Lewis and Sennett are former child actors and were introduced to each other by Tara Subkoff, a mutual friend, in 1993. In 2001, original drummer Dave Rock left the band and was replaced by Boesel.
They began their career on Barsuk Records, releasing Take Offs And Landings in 2001. They moved to Omaha-based indie label Saddle Creek for their second album, 2002's The Execution of All Things. But come time for their third release, More Adventurous in 2004, the band left Saddle Creek for Brute/Beaute, a Warner Bros. imprint.
2004 saw a great increase in recognition for the band, as Sennett and Boesel released an album with their band The Elected and Lewis sang backup on Ben Gibbard's (Death Cab For Cutie) indie electronic side project The Postal Service. Lewis toured with The Postal Service before heading out on two tours in support of Rilo Kiley's More Adventurous in the summer and fall of 2004. The album spent late 2004 high on Billboard Magazine's Heatseekers Chart, success only furthered by appearances on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band opened for Bright Eyes on the international leg of Conor Oberst's tour for 2005's i'm wide awake, it's morning. In Fall 2005, Rilo Kiley were the opening act for the North American dates of Coldplay's Twisted Logic Tour.
Lewis released her first solo album in January of 2006, with Leigh and Chandra Watson as Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins. The album, entitled Rabbit Fur Coat, was co-produced by Clifford M Ward and Mike Mogis. Furthermore, The Elected released their second album, sun, sun, sun on the same day as Lewis' album.
The 4th Rilo Kiley LP, Under the Blacklight, was released in August 2007. This has a more pop-influenced sound and received mixed reviews.
The band broke up in 2011 after vague statements made by Blake Sennett comparing the band to a "corpse" and referring to disagreements among members.
Breakin' Up
Rilo Kiley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Once you drove away
It's not as if the sun won't shine
When clouds up above
Wash the blues away
Are we breaking up?
(Breaking up)
(Breaking up)
Is there trouble between you and I?
Did my heart break enough?
(Break enough)
Did it Break enough this time
(Break enough)
Here's to all the pretty words we will never speak
Here's to all the pretty girls you're gonna meet
It feels good to be free
It feels good to be free
It feels good to be free
The trail is a thorny crown
You wear it well
Just like a king
Revenge is the saddest thing
Honey, I'm afraid to say
You deserve everything
It feels good to be free
It feels good to be free
It feels good to be free
The lyrics to Rilo Kiley's "Breakin' Up" convey a sense of liberation and acceptance in the aftermath of a breakup. The song starts by acknowledging that life goes on after a break-up, even though it may feel like the world has come to a halt. The singer talks about the resilience of the city, and how it continues to exist even in the absence of a loved one. They talk about the potential of the sun to shine again and wash away the blues, suggesting that there is always hope even when things seem bleak.
The chorus then kicks in, with the singer asking their partner if they are breaking up. They question whether there is trouble between them and if their heart has broken enough. This reveals that the singer is uncertain as to whether they are officially breaking up or if there is still a chance to save their relationship. However, there is a sense of acceptance that whatever happens, they will be okay.
The second verse talks about how the relationship has ended and how the couple will not exchange pretty words with each other anymore. The singer acknowledges that their partner will move on and meet other people. There is a sense of bitterness in these lines, but it is subtle and doesn't overpower the overall feeling of acceptance and moving on.
The final verse ends the song on a bittersweet note. The singer talks about how the trail is a thorny crown that their partner wears well, like a king. They acknowledge that revenge is not worthwhile and that their partner ultimately deserves everything that is coming to them. There is a sense of sadness, but also a sense of release in these lines, as the singer accepts that their relationship is over and moves on.
Overall, "Breakin' Up" is a song about accepting the end of a relationship and finding freedom in the aftermath. The lines are poignant, with a mix of melancholy and optimism, making it a relatable song for anyone going through a breakup.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not as if New York City burnt down to the ground
Leaving you was nowhere near as devastating as the destruction of an entire city.
Once you drove away
When you left me behind and drove away from my life.
It's not as if the sun won't shine
Despite the grey clouds above, the sun will still shine through, which is similar to the possibility of good times after a separation.
When clouds up above
Despite the presence of clouds in the sky.
Wash the blues away
The rain and dreary weather can cleanse and remove the sadness we experience after a breakup.
Are we breaking up?
Is this the end of our relationship?
(Breaking up)
Asking if our relationship is coming to an end.
Is there trouble between you and I?
Is there something going on that is causing problems between us?
Did my heart break enough?
Did the pain and heartache caused by this breakup hurt enough?
(Break enough)
Asking if the heartbreak was enough for the relationship to end.
Did it break enough this time
Was the heartbreak enough for us to go our separate ways?
Here's to all the pretty words we will never speak
Here's to all the things we wanted to say but were never able to.
Here's to all the pretty girls you're gonna meet
Good luck to you as you move on and meet other women.
It feels good to be free
Being single and free of a relationship can be liberating and exciting.
The trail is a thorny crown
The path that we're following now is difficult and painful.
You wear it well
You're handling it with grace and strength.
Just like a king
With the confidence and poise of royalty.
Revenge is the saddest thing
Seeking revenge after a breakup is ultimately a sad and unfulfilling pursuit.
Honey, I'm afraid to say
I'm hesitant to tell you, but...
You deserve everything
You deserve to have whatever it is that you want in life.
It feels good to be free
There's no better feeling than being unshackled and without obligations.
It feels good to be free
Happiness and fulfillment come when you have your freedom.
It feels good to be free
Embracing your newfound independence can be a great source of joy.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Blake Sennett, Jenny Diane Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@loilie2201
Yeah goddamn Grey’s Anatomy has the best songs ever
@brewer9565
Great tune - have heard this many times and it never gets old. I’m taken with what a great singer Jenny Lewis is. Her vocal on this is deceptive. The lyric and pop vibe misleads you into thinking the vocal is casually tracked and effortless but it’s anything but. Jenny’s phrasing and sustain on this is nuanced and solid - this is no toss off - this vocal is delivered in the sense of a talented singer after hard work on her craft. She’s so good here, she makes it sound easy.
@thegirlinquestion
Just broke up with someone and I couldn't feel happier. Ooh it feels good to be freee!
@hlong9140
Best song for eating disorder recovery! Helps me remember why I'm happy to be breakin up with the e.d.
@jackson-zo8pt
that's such a cool thing to connect this song to! congratulations on your recovery, i hope you're doing okay
@sonial1839
i too hope you re doing great. I know what being there feels like
@christine7521
Still the best song to play after a breakup
@Sashalusardi
Still listening in 2020. Love you guys!
@mookdotori725
It is best song in my life. Thank you Grey
@AndyTanguay
Man, how is there not a proper video for this gem?!?