In August of 2002, the group upped the rock quotient on its second album (and first for In the Red), Time Bomb High School, and the group landed a high-profile gig opening for Swedish garage wunderkinds the Hives on their North American tour. Alex Greene dropped out as a full-time group member by the time 2004's Too Much Guitar was released, though he did appear on the disc as a guest musician, and the band followed its release with more touring, both as a headliner and once again as opener for the Hives. The band also gained another well-known champion in Little Steven Van Zandt, who gave the band frequent airplay on his syndicated radio show. In September 2005 Reigning Sound released Home for Orphans through Sympathy for the Record Industry. It featured reworked versions of Too Much Guitar material along with some unreleased tracks.
Their album Abdication… For Your Love was originally available in 2011 solely as a promotional giveaway, but was given a wide release in 2019 on Merge Records.
Trash Talk
Reigning Sound Lyrics
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That keeps all your friends busy talking
And when you come around then it's a scene
Now they say that it can't hurt you
But I know better now
The truth can't hurt as much as a lie
And I don't wanna be no ball and chain
I don't know how I'll ever let it slide
Now every time I see your face
It just puts me right in my place
How long will it take me to forget?
And there's lots of things that you don't know
That keep your friends busy talking
But when you come around then it's a scene
Yeah, a scene
The lyrics of Reigning Sound's "Trash Talk" depict the power of gossip that surrounds a person when they become the subject of a "whisper campaign". The singer suggests that there is something that the subject does not know, but that keeps their friends and acquaintances talking. When the subject comes around, it creates a "scene", indicating that the gossip has gotten out of control. The singer admits that the truth may not be as harmful as the rumors being spread, as they can cause immense damage to a person's reputation and self-worth. The lyrics convey a sense of concern for the subject of the gossip and a desire to distance oneself from the negative influence of the rumor-mongering.
As the song progresses, the singer expresses discomfort at the sight of the subject, as it reminds him of the damage that gossip can cause. There are further hints at the secrets and falsehoods that surround the subject, but the singer remains focused on the effects of the gossip. He admits that it will take time to forget and move on from the situation. The song ends on a note of uncertainty, as the singer acknowledges that the subject is still surrounded by gossip and attention, indicating that the situation may not resolve itself easily.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something that you don't know
Someone has been spreading rumors about you that you're not aware of.
That keeps all your friends busy talking
The rumors are the topic of conversation among your friends.
And when you come around then it's a scene
Whenever you're present, the tension and drama surge.
Now they say that it can't hurt you
People will tell you that rumors can't actually harm you.
But I know better now
However, the singer has now realized the negative impact of rumors.
The truth can't hurt as much as a lie
Hearing the truth may be painful, but it's better than believing false rumors.
Now that whisper campaign's gonna bring you shame
The rumors will bring you shame and disgrace.
And I don't wanna be no ball and chain
The singer doesn't want to be a burden or responsibility to you.
I don't know how I'll ever let it slide
The singer is struggling to let go of the anger and resentment caused by the rumors.
Now every time I see your face
Whenever the singer encounters you,
It just puts me right in my place
The singer feels powerless and defeated.
How long will it take me to forget?
The singer is wondering how long it will take to forget the rumors and move on.
And there's lots of things that you don't know
There are many other rumors that the singer hasn't even heard yet.
That keep your friends busy talking
Your friends constantly gossip about your supposed misdeeds.
But when you come around then it's a scene
Whenever you're present, the drama and intensity increase.
Yeah, a scene
The situation becomes a chaotic and overwhelming 'scene.'
Writer(s): Gregory J. Cartwright
Contributed by Bella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.