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.
Top Of The World
Plain White T's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm in a ditch but at least it's sunny
I'm, I'm on, I'm on top, of the world
I've got the itch but my nose ain't runny
She's such a bitch but she thinks I'm funny
I'm, I'm on, I'm on top, of the world
I'm giving it away, giving it away
Three, two, one, I'm 'bout to elevate, 'bout to elevate
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down now
I'm on top of the world
Livin' my life
I'm on top of the world
I'm dancin' all night
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down, never coming down
(No!)
I'm on top of the world
I'm out of chips but I'm still high rolling
I'm drunk as shit but I'll keep on floating
I'm, I'm on, I'm on top, of the world
I can't sleep but I'm always dreaming
I feel the heat but I got no demons
I'm, I'm on, I'm on top, of the world
So much love
I'm giving it away, giving it away
Three, two, one, I'm 'bout to elevate, 'bout to elevate
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down now
I'm on top of the world
Livin' my life
I'm on top of the world
I'm dancin' all night
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down, never coming down
(No!)
I'm on top of the world
I
I'm on
I'm on top
Of the world
I
I'm on
I'm on top
Of the world
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down now
I'm on top of the world
Livin' my life
I'm on top of the world
I'm dancin' all night
I'm on top of the world
I'm never coming down, never coming down
(No!)
I'm on top of the world
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
I'm on top
I'm on top of the world
I just can't stop
I'm on top of the world
The lyrics of "Top of the World" by Plain White T's depict a feeling of euphoria and empowerment despite the various challenges and struggles in life. The singer recognizes that they may not have material wealth or perfect circumstances, but they find joy in the little things and embrace a positive outlook. The first verse juxtaposes the feeling of being in a ditch with the sunny weather, indicating that even in difficulties, there is a silver lining.
The chorus emphasizes the idea of being on top of the world, representing a sense of triumph and confidence. The singer feels an overwhelming amount of love and chooses to give it away freely. There is an eagerness to elevate themselves and live life to the fullest. The repetition of the phrase "I'm on top of the world" reinforces the theme of empowerment and the refusal to be brought down by negativity.
The second verse continues to explore paradoxes in the singer's life. They may not have enough chips (money), but they still feel like they are high rolling, implying a carefree attitude. They are drunk but continue to float, suggesting resilience and the ability to keep going despite setbacks. The singer acknowledges their difficulty in sleeping but finds solace in their dreams. The lack of demons and feeling the heat further gives the impression of being unburdened by negativity.
Overall, "Top of the World" is an anthem of positivity, celebrating the ability to find joy and fulfillment in life regardless of circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feeling rich but I got no money
I may not have a lot of money, but I feel prosperous and content.
I'm in a ditch but at least it's sunny
Although I may be facing difficulties, I can find solace in the bright side of things.
I'm, I'm on, I'm on top, of the world
I am in a state of euphoria and confidence, feeling like I am at the highest point in life.
I've got the itch but my nose ain't runny
I have a desire to do something exciting, but I am not hindered by any obstacles or setbacks.
She's such a bitch but she thinks I'm funny
Even though someone may have negative qualities, they still appreciate my sense of humor.
So much love
I have an abundance of love within me.
I'm giving it away, giving it away
I am sharing and spreading my love freely to others.
Three, two, one, I'm 'bout to elevate, 'bout to elevate
Counting down, I am about to reach a higher level of happiness and fulfillment.
I'm on top
I have achieved a significant position or state of success.
I'm on top of the world
I am at the pinnacle of my existence, feeling invincible and triumphant.
I just can't stop
Nothing can hinder or prevent my enthusiasm and positivity.
I'm never coming down now
I will continue to maintain this elevated state of happiness indefinitely.
Livin' my life
I am fully embracing and enjoying every moment of my existence.
I'm dancin' all night
I am celebrating and reveling in my happiness throughout the entire night.
(No!)
An expression of defiance or refusal to allow any negativity to affect me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brandon Jay Day, Tom Higgenson, Timothy John Lopez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sach
Are u kidding me you're songs are all masterpieces you should be so famous 😍
Abbie Clarke
Damn...this deserves more likes bro
starfruit50
I usually only like their soundscapes and love songs since theyre so catchy.
Hearing Visions
Banger 👌
emocobra666
good song
Jeff V
Interesting tune.
First time I hear them say bitch but it’s edgy but friendly at the same time.
Gone Beyond
This album is stupid good. Wtf?? I shouldn't be surprised but I'm amazed. It's nothing new. Or is it??? Fuck it. 321 meditate elevated levitate... 0 escape know?
NIBIR
This is the original plain white ts. Don't leave the emo vibes. Few of the songs of the album sounds like Drake.