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.
Why I'm Here
Oleander Lyrics
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In a season to celebrate
I don't want to be full of hate
For anybody, but it's too late
Everyone has been in my face
Telling me that I'm a disgrace
Showing me things that I must face
I can't love you anymore
I'm scared of the sound of it
It's the reason why I'm down
I'm beaten been pushed around
Hit the ceiling without a sound
Everyone I know considers me a clown
I can't love you anymore
I'm scared of the sound of it
I can't love you anymore
Woman, I just wanted more
I can't love you anymore
Scared of the sound of it
And woman, I just wanted more
It's the reason why I'm here
"Why I'm Here" by Oleander is a song that explores the theme of heartbreak and the pain of losing a loved one. The singer of the song is struggling to come to terms with their feelings and emotions, and they are facing a lot of negativity and criticism from those around them. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been mistreated or perhaps betrayed by someone they once loved and trusted, and this has resulted in a great deal of pain and suffering.
The chorus of the song, "I can't love you anymore, I'm scared of the sound of it," highlights the fear and anxiety that the singer is feeling. They are unable to process their feelings and are afraid to confront the emotions that come with loving someone. The verses of the song depict a sense of isolation and loneliness, as the singer talks about feeling like a "clown" and being pushed around by others.
The overall message of the song is that heartbreak can be a painful and difficult experience, but it is something that we must all face at some point in our lives. The song encourages us to be honest with ourselves and to confront our emotions, even when it is difficult to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the reason for my pain
The source of my emotional distress
In a season to celebrate
During a time of widespread joy and merriment
I don't want to be full of hate
I would like to rid myself of resentment
For anybody, but it's too late
But it's too late for me to do so in any case
Everyone has been in my face
People have been getting in my way
Telling me that I'm a disgrace
Informing me that I'm a failure
Showing me things that I must face
Revealing uncomfortable realities I must confront
Telling me that they need their space
Asking for time and distance from me
I can't love you anymore
I'm incapable of loving you now
I'm scared of the sound of it
The very idea of love terrifies me
It's the reason why I'm down
It's the root of my current depression
I'm beaten been pushed around
I feel defeated and victimized
Hit the ceiling without a sound
I've reached my breaking point silently, without a fuss
Everyone I know considers me a clown
Everyone I'm acquainted with sees me as a fool
Woman, I just wanted more
I simply wanted additional things from you
Scared of the sound of it
The idea frightens me to my core
And woman, I just wanted more
I aspired for more than what I received
It's the reason why I'm here
It's why I find myself in my current circumstances
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