the pain I'm enduring
Hiding the tears in my eyes
I don't want to reveal how much your loss truly hurts me
'Cause boys don't cry
I've been taught to believe that men shouldn't show their emotions and weakness
I would tell you that I love you if I thought that you would stay
Only if expressing my love for you could make you return, I'd do it
But I know that it's too late 'cause you've already gone away
Unfortunately, the damage is done, and you've left me due to my behaviour
Misjudged your limits
I was wrong about my perception of how much you could tolerate
Pushed you too far
I took your love and commitment for granted and excessively tested your patience
I took you for granted
I believed you'd always be there for me, so I didn't value you enough
I thought that you needed me more, more, more, more
I was convinced you depended on me for your happiness and wellbeing
I would do most anything to get you back by my side
I am willing to try anything to bring you back into my life
But I'll just keep on laughing
Despite the pain, I'll continue to cover it up with laughter and humour
Hiding the tears in my eyes
I don't want to reveal my vulnerability and hurt
'Cause boys don't cry
Again, what I'm going through isn't supposed to be aired, and I should keep them hidden
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Cloud9
Written by: JEFF BHASKER, NATALIA CAPPUCCINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@musicallystoned7489
I actually like this cover. Perfectly fits in with the Alternative/Post-Grunge/Pop Punk boom of the early to mid 2000s. What's the point of covering a song if you're just gonna end up doing a complete exact recreation of the original? You guys didn't actually expect him to do a Robert Smith impression did you?
@lanceleonhart1362
Nothing quite as good as Oleander.
@jackcurtis8594
this video just screams 1999
@kinsiiking3222
2024 and still my go to version
@anilkama1621
Is that Jimmy Pop?
@queonda-cr1mt
Yes!
@reddawn1487
Was searching for the comment , love that guy
@IHyRaXI
Freakin love this song
@TheSickNeeds
but this version?
@BasswipeNC
Pretty good cover. I love that song.