Plain White T's are a pop-punk band formed in 1997 in Illinois, United Stat… Read Full Bio ↴Plain White T's are a pop-punk band formed in 1997 in Illinois, United States. They are best known for "Hey There Delilah", an acoustic song performed solely by singer Tom Higgenson originally released in 2005 and later hit #1 in the US in 2007.

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.

Christmas Won't Be The Same Without You
Plain White T's Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's the time of year
When good friends
Are near
Tryin' hard to find
A quiet moment
Sharing love and joy
Children
With their toys

Sadness
Fills my heart
To see you go

[Chorus:]
Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you
(Without you)
Christmas
Won't be the same
If you go
All I need to see
Standing by
My Christmas tree
(Is you)
Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you

I remember
When the times
We used to spend
Walking hand in hand
Until the sun sets
Then came Christmas eve
The wish you gave to me
How I wish
I tried to make you stay

Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you
(Without you)
Christmas
Won't be the same
If you go
All I need to see
Standing by
My Christmas tree
Without you

It's been a long
Long time
I need you
By my side
Hold me tight
And don't let go
Let go

Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you
(Without you)
Christmas
Won't be the same
If you go
All I need to see
Standing by
My Christmas tree
(Is you)

Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you
Christmas
Won't be the same
Without you
(Without you)
Christmas
Won't be the same
If you go
All I need to see
Standing by
My Christmas tree
Without you

Christmas
Won't be the same
Christmas
Won't be the same
Don't go

Ooh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Plain White T's song "Christmas Won't Be The Same Without You" capture the essence of longing and nostalgia during the holiday season. The singer reflects on the time of year when good friends are near, emphasizing the importance of finding quiet moments to share love and joy. However, there is a palpable sense of sadness in the singer's heart as they come to terms with the departure of a loved one.

The chorus serves as a poignant reminder of the absence that will be felt during Christmas if the person leaves. The singer expresses a deep emotional connection to this individual, emphasizing that Christmas won't hold the same meaning without their presence. The imagery of standing by the Christmas tree symbolizes the desire for them to be close during this special time of year.

The second verse delves into past memories shared with the loved one, recalling moments of togetherness and exchanging wishes on Christmas Eve. The regret of not being able to make them stay is palpable in the lyrics, highlighting the sense of loss that will be experienced without them around.

The repetition of the chorus intensifies the emotional impact of the song, underscoring the singer's plea for the loved one to stay and not make Christmas a lonely experience. The longing for their presence by the side and the yearning for them to hold on tight further emphasize the depth of emotion conveyed in the lyrics. The final lines pleading "Don't go" capture the heart-wrenching plea for the loved one to stay and make Christmas meaningful once again.

Line by Line Meaning

It's the time of year
During this specific season

When good friends
Close companions

Are near
In close proximity

Tryin' hard to find
Making an effort to locate

A quiet moment
A peaceful instance

Sharing love and joy
Expressing affection and happiness

Children
Young ones

With their toys
Playing with their playthings

Sadness
Feelings of sorrow

Fills my heart
Overwhelms me emotionally

To see you go
When you depart