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.
Lost Cause
Oleander Lyrics
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It don't mean that we're going to
Even if we say we'll try it don't mean
That we'll have the opportunity
All this time weighed out unrefined
Twisted and unkind. all mine
All this pain suddenly arranged
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
Sometimes I scream
I'm scratchin' at my head
I'd rather be dead than not in your arms
In your arms, in your arms
Even if we say we do it don't mean that we will
It don't mean that we're going to
Even if we say we'll try it don't mean
That we'll have the opportunity
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
Sometimes I scream
I'm scratchin' at my head
I'd rather be dead than not
In your arms, in your arms, in your arms
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
And sometimes I scream
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
Sometimes I scream
I'm scratchin' at my head
I'd rather be dead than not
In your arms, in your arms, in your arms
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
And sometimes I scream
The song "Lost Cause" by Oleander is about a tumultuous relationship. The lyrics suggest that even if the couple says they will try to make things work, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will have the opportunity to do so. The singer addresses the pain and struggles that both parties are going through, suggesting that the relationship is "twisted and unkind." Despite the difficulties, the singer insists that they would rather be dead than not be in the arms of the other person. The lyrics further convey a sense of feeling cornered and trapped, as the singer's "back is against the wall" and they stumble and scream in despair.
The chorus of the song, repeating the idea that even if they say they will make things work, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will, conveys a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The repeated verses of "my back's against the wall, I stumble and fall down, sometimes I scream" convey the feeling of being trapped in the relationship, unable to escape the pain.
Overall, "Lost Cause" is a powerful depiction of a troubled relationship, with lyrics that convey a sense of desperation, pain, and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
Even if we say we do, it don't mean that we will
Stating our intentions does not guarantee that we will follow through with them.
It don't mean that we're going to
The act of saying something is not equivalent to doing it.
Even if we say we'll try it don't mean
That we'll have the opportunity
Just because we express a desire to attempt something does not ensure we will be able to do so.
All this time weighed out unrefined
Twisted and unkind. all mine
The time that has passed has been difficult and has taken an emotional toll on me.
All this pain suddenly arranged
A relationship that I've denied
The emotional pain I have experienced has led to the formation of a relationship that I have denied having.
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
Sometimes I scream
I feel trapped and overwhelmed, resorting to emotional outbursts and moments of despair.
I'm scratchin' at my head
I'd rather be dead than not in your arms
In your arms, in your arms
The intensity of my emotions makes me feel like I cannot exist without this person's love and affection.
My backs against the wall
I stumble and fall down
And sometimes I scream
I feel trapped and overwhelmed, experiencing moments of desperation and hopelessness.
I'd rather be dead than not
In your arms, in your arms, in your arms
The absence of this person's love and comfort feels unbearable to me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOUGLAS JAMES ELDRIDGE, FRED ROGER JR. NELSON, RICHARD C. IVANISEVICH, THOMAS ALLAN FLOWERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind