Pico vs Island Trees, affectionately called “Pico” by their friends and fans, are some of the freshest faces on the growing Nashville pop scene. Their roots go deep; Bryan and guitarist Jeremy Bullock formed the band after a 7th grade talent show. The boys’ search for a band name ended when they watched a classroom film about the famous 1982 Supreme Court case against the Island Trees School District, which, according to the video’s main character, sounded "like a rock band." Pico vs Island Trees was born.
Over the next few years, Pico brought in bassist Brian Howell and toured extensively along the east coast, gaining a respectable following in their home state of North Carolina. In 2004 the band released their first full-length independent album, Just Wait. However, despite these small triumphs, the group had grown tired of operating as a ‘weekend band.’ With college plans looming on the horizon and mounting geographical challenges, Pico seemed to have reached a frustrating plateau.
The impasse that all bands dread was soon replaced by the opportunity which all bands dream of: Los Angeles producer David Kershenbaum (Duran Duran, Joe Jackson) heard one of their songs on the radio, loved it, and looked them up. In the blink of an eye the boys were on a plane to sunny California.
After 8 months of palm trees, click tracks, and mix downs, Pico had written and recorded a full album and were ready to hit the road with their full five-piece ensemble, with drummer Tommy Perkinson and keyboardist John Henry Trinko rounding out the lineup. The first song to emerge from the California sessions was the bossa-flavored “Open Doors”. Mixed by Mark Endert (Maroon 5, The Fray), the song has piqued the interest of both fans and industry types alike.
As the group settles into their new hometown of Nashville and awaits the release of their album, Pico vs Island Trees overflow with the optimism and energy that has made an indelible mark on their music -- and hopefully, your ears.
-A.W./G.B
Open Doors
Pico Vs. Island Trees Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And open doors may close then you won't find out where they lead
I was headed to your place just the other day at the hotel where you stay
On the way up to your room I thought to myself “What am I getting into?”
Because I think I'm falling, falling for you now
But I've got to know more before your doors swing out
And it appeared to me like it was midnight on New Year's Eve
Well lipstick and champagne was just your way to say
You won't ever let me leave
Hang a note up on the door then throw away the key
Because I think I'm falling, falling for you now
But I want to know more before your doors swing out
And let me in your world
Still, I think that you could be the one for me yeah
My closed mind has a slip
But technically most of the time
So I must admit you turned out to be a pleasant surprise
So open wide
Let me in
Then the sun will set on this state of mind
Tomorrow I'll find
Another open door to pour myself into
And into you, I'm so into you
Because I think I'm falling, falling for you now
But I want to know more before your doors swing out
And let me in your world
Still, I think that you could be the one for me
Because I think I'm falling, falling for you now
But I want to know more before your doors swing out
Let me in your world
Still, I think that you could be the one for me
The lyrics of "Open Doors" by Pico Vs. Island Trees convey a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability when it comes to matters of the heart. The singer expresses the idea that sometimes we are unsure of where we belong and that opportunities may present themselves only to be closed off before we can fully explore them. The imagery of open doors closing and not knowing where they lead symbolizes the fear of the unknown and the hesitation to take risks in relationships.
In the first verse, the singer reflects on their feelings for someone as they visit their hotel room. The internal dialogue of questioning what they are getting into highlights their apprehension and desire for clarity before fully committing to their emotions. The mention of falling for this person hints at a budding romantic interest, but the uncertainty lingers as they seek more understanding before fully opening up.
As the narrative unfolds in the second verse, the setting shifts to a room filled with celebration, symbolized by confetti and balloons reminiscent of New Year's Eve. The symbolism of lipstick and champagne as tokens of affection and commitment from the other person indicates a desire for a deeper connection. The reference to hanging a note on the door and throwing away the key suggests a willingness to be vulnerable and fully immerse oneself in the relationship, despite lingering doubts.
In the third verse, the singer acknowledges their past hesitations and the realization that the person they are falling for has been a pleasant surprise. The imagery of the closed mind slipping open signifies a willingness to embrace the unexpected and let go of preconceived notions. The plea to "open wide" and let them in reflects a longing for intimacy and connection, despite the lingering uncertainty about the future.
The repeated chorus throughout the song underscores the singer's conflicting emotions of falling for this person while also wanting to tread cautiously and understand more before fully committing. The desire to be let into the other person's world and the acknowledgment that they could be the one for them encapsulates the mix of hope, uncertainty, and longing that permeates the lyrics of "Open Doors." Overall, the song captures the complexities of navigating relationships and the emotional journey of opening up to love while acknowledging the risks involved.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes you never know exactly where you're supposed to be
Life can be uncertain, and we may not always know our true path
And open doors may close then you won't find out where they lead
Opportunities may be missed if we hesitate or avoid taking risks
I was headed to your place just the other day at the hotel where you stay
I was on my way to see you at the hotel you reside in
On the way up to your room I thought to myself 'What am I getting into?'
As I made my way up to your room, I pondered what I was getting myself into
Because I think I'm falling, falling for you now
I believe I am developing strong feelings for you at this moment
But I've got to know more before your doors swing out
I need to learn more about you before fully committing to this relationship
I fell into a room full of confetti and balloons
I found myself in a joyous and celebratory environment
And it appeared to me like it was midnight on New Year's Eve
The atmosphere felt like a festive New Year's Eve celebration
Well lipstick and champagne was just your way to say
Your use of lipstick and champagne was your unique form of expression
You won't ever let me leave
You want me to stay by your side forever
Hang a note up on the door then throw away the key
Leaving a message on the door and symbolically abandoning any escape route
Still, I think that you could be the one for me yeah
I still believe that you might be the perfect match for me
My closed mind has a slip
My tendency to be closed off occasionally falters
But technically most of the time
Though generally, I remain guarded
So I must admit you turned out to be a pleasant surprise
I must acknowledge that you pleasantly exceeded my expectations
So open wide
Be receptive and welcoming
Then the sun will set on this state of mind
A new chapter or perspective will emerge
Tomorrow I'll find
In the future, I will discover
Another open door to pour myself into
Another opportunity to fully immerse myself in
And into you, I'm so into you
My feelings for you are deep and genuine
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
yootoobed
Awesome song - the band was really awesome - great bunch of guys - saw them live several times - all the best !!!
josh kirkwood
Great guys, Bryan and Jeremy. Great song, great memories.
josh kirkwood
I miss you guys. Hope to see you soon edit: Jeremy: that was some great guitar work. And the rest ..mmm... outstanding
grahamjarman
this song jams still