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.
Bulletproof
Oleander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At strangers faces and old familiar friends
I remember what it means to you
To mean so much to me
And in the morning when I wake up worn and tired
I look at you and smile
It's what you give me that I need to face the day
It's your love that keeps me going
It's your love that makes me who I am
I might bend, but I'm not broken, I'm bulletproof
Yeah, bulletproof this time
I'm given inches just to take a mile
Get in my place now Movin' single file
Altogether everyone of us
Alone and on our own
And in the static of my daily life
I hear you talking, saying its alright
It's what you give me that I need
To face the day, get on my way
It's your love that keeps me going
It's your love that makes me who I am
I might bend, but I'm not broken, I'm bulletproof
Yeah, bulletproof this time
Oh, yeah, altogether every thought of us
Makes me feel so alive
Hey, hey, oh, yeah
All of my life, all of my life
I've been waiting for this
It's your love that keeps me going
It's your love that makes me who I am
I might bend, but I'm not broken, I'm bulletproof
Yeah, bulletproof this time
The lyrics to Oleander's song "Bulletproof" speaks about the importance of love and support from the people around us. The singer sings about looking from the outside in and observing both strangers and old friends. The lyrics suggest that regardless of how well we know someone, it is easy to feel alone in the world. The chorus emphasizes that it's the love from others that gives us the strength to face the day and keep going.
The second verse takes a more reflective tone, suggesting that we are each on our own, forced to make our way through the world. In the midst of life's static and chaos, the singer hears a message of reassurance and encouragement from a loved one.
Overall, the song is an ode to the people who make life worth living, who give us the strength to be resilient, and who affirm our worth and value.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been looking from the outside in
I have observed strangers and old friends while being distant
At strangers faces and old familiar friends
Looking at the faces of people I do not know as well as old friends
I remember what it means to you
Recalling what is important to you
To mean so much to me
Being incredibly important to me
And in the morning when I wake up worn and tired
Upon waking up feeling exhausted and fatigued
I look at you and smile
Looking at you and feeling happy inside
It's what you give me that I need to face the day
It is your affection that helps me get through the day
Get on my way
Continue with my activities
It's your love that keeps me going
Your genuine love gives me strength to continue
It's your love that makes me who I am
Your love and support shapes my identity
I might bend, but I'm not broken, I'm bulletproof
While I may face challenges, I am strong enough to keep going
Yeah, bulletproof this time
I am particularly strong and able to overcome obstacles at this moment
I'm given inches just to take a mile
I receive small opportunities to take full advantage of them
Get in my place now Movin' single file
Allowing other people to go in front of me in an orderly fashion
Altogether everyone of us
All of us together as one group
Alone and on our own
Individual and independent
And in the static of my daily life
Amidst the chaos of my everyday life
I hear you talking, saying its alright
Hearing your voice reassure me that everything is okay
Oh, yeah, altogether every thought of us
Collectively, all of our thoughts create positive energy
Makes me feel so alive
I feel incredibly energized
Hey, hey, oh, yeah
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm
All of my life, all of my life
For my entire existence
I've been waiting for this
I have been holding out for this particular moment
Contributed by Juliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
shawneyatrics
The best song on this album is Something Beautiful.
Bensch
no pun intended i guess :P
Sköll Vamp
great song!!!
TheDarkhawk
Can I suggest to you some bands? I have many underground bands you most likely have never heard of.
John Michael Adelman
+TheDarkhawk can you throw some suggestions my way as well, please?
Spaceuntravel
Send me a personal message on my Facebook page