A turning point in Piebald's career came when they recorded seven tracks, and put them on the CD that came to be known as Sometimes Friends Fight. Their musical sound had greatly matured, and Travis' lyrical ability was finally brought to the forefront of the band's music. Another two seven-inches later, Piebald was ready for another metamorphosis.
Eleven tracks recorded at Salad Days became the first record to showcase Piebald's signature sound and wry jokes. Traditionally the most sought-after Piebald recording (before it was immortalized in its entirety on All Ages), When Life Hands You Lemons was considered to be Piebald's best music yet. This release furthered the lyrical style that had been growing within the band, and also showcased the first lead vocals by lead guitarist Aaron Stuart, and a piano track by Shettel.
Following If it Weren't for Venetian Blinds, It Would Be Curtains for Us All, Piebald released their most popular album to date, We Are the Only Friends We Have. It featured the single "American Hearts" which achieved a modicum of success, garnering some mention on MTV and college radio. This, together with the band's signing to respected indie label Big Wheel Recreation brought Piebald their most mainstream attention to that date. This trend was continued when the band signed to the very popular Side One Dummy label and released their next album, and when Piebald was chosen to play 2004's Warped Tour.
The following album, All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time, features noticeably improved vocals by singer Travis Shettel and continues their evolutionary progress toward the piano-driven fare they've tended towards over the last couple of releases, and features such additions as horn sections, increased use of vocal harmonies, and extremely catchy hand-claps.
Piebald's latest album, Accidental Gentleman was released in late January of 2007. Its mix of raw rock and roll and perfected lyricism, which has always set Piebald apart, shows the band at a peak for themselves and the rest of the music industry. With cover songs like the Kinks' "Strangers", front man Travis Shettel brings a whole new generation the universal truths famously broken down by the legendary Ray Davies into three minute pop songs.
Lead singer Travis Shettel has released solo recordrings under the name Totally Travis. Shettel is also a member of LA based The Was.
The band generally only tours during the summer due to lead singer Travis Shettel's day job as an elementary school teacher.
Piebald announced they would be breaking up following the end of their US tour with The Format, Limbeck, Steel Train and Reubens Accomplice. Piebald played their farewell tour in April 2008 with one stop in New York city and two in Cambridge, MA.
It's Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Piebald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm breathing well in front of you
I'm holding out a knife or two just so you know
I'm standing next to you
You can't always be down or out
But if you try you won't be found
You can't always get what you want
I'm sending out a note or two that says
We're all going to the same place
So it doesn't matter where you are in line
I'm holding one hand or two
Depending if we're walking or dancing
Either way I'm feeling fine.
In the lyrics to Piebald's song "It's Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better," the singer is expressing the difficulties and uncertainty of life. The lines "I'm coughing up a lung or two just so you know, I'm breathing well in front of you" indicate that the singer may be struggling and experiencing physical symptoms, but they are hiding it from others. The line "I'm holding out a knife or two just so you know, I'm standing next to you" suggests that the singer may be in a dangerous or unstable situation and is prepared to defend themselves or those around them.
The chorus emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the fact that we cannot always control what happens to us. The lines "You can't always be down or out, but if you try you won't be found, you can't always get what you want, that's for sure" suggest that it is important to stay positive and try to make the best of any situation, but that it is also important to accept that things may not always go our way.
The second verse brings a message of unity and acceptance, with the lines "I'm sending out a note or two that says, we're all going to the same place, so it doesn't matter where you are in line, I'm holding one hand or two, depending if we're walking or dancing, either way I'm feeling fine." Here, the singer is reminding us that regardless of our differences or where we are in life, we are all ultimately heading towards the same destination. The holding of one or two hands depending on whether we are walking or dancing symbolizes the ups and downs of life, but ultimately the singer is feeling fine and enjoying the ride.
Overall, the lyrics to "It's Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better" convey a message of resilience, acceptance, and unity in the face of life's uncertainties and difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm coughing up a lung or two just so you know
I'm not doing well, but I'm hiding it from you and pretending to be fine.
I'm breathing well in front of you
I'm putting on a brave face and trying to appear healthy even though I'm struggling.
I'm holding out a knife or two just so you know
I'm warning you that I'm armed or dangerous, but I'm not using the weapons against you.
I'm standing next to you
I'm with you and not trying to harm you.
You can't always be down or out
You can't be sad or depressed all the time.
But if you try you won't be found
If you keep trying, you'll eventually find a way out of your difficult situation.
You can't always get what you want
You won't always be able to get what you desire.
That's for sure
This statement is definitely true.
I'm sending out a note or two that says
I'm trying to communicate a message to others.
We're all going to the same place
We'll all end up in the same situation or place eventually.
So it doesn't matter where you are in line
It's not important where you are in relation to others because we'll all have the same outcome.
I'm holding one hand or two
I'm with someone and either holding their hand or standing close to them.
Depending if we're walking or dancing
Whether we're moving slowly or quickly, I'm enjoying the company of those around me.
Either way I'm feeling fine.
Despite the difficulties in life, I'm still feeling good and happy in my current situation.
Lyrics © TERRORBIRD PUBLISHING LLC
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