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.
Stupid
Oleander Lyrics
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So lame to see you leave and to know that you believe that it's over
'Cause when your weak I feel the need to get underneith your skin
And when you start to tweak I find a way to get up beside you
Stupid, stupid, stupid
Stupid, stupid, stupid
In time you'll learn to love me as much as you love yourself
Oh in time you'll learn to hate me
'Cause when I feel the need to have you back by my side
I am sweet it makes me sick to know that I can be so blind
Stupid, stupid, stupid
Stupid, stupid, stupid
Stupid, stupid, stupid
Stupid, stupid, stupid
The lyrics of Oleander's song "Stupid" convey a sense of desperation and sadness in a relationship that seems to be coming to an end. The singer is hurt by the fact that their partner no longer wants to be around them and that they believe the relationship is over. However, the singer also admits to being weak and finding a way to get underneath their partner's skin, to the point where they are "tweaking" and the singer can be beside them.
The chorus repeats the word "stupid" multiple times, which can be interpreted in different ways. It could be seen as the singer calling themselves stupid for being so blind to the faults in the relationship, or it could be seen as the singer acknowledging the foolishness of their actions or the futility of trying to make the relationship work.
The second verse suggests that the singer has some awareness of their own toxic behavior in the relationship, admitting that their sweetness to have their partner back by their side makes them sick. The final lines suggest a sense of resignation, with the singer stating that their partner will eventually learn to hate them, rather than love them as much as they love themselves.
Overall, "Stupid" is a song that explores the complexity of relationships and the pain that can come with realizing that they are not working out.
Line by Line Meaning
So sad to hear that you don't want to hang around with me
It's depressing to hear that you don't want to spend time with me
So lame to see you leave and to know that you believe that it's over
It's pathetic to watch you go and realize that you think it's the end
'Cause when your weak I feel the need to get underneith your skin
When you're vulnerable, I feel an urge to get close to you
And when you start to tweak I find a way to get up beside you
When you start to change, I manage to be by your side
Stupid, stupid, stupid
This situation is foolish and unrewarding
In time you'll learn to love me as much as you love yourself
Eventually, you'll come to love me just as much as you love yourself
Oh in time you'll learn to hate me
But then you might also start to hate me
'Cause when I feel the need to have you back by my side
When I crave for you to be with me again
I am sweet it makes me sick to know that I can be so blind
My own sweet talk disgusts me because I realize how naive and foolish I can be
Stupid, stupid, stupid
This situation is foolish and unrewarding
Stupid, stupid, stupid
This situation is foolish and unrewarding
Stupid, stupid, stupid
This situation is foolish and unrewarding
Stupid, stupid, stupid
This situation is foolish and unrewarding
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