For over a decade, Plain White T's have been playing to packed audiences craving for that perfect pop-punk punch. Their journey, which began in a small suburban basement playing covers, has taken the band to Warped Tour three times, and landed them opening slots for bands like Jimmy Eat World and AFI. Plain White T's are road warriors in the truest sense and with their first major label album, Every Second Counts, the band is ready to rock in a big way.
PWT's story started back in high school, when frontman Tom Higgenson first stepped into Chicago's famed rock club the Metro and saw his future on the stage. With the local music scene exploding nationally courtesy of bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Veruca Salt, he decided the time was ripe for his own dreams to be realized. Armed with paper, pen, and guitar, Tom went to task, experimenting with lyrics and melodies on a four-track in his parents' Villa Park, Illinois home. Once he'd reached a level of comfort with his songwriting, he worked up the courage to hand off a tape to Christian Lane, singer of 90's buzz band Loud Lucy, and to his surprise, Christian actually listened to it.
Once he'd recruited a group of school pals, including guitarist Dave Tirio, it was only a matter of a couple years before Plain White T's, who'd attracted a loyal following thanks to Tom's ridiculously melodic tales of teen angst and loveless nights, were playing the Metro themselves.
The music industry took notice of that success and after selling thousands of copies of their self-released 2002 debut, Stop, PWT's were picked up by Fearless Records who re-issued the album along with 2005's All That We Needed. But it was their heartfelt, acoustic-tinged "Hey There Delilah" that cemented their status as potential hitmakers.
Tom's songwriting evolved after the success of the romantically frank "Delilah," which really was a departure for a band known for their energetic powerpop. On Hollywood Records debut, Every Second Counts, Tom, along with bandmates Mike Retondo (bass and vocals), De'Mar Hamilton (drums), and Tim Lopez (guitar, vocals), continues to turn the personal into the universal. Throughout the album, he sings of hook-ups and break-ups and the emotional rollercoaster in between. A prime example is lead single "Hate (I Really Don't Like You)." In a similar vein, the lyrics for "Friends Don't Let Friends Dial Drunk" also showcases Tom's offbeat take on love and life, while its melody sucks you in with every turn of phrase. Delving slightly deeper into emotional territory are upbeat tracks like "Our Time Now" and "Come Back to Me" as well as one of the album's quieter numbers, "Write You a Song."
In 2008, the group released the album 'Big Bad World'. The album had two hit singles: "1, 2, 3, 4" and "Natural Disaster". Both were on the American Top 40 at numbers 1 and 2 for three consecutive weeks. By late 2008, the band had joined the Rock Band Live tour with Panic! at the Disco, Dashboard Confessional and The Cab. Later that year, the band played at the Give It a Name festival in the UK. In 2007, the band performed the single "Our Time Now" on an episode of the Nickelodeon television series, iCarly. "Our Time Now" was also the theme song of the ABC Family dramedy series, Greek.
The band's "Rhythm of Love" single was the first to be released from the group's 2010 album, The Wonders of the Younger.' The song reached number five on the Hot AC chart, and was in the top ten in 2010 as well. In 2012, the band also covered The Ramones' "Pet Sematary" for the song soundtrack of the 2012 Disney film Frankenweenie. Should've Gone to Bed, a four-song EP, was released on April 9, 2013.
The band left Hollywood Records after creative conflicts with the label during the production of the American Nights album. 'American Nights' was released by Megaforce Records on March 31, 2015.
In 2015, they also appeared on Blues Traveler's album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing the song "Nikkia's Prom." On November 22, 2015, the band released a music video for "American Nights" featuring Higgenson's son, Lennon.
In May 2017, Plain White T's released a music video for their song "Land of the Living." The band, which had left their label Fearless Records in 2005, returned to the label. As of April 2017, the band have said that they are currently writing new music.
10. Sing My Best
Plain White T's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Long way from home
Alarm clock is a warning
I'm still alone
Set up for a letdown
Opened my eyes
New name for the same town
It's no surprise
Its another rough day alright
But I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Wake up in the morning
Another day
Grey skies bring the storm in
Things never change
Stare out of the window
Through tired eyes
So hard just to let go
It's no surprise
That its another rough day alright
But I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Tonight I'll get up on that stage
And all my problems seem to go away
Tonight I'll get up in those lights
And I will sing my best for you tonight
No I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
I can't wait til tonight
"Sing My Best" is a song by Plain White T's that speaks to the struggles of feeling alone and disappointed, but finding solace in the healing power of music. The lyrics detail the daily routine of waking up far from home, facing the same monotonous routine, and feeling trapped in a cycle of disappointment. However, the singer finds hope and relief in knowing that they have a chance to perform and share their music with others that very night, bringing temporary respite from the difficulty of everyday life. The chorus, "I can't wait til tonight," highlights the anticipation and excitement that the singer feels throughout the day leading up to the performance, making the experience all the more special and meaningful.
The song captures the relatable feelings of isolation, struggle, and the importance of having something to look forward to, all while reminding the listener of the transformative power of music. Through "Sing My Best," Plain White T's inspires and encourages individuals to persevere through their struggles, reminding them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up in the morning
The start of a new day
Long way from home
Feeling far away from familiar surroundings
Alarm clock is a warning
The beginning of a new day can be daunting
I'm still alone
Feeling lonely despite being surrounded by other people
Set up for a letdown
Expectations being high but not met
Opened my eyes
Realizing the reality of the situation
New name for the same town
The place stays the same, yet feels different
It's no surprise
Not being shocked by the situation
Grey skies bring the storm in
A sense of foreboding of what's to come
Things never change
Feeling stuck in the same routine
Stare out of the window
Seeking comfort in looking out at the world
Through tired eyes
Feeling exhausted from the daily grind
So hard just to let go
Struggling to find release from the burden of life
But I can't wait til tonight, tonight, tonight, tonight
Looking forward to the end of the day
Tonight I'll get up on that stage
Finding solace in performing
And all my problems seem to go away
Feeling free from the troubles of life during a performance
And I will sing my best for you tonight
Putting forth the best effort for the audience
No I can't wait til tonight
Anticipation for the comfort of the night
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOM HIGGENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind