In 1996 the band, now rounded out by Paul Poulos (guitars, backing vocals) and Danny "Jam" Kavadlo (drums), released their first full-length album, Number One, to critical acclaim in both the United States and Europe. Subsequent tours with Type O Negative and Marilyn Manson helped improve the band's notoriety. Within a year, they moved from the independent Mayhem/Fierce record label to a major label, Atlantic Records. Also around this time, Poulos and Kavaldo each made the decision to leave the band.
New members Burton Gans (guitars) and Jeff McManus (drums) joined in time to see an Atlantic rerelease of Number One with new photos, artwork, and, perhaps most obvious of all, spelling; the band's name shifted from "Pist.On" to the "friendlier" spelling "PistOn". The removal of the "." led to endless criticism that the band had "sold out". Under the guise of their new name and label, the band again toured exhaustively. During this time, drummer Jeff McManus was forced into a brief respite for medical reasons, with Johnny Kelly of Type O Negative graciously filling in.
During the years 1996-1997, the band seemed poised for greatness. Their debut album, successful on its face, had been picked up and rereleased by a major label, the band had deep friendships and histories with well-known acts such as Type O Negative, Marilyn Manson, the Misfits, and Queensrÿche, and had energetic new blood in the form of two members. However, the promises and possibilities of this era never panned out, and after a handful of tours and negative reviews, the band was unceremoniously dropped by Atlantic.
1999 saw the release of the band's sophomore effort, $ell.Out, again through Mayhem Records. No stranger to sarcasm, the record is rife with crooked and spiteful poking at the music industry, the band's former label, the press, and, most importantly, the band itself. The album met with lukewarm reviews and sales, and breakup rumors swirled. Jeff McManus then left the band, only to return months later as the band clamored to record and release the 3-song independent Saves EP in the spring of 2001.
Despite the optimism brought on by Saves, the core duo of Pist.On broke apart in late August 2001 when bassist Val Ium decided to leave the band. Though still not officially broken up, the Pist.On camp has been rather silent since.
Band Members
* Henry Font - vocals, guitars
* Val.Ium - bass, backing vocals (1993 - 2001)
* Burton Gans - guitars
* Jeff McManus - drums
* Paul Poulos - guitars, backing vocals (1993 - 1996)
* Danny "Jam" Kavadlo - drums (1993 - 1996)
* Johnny Kelly - drums (fill-in)
Someone
Pist.on Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dont change that look cause you'll pay
Open heart open deep
I am the ine I am for keeps
Just the way I am
The cold dark stare and the fault lines
Just another way to prove to you
That I dont care..... I dont care.......
Now that I'm someone
The world takes me under
I need more life so I take
Now that im someone
Alone and disgruntled
I need more life so I take
Dont chnage your eyes or your hair....
Dont dont hold me back you wont dare
Open your mind open dreams
I am the cold I am unleashed
Just the way I am
The cold dark stare and the fault lines
Just another way to prove to you that i dont care
I really dont care
Now that I'm someone the world takes me under
I need more life so I take
Now that I'm someone alone and disgrunted
I need more life so I take
I take..........................
The lyrics to Pist.on's "Someone" are a reflection of the singer's desire to be recognized and valued as an individual. The first verse speaks to the singer's sense of self-assurance, as they warn others not to try to change them. They proclaim that their heart and soul are open and that they are not going to be easily swayed. The singer's confidence is then reinforced in the chorus, as they assert their newfound status as a "someone." However, this confidence is soon revealed to be hollow, as the singer admits to feeling alone and disillusioned. In the final verse, the singer pleads with their companion not to hold them back, as they see their own potential slipping away.
The overarching theme of "Someone" seems to be one of autonomy and the cost of achieving individuality. The lyrics suggest that, even when we are confident in ourselves and achieve success, there is always a price to pay - we become isolated from others and yearn for more. The line "I need more life so I take" reveals the singer's desperation to maintain their sense of self, even if it means taking what they need from others. The conflict between valuing oneself and valuing others is central to the song, and Pist.on does an excellent job of exploring this complex relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Dont wipe that smile off your face
I want you to keep smiling and be happy
Dont change that look cause you'll pay
Keep your current expression or face the consequences
Open heart open deep
Be vulnerable and open to love and emotion
I am the one I am for keeps
I am unique and irreplaceable
Just the way I am
I refuse to change for anyone else
The cold dark stare and the fault lines
My appearance may seem intimidating and flawed
Just another way to prove to you That I dont care..... I dont care.......
I don't care what others think of me
Now that I'm someone The world takes me under I need more life so I take
Now that I'm successful, I'm overwhelmed and need to take more chances
Alone and disgruntled I need more life so I take
Despite my success, I still feel unsatisfied and need more in my life
Dont chnage your eyes or your hair....
Don't alter your appearance to please me or anyone else
Dont dont hold me back you wont dare
Don't try to control me or limit my potential
Open your mind open dreams
Be open to new experiences and possibilities
I am the cold I am unleashed
I am fierce and independent
I really dont care
My indifference towards other's opinions remains unchanged
I take..........................
I will continue to pursue my desires and take chances
Contributed by Jake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anophis
Super!