The band spent its first four years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which they released two studio albums, The Unraveling (2001) and Revolutions per Minute (2003). Both the albums were met with underground success, and in 2003 the band signed with the major label Dreamworks, which was absorbed by Geffen. Rise Against's major label debut Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004) brought the band mainstream success, largely in part to the popularity of the singles "Give It All" and "Swing Life Away". The band's next album, The Sufferer & the Witness (2006), peaked at number ten on the Billboard 200 in the United States, and was Rise Against's first album to chart in countries outside of North America.
With the release of Appeal to Reason (2008), Rise Against's music shifted toward a more accessible and radio-friendly sound, with greater emphasis on production value. The album's third single, "Savior", broke the record for the most consecutive weeks spent on both the Hot Rock Songs and Alternative Songs charts. Rise Against's popularity grew with the release of Endgame (2011), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, and charted highly worldwide. The band's seventh and eighth albums, The Black Market (2014) and Wolves (2017) continued the trend of commercial success, and both peaked with the top ten on the Billboard 200. Their ninth and most recent album, Nowhere Generation, was released in 2021.
Rise Against is also known for their advocacy of progressivism, supporting organizations such as Amnesty International and the It Gets Better Project. The band actively promotes animal rights and most of the members are straight edge, PETA supporters and vegetarians.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_Against
Studio albums
The Unraveling (2001)
Revolutions per Minute (2003)
Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004)
The Sufferer & the Witness (2006)
Appeal to Reason (2008)
Endgame (2011)
The Black Market (2014)
Wolves (2017)
Nowhere Generation (2021)
Life Less Frightening
Rise Against Lyrics
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In a world there is no cure for
These lives we live test negative for happiness
Flat line, no pulse, but eyes open
Single file like soldiers on a mission
If there's no war outside our heads
Why are we losing?
Truth be told I'd settle
For a life less frightening, a life less frightening
I don't ask for much
Truth be told I'd settle
For a life less frightening, a life less frightening
Hang me out to dry I'm soaking
With the sense of knowing
What's gone wrong but doing nothing I still run
Time again I have found myself stuttering
Foundations pulled out from under me
This breath is wasted on them all
Will someone answer me
I don't ask for much
Truth be told I'd settle
For a life less frightening, a life less frightening
Is there a God tonight?
Up in the sky or is it empty just like me (Just like me)
A place where we can hide out from the night
Where you are all I need (Where you are all I need)
So all he says, goodbye, and close your eyes
Tell me what you say (Tell me what you say)
A life I sit inside this dream of mine
Where you are all I see
I don't ask for much
Truth be told I'd settle
For a life less frightening, a life less frightening
In "Life Less Frightening," Rise Against sings about the struggles of living in a world filled with not knowing what is happening, a world without a cure. The song is about the emotional distress and confusion that comes with living in a world that constantly tests our happiness. The opening lines "Suffering from something we're not sure of In a world there is no cure for These lives we live test negative for happiness" express the idea that we may be struggling with something we cannot name, which has no clear solution. The song's verses also depict a sense of hopelessness, with the idea that everyone is just going through the motions like "single file like soldiers on a mission."
However, the chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a desire for something better. The singer hopes for a life that is less frightening, less uncertain. They do not ask for much, but they would settle for a little less suffering. The bridge emphasizes the need for connection, love, and a sense of purpose in life. The chorus repeats, each time conveying the idea of holding onto hope for a better tomorrow, despite the chaos of today.
Line by Line Meaning
Suffering from something we're not sure of
We may not know the cause, but we are all experiencing some kind of pain.
In a world there is no cure for
Despite advances in science and medicine, some things cannot be fixed.
These lives we live test negative for happiness
We cannot seem to find joy in our existence.
Flat line, no pulse, but eyes open
We are alive, yet feel dead inside.
Single file like soldiers on a mission
We move through life in a robotic manner, as if following orders.
If there's no war outside our heads
We may feel like we are in a constant battle within ourselves.
Why are we losing?
Despite our efforts, we seem to be unable to overcome our struggles.
I don't ask for much
I am not being greedy.
Truth be told I'd settle
In all honesty, I would be content.
For a life less frightening, a life less frightening
I just want a less scary existence.
Hang me out to dry I'm soaking
I am exposed and vulnerable.
With the sense of knowing
I am aware of the problems, but unsure how to fix them.
What's gone wrong but doing nothing I still run
Even though I know something is not right, I continue on without addressing it.
Time again I have found myself stuttering
I struggle to express myself, to convey my feelings and thoughts.
Foundations pulled out from under me
The things that I thought were certain and stable have suddenly disappeared.
This breath is wasted on them all
The people around me do not appreciate my presence or my efforts.
Will someone answer me
I am seeking guidance and help.
Is there a God tonight?
Is there a higher power that can bring me comfort and guidance?
Up in the sky or is it empty just like me (Just like me)
Perhaps there is no God, and I am truly alone in my struggles.
A place where we can hide out from the night
I long for a sanctuary where I can escape from my problems and fears.
Where you are all I need (Where you are all I need)
I have found solace and comfort in a particular person.
So all he says, goodbye, and close your eyes
This person has left me, and I am left alone once more.
Tell me what you say (Tell me what you say)
I am seeking an answer or explanation from this person.
A life I sit inside this dream of mine
I have retreated into my own fantasies and imagination.
Where you are all I see
In these daydreams, this person is the only thing that brings me joy and comfort.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRANDON BARNES, CHRISTOPHER CHASSE, JOSEPH PRINCIPE, TIMOTHY MCILRATH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind