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.
No Imitations
Plain White T's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every single eye stuck to you like glue
Dolled up to the nines, yeah, you outshine diamonds
Darling, you do (darling, you do)
And when the morning comes and the sunlight's creepin'
And you wanna hide underneath your sheets
Even wide awake with your makeup streaking
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
(No, I don't want nobody)
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
(No, I don't want nobody)
You're my irreplaceable, one and only
Nothing can compare to the love we make
I know that I never will be lonely
When I see your face (when I see your face)
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
(No, I don't want nobody)
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
(No, I don't want nobody)
No contest, I won't accept no imitations
Nothing less, I won't accept no imitations
(No, I don't want nobody)
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
(No, I don't want nobody)
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't want nobody
No, I don't want nobody else
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
(Won't accept no imitations)
Now that I found you
I won't accept no imitations
(Won't accept no imitations)
The lyrics of Plain White T's song "No Imitations" talk about the admiration and love the singer feels for someone special in their life. The first verse sets the stage for a glamorous and attention-grabbing moment when the person they are talking about enters the spotlight. They are described as being incredibly captivating, shining brighter than diamonds. The line "you outshine diamonds" emphasizes how this person's presence is truly exceptional and mesmerizing.
The second verse talks about the morning after this moment, when the magic has faded but the feelings haven't. Even in the light of day, with imperfections like streaked makeup, they are still considered a dream. This showcases the deep connection and attraction the singer has, beyond just physical appearances. It implies that their bond goes beyond superficiality and that the person they have found is truly special.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's contentment and loyalty, expressing that now that they have found this person, they have no interest in any other alternatives. The line "I won't accept no imitations" communicates that they see this person as irreplaceable, and that no one else can compare to the love they share. Their desire for exclusivity is affirmed with the repetition of "No, I don't want nobody else." It is a declaration of devotion and a refusal to settle for anything less.
The bridge further strengthens the singer's stance. It reinforces the idea that there is no competition when it comes to this person and their love. They won't accept any imitations or substitutes, emphasizing the uniqueness and unmatched quality of their relationship. This section also repeats the earlier lines about not wanting anybody else, cementing their unwavering commitment.
In summary, "No Imitations" is a song that celebrates the deep admiration, love, and commitment the singer feels for someone special in their life. It highlights the uniqueness and magnetic presence of this person, emphasizing that they are one-of-a-kind and cannot be replaced. The lyrics express a strong connection that goes beyond appearances and a refusal to settle for anything less than the genuine love they have found.
Line by Line Meaning
We go out at night and the spotlight's on you
We go out in the evening, and all the attention is focused on you.
Every single eye stuck to you like glue
Everyone's eyes are fixated on you, unable to look away.
Dolled up to the nines, yeah, you outshine diamonds
You are incredibly glamorous and radiant, even more so than diamonds.
Darling, you do (darling, you do)
You possess such qualities, my dear.
And when the morning comes and the sunlight's creepin'
When the morning arrives and the sunlight gently filters in.
And you wanna hide underneath your sheets
You feel like hiding under your sheets, seeking refuge.
Even wide awake with your makeup streaking
Even when you're fully awake, with your makeup smudged.
You're still a dream (you're still a dream)
You continue to be a beautiful vision, a figment of my imagination.
Now that I found you
Since I discovered you,
I won't accept no imitations
I refuse to settle for any substitutes.
No, I don't want nobody else
No, I don't desire anyone else.
You're my irreplaceable, one and only
You're my unique and irreplaceable partner.
Nothing can compare to the love we make
The love we share surpasses anything else.
I know that I never will be lonely
I am certain that I will never feel lonely again.
When I see your face (when I see your face)
Whenever I catch a glimpse of your face.
No contest, I won't accept no imitations
There is no competition; I will not settle for any substitutes.
Nothing less, I won't accept no imitations
I demand nothing but the real thing; I will not accept any imitations.
(Won't accept no imitations)
(I refuse to settle for any substitutes)
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brandon Jay Day, Tom Higgenson, Timothy John Lopez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nick Bertoni
I forgot this band even existed!
matthew g
how there so good
Amber Massey
Tim's introduction of this song at Epcot dedicating it to his wife was so touching...and the way Tom sings the last line of the song...so powerful! Love this album and it sounds amazing live ❤️
Bri Boe
This is song is even better live, hearing the passion and rasp is great
Busy veins
Such a good song and the album in general. Thank you for producing good music Plain White T's ♥
Kenny Havoc
Favorite song off the album.
Favorite song from the band.
Favorite song period.
I maintain that this is the greatest song ever made.
Emily Shelor
I feel that, I love them... They are one of my favorites
Kenny Havoc
@Emily Shelor same probably not the same festival though but I saw them live last year
Emily Shelor
I saw Plain White T's last summer at a beach festival and this album had just come out and it was one of the best, and most fun nights of my life
Jeff V
This is another banger 💥