Although Rooney had flirted with enlisting Ric Ocasek to produce, they eventually opted to rehire Keith Forsey, the producer responsible for the the strong batch of demos that had gotten them signed in the first place. Rooney's sunny, self-titled debut arrived in 2003 and its sales spiked considerably the following year when the band appeared on Fox's popular teen drama The O.C. (the first in a long line of bands to do so). Later that year, the concert DVD Spit and Sweat was released, highlighting the group's transformation from teenage musicians into a road-seasoned outfit. Rooney began recording their follow-up later that year with producer Tony Hoffer, but the album was eventually scrapped despite several songs being posted on the band's MySpace page. A second attempt to record their sophomore album was made in fall 2005, this time with Howard Benson in the producer's seat. Although it was slated for a 2006 release, this version too was scrapped as friction between the band and its label increased.
Following a 2006 tour with Kelly Clarkson, Rooney returned to the studio with producer John Fields for a third -- and successful -- attempt at recording their second album. The slightly darker, but no less catchy Calling the World was released in summer 2007 and debuted on the Billboard charts at number 42. By this point, though, the band's relationship with Geffen had suffered too much damage and Rooney eventually left the label's roster in 2009. That same year, the band celebrated their independent status by self-releasing an EP, Wild One, and launching a brief tour. They didn't remain independent for long, though, eventually partnering with Warner Bros. for the release of their third full-length album, the self-produced Eureka, in June 2010. Although bassist Matt Winter played on the record, he left the band's lineup several months before its release, with Brandon Schwartzel climbing aboard in his place. By the end of 2011, support for the record had mostly ceased and Rooney essentially entered into a lengthy hiatus. Schwartzman remained busy with a number of projects, including two solo records and a pair of film scores. Following years of silence regarding his band's fate, Schwartzman revealed in early 2016 that he had completed a new Rooney album entirely on his own. Released in May 2016, Washed Away was the fourth LP under the Rooney banner, and was supported on the road by a completely retooled lineup. In June 2017, the band issued the single "Second Chances" in anticipation of the release of the El Cortez EP, which arrived in July of that year.
Meltdown
Rooney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
you're out on the edge
but you're not in danger
because you're only two feet
above the ground
you're out on a mission
for recognition
a show to sell out
but you've already sold out
you fucking sellouts
no one, no one cares
how close you were to the end
no one, no one sees
the changes you've made for yourselves
you need to break
apart from your egos
you need a break
to find a new image
'cause you're not rock stars
but you should be
you're out on a mission
for recognition
you're out on a mission
to quote yourselves
i've figured you out
you're so complex
oh yes, oh yes, they're coming on strong
and maybe by monday
their songs will live on
but the meltdown
the meltdown
the meltdown...
The lyrics to Rooney's "Meltdown" explore the idea of a band or artist who is struggling to stay true to themselves and their music in the face of fame and success. The song opens with the image of someone who feels invisible, "out on the edge" but not in danger because they are "only two feet above the ground." This sense of being caught between worlds sets the tone for the rest of the song, which goes on to address the conflicts and pressures that arise when an artist seeks recognition and commercial success.
One of the key themes of "Meltdown" is the tension between artistic authenticity and the desire for mass appeal. The singer of the song is "out on a mission" to gain recognition and sell out shows, but the lyrics suggest that they have lost something essential in the process. The singer accuses them of being "fucking sellouts" and suggests that their efforts to appeal to a wide audience have compromised their integrity as artists. At the same time, the song acknowledges the intensity of the pressures that artists face in the music industry and encourages them to take a break and find a new image that feels authentic.
The chorus of "Meltdown" repeats the phrase "no one, no one cares" to emphasize the sense of isolation and disillusionment that the singer of the song feels. Despite their efforts to gain recognition and success, nobody is paying attention to the changes they have made for themselves. The repeated use of the word "no one" underscores the idea that even though the singer may be surrounded by people, they still feel deeply alone in their struggles with authenticity, fame, and creativity.
Overall, the lyrics to "Meltdown" provide a powerful commentary on the challenges and conflicts faced by artists who are navigating the complex terrain of fame and creative expression.
Line by Line Meaning
but nobody sees you
You feel invisible and unnoticed.
you're out on the edge
You're taking risks and stepping beyond your comfort zone, maybe even to the point of danger.
but you're not in danger
Despite the risks you're taking, you feel in control and safe.
because you're only two feet above the ground
You're not as high up or as invincible as you may think.
you're out on a mission for recognition
You're seeking attention and approval from others.
a show to sell out but you've already sold out, you fucking sellouts
You're putting on a performance to attract fans and make money, but you've already compromised your values and principles to do so.
no one, no one cares how close you were to the end
Despite your risk-taking and struggles, others aren't paying attention to your near-misses or how hard you're trying.
no one, no one sees the changes you've made for yourselves
You've made personal growth and development, but others are blind to it or don't put stock in it.
you need to break apart from your egos
Your pride, self-importance, and self-centeredness are holding you back, and you need a change.
you need a break to find a new image
You need a moment to regroup and rediscover your true identity, which may be different from what you've been trying to portray.
'cause you're not rock stars but you should be
You feel like you have the talent and potential to be at the top of your field, but aren't there yet.
to quote yourselves i've figured you out you're so complex
You're self-referential and self-analyzing, and have a deep and layered personality that others may not understand or appreciate.
oh yes, oh yes, they're coming on strong
Others are starting to notice and take notice of your work.
and maybe by monday their songs will live on
Your work may stand the test of time and live on in the cultural consciousness.
but the meltdown the meltdown the meltdown...
The potential for things to fall apart or go wrong is ever-present, and always lurking in the background.
Contributed by Gabriel G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
PBS Funding Addict
Wow, so long before they started making albums.