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.
Where Were You Then?
Oleander Lyrics
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Sooner or later you and I won't have anywhere to hide
Sooner or later everyone catches up to the things they've done
Sooner or later everyone will get down as we kick it
Unwind, cut the ties, open wide and wait
Sooner or later things you say catch up and they make you pay
Sooner or later everyone catches up to the things they've done
Sooner or later everyone will get down as we kick it
Unwind, cut the ties, open wide and wait
Oh, where were you then
Oh, where were you then
Honey, sorry hey hey la la
Oh, where were you then
Sooner or later things you say catch up and they make you pay
Sooner or later things you do they hurt only me and
Oh, where were you then
Oh, where were you then
Honey, sorry hey hey la la
Oh, where were you then
The lyrics to the Oleander song "Where Were You Then?" are about the inevitability of consequences catching up to us. The first verse speaks to the idea that no matter what we do in life, we will eventually lose everything and be left with nothing. The lines "Sooner or later you and me will be lost dumb blind and free / Sooner or later you and I won't have anywhere to hide" convey this sense of mortality and the idea that we are ultimately powerless against the passage of time.
The second verse touches on the idea that our actions have consequences that we cannot escape from. The lines "Sooner or later things you say catch up and they make you pay / Sooner or later things you do they hurt only me" speak to the idea that our words and actions have real world effects on those around us, and that we will eventually be held accountable for them.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Oh, where were you then / Honey, sorry hey hey la la" which can be interpreted to be either sung from one person to another or from a group to an individual. It's a lamentation for someone who was absent during a time when they were needed, or for someone who failed to act when they should have. Overall, "Where Were You Then?" is a cautionary tale about the importance of being accountable for our own actions and the role they play in shaping our relationships with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Sooner or later you and me will be lost dumb blind and free
At some point in the future, both you and I will be lost and completely unaware of what is happening, without any restrictions or obligations holding us back.
Sooner or later you and I won't have anywhere to hide
At some point in the future, you and I will be unable to escape or avoid the consequences of our actions.
Sooner or later everyone catches up to the things they've done
Ultimately, every person must face the repercussions of their deeds and actions.
Sooner or later everyone will get down as we kick it
Eventually, every person will fall and face defeat, as we continue to fight and struggle against each other.
Unwind, cut the ties, open wide and wait
Relax, detach yourself from obligations and relationships, let go and see what opportunities life brings.
Sooner or later things you say catch up and they make you pay
At some point in the future, the words you speak will catch up with you and cause negative consequences.
Sooner or later things you do they hurt only me and
Eventually, your actions may only harm me and not others, yet you will still have to face the consequences.
Oh, where were you then
Expressing frustration or disappointment over a particular person's absence or lack of support during a difficult time.
Honey, sorry hey hey la la
An apologetic term of endearment, expressing regret or remorse.
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