In its earlier days, the band had duel vocals performed by De Marrais and Fischer; later, De Marrais would become the lead vocalist in the majority of their songs. The band's many tours and intimate live shows at venues such as Brooklyn's Northsix (now Music Hall of Williamsburg), Washington, D.C.'s The Black Cat, Bowery Ballroom in NYC, and Chapel Hill's Cat's Cradle helped to grow its fan base and fuel album sales.
On November 6, 2006, the band announced, through Pitchfork Media, that the December 16th show at New York City's Bowery Ballroom would be their last. They played one more show on December 17th at Northsix, which De Marrais referred to as "home" because it also served as the band's rehearsal space.
The band reformed in 2014 with a reunion show at Bowery Ballroom on December 31. Additional shows were added for February 14 and April 18, 2015 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago and Union Transfer in Philadelphia, respectively.
In 2017 the band released S/T, their first album in 11 years.
The Aweful Truth Of Loving
Rainer Maria Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
started out bad
still wanted a taste
of what I already had
the fruit is golden
when it falls from the tree
and it's spoiled by the time it gets to me
it's a dilemma
of girls and boys for centuries
should I be with you?
should I forget about me?
first it feels right
then you stay up all night worrying
it's the awful truth of loving
could've been noble
but it started out fast
they say that kind of thing
will never last
the peach is perfect
when it falls from the tree
and bruised by the time it gets to me
it's a dilemma
of boys and girls for centuries
do I really know you?
do you really need me?
first it feels right
then you write a novel worrying
about the awful truth of loving
and by the time
you bide your time
a year goes by
and you don't act any older
I wanted to be sweet
so you won't disappoint me
I wanted to be sweet
so you won't disappoint me
and when the stakes are high
I'm careless with the dice
and now it seems like
I'm pushing my luck all the time
and all that we were thinking
is about individuality
In "The Awful Truth Of Loving", Rainer Maria captures the kind of uncertainty that comes with intimacy, and how it can be difficult navigating one's own desires with the need to preserve the relationships they hold dear. The lyrics express the hesitation that arises when one is faced with difficult choices, and the consequences that can come with chasing after what feels right.
The first verse sets up the paradox at the heart of the song, as the singer acknowledges the appeal of something they know will only cause trouble. The second verse compares the fleeting, idealized version of a person or relationship to the reality, where flaws and difficulties become increasingly apparent. It's a quandary as old as love itself, and it doesn't get easier with time. As the chorus notes, "first it feels right / then you stay up all night worrying / it's the awful truth of loving."
In the final verse, the idea of individuality is introduced, as the singer grapples with their own sense of self and how it fits into the larger picture. Ultimately, the song is about the messiness of relationships and how love, despite being a beautiful thing, can be complicated and painful.
Line by Line Meaning
started out good
The relationship started positively
started out bad
The relationship turned negative
still wanted a taste
Despite the negative turn, the person still desired the relationship
of what I already had
The person was holding onto what was familiar
the fruit is golden
The potential for the relationship is promising
when it falls from the tree
At the beginning of the relationship, everything seems perfect
and it's spoiled by the time it gets to me
By the time the relationship reaches the person, it has become ruined
it's a dilemma
The situation creates a difficult decision
of girls and boys for centuries
This is a common struggle for many throughout history
should I be with you?
Is this relationship worth the struggle?
should I forget about me?
Is it worth sacrificing one's own happiness for the relationship?
first it feels right
At first, the relationship seems perfect
then you stay up all night worrying
Doubts begin to creep in and cause stress
it's the awful truth of loving
The hardships and struggles of being in love
could've been noble
The relationship could have been based on high moral standards
but it started out fast
The relationship began too quickly
they say that kind of thing
People often make this assumption
will never last
Fast and flashy relationships often do not succeed
the peach is perfect
The potential for a great relationship is present
and bruised by the time it gets to me
By the time the relationship reaches the person, it has been damaged
do I really know you?
The person is questioning the other's true character
do you really need me?
The person is questioning their own importance in the relationship
then you write a novel worrying
The doubts and concerns become consuming
and by the time
As time passes
you bide your time
The person waits for the situation to improve
a year goes by
A significant amount of time has passed
and you don't act any older
Despite the time that has passed, the person has not grown or matured
I wanted to be sweet
The person tried to be kind to the other to avoid disappointment
so you won't disappoint me
The person did not want their hopes to be crushed by the other's actions
and when the stakes are high
During critical times in the relationship
I'm careless with the dice
The person takes risks without careful consideration
and now it seems like
As a result of past actions
I'm pushing my luck all the time
The person is relying on chance and putting the relationship at risk
and all that we were thinking
Our thoughts and focus
is about individuality
Emphasizing the importance of valuing oneself in a relationship
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind