Their debut EP Taking Abalonia was released in 2007. It was re-released with seven new songs on June 3, 2008, in Canada as a full-length LP under the name Howe Sounds / Taking Abalonia.
On July 1, 2009, Said the Whale released the EP The Magician to drum up anticipation for the release of their second full-length album Islands Disappear on October 13, 2009.
In the spring of 2011, Said the Whale toured the U.S. for the first time. During this time they were the subject of the CBC documentary "Winning America" directed by Brent Hodge and Thomas Buchan. The movie documented the band's trip and performances along the West Coast of North America on their way to and from Austin, Texas' SXSW Music Festival and culminated when Said the Whale won the Juno Award for New Group of the Year at the 2011 Juno Awards. The documentary aired on July 23, 2011, in British Columbia, and on April 7, 2012, across Canada.
They released their EP New Brighton on November 8, 2011, in preparation for their third full-length album, Little Mountain, released internationally on March 6, 2012.
In early 2012, the band was awarded a spot on the Canadian music magazine Rockstar Weekly's list of the "Top 12 RockStars to Watch in 2012". The list also included Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, and Rush. The band performed at the Sasquatch! Music Festival in 2012 and 2013.
Said the Whale released their fourth studio album, titled hawaiii, on September 17, 2013.
On January 4, 2017, they announced their fifth album, As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide. At the same time, they announced the departure of Spencer Schoening, and that they would move forward as a trio. The album was released March 31, 2017. The first single was "Step Into The Darkness."
On March 5, 2017, they posted an Instagram video with an email address which fans could contact in order to listen to the whole album for free before its release. Fans could stream the whole album on a personalized, private SoundCloud account from the 10th until the 15th of March without leaking or sharing the link. From the 15th until the 26th of March, the fans could invite their friends to listen to the album in a "listening party" in order to promote it but still not sharing the link to the album, keeping it strictly limited to those who were sent the link.
In September 2018, Said the Whale signed to Canadian indie label Arts & Crafts, and announced a new record to be released in early 2019. The band released a new single "UnAmerican" on October 12, 2018. They released their sixth studio album, Cascadia, on February 8, 2019.
Throughout 2021, Said the Whale released a number of singles and music videos from their upcoming album, including "Honey Lungs," "Everything She Touches is Gold to Me," "Show Me Everything," and "99 to the Moon." In May, Bancroft announced he was launching a new record label called EVERYTHING FOREVER. Said the Whale's seventh studio album, Dandelion, was released on October 22, 2021, via that label.
O Alexandra
Said the Whale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So completely undeniable
So completely beautiful
You teach me to sing again
So sweetly I will sing for you
If you let me in
Alexandra, When you wake up
No makeup
Beautiful
You teach me to love again
So deeply I will fall for you
If you let me
Oh Alexandra, When you give up
Bear your only heart
No regrets
Beautiful
You teach me Whole again
So sweetly I will be with you
If you let me in
Alexandra
When you wake up.
The song "O Alexandra" by Said The Whale is a heartfelt tribute to a woman named Alexandra who is undeniably beautiful and has the ability to bring a sense of joy and rejuvenation to the singer's life. The song begins with the singer addressing Alexandra directly, acknowledging her undeniable beauty and the way she has taught him to sing again. The singer expresses a desire to be let into Alexandra's life and to sing sweetly for her.
The second verse of the song continues the tribute to Alexandra, as the singer encourages her to wake up each morning and wear her morning crown, without makeup. He expresses admiration for her natural beauty and the way she teaches him to love again, deeply enough to fall for her if she allows it.
The final verse addresses Alexandra once more, this time encouraging her to bear her heart without regret. The singer refers to Alexandra once again as beautiful, and expresses a desire to be with her sweetly and wholly, if only she allows him in.
Overall, "O Alexandra" is a gentle and romantic song with a focus on the beauty of the woman it is written for, as well as the way she inspires the singer to love and live fully again.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Alexandra,
The singer addresses the person named Alexandra and sets the tone for the rest of the song.
So completely undeniable
The singer acknowledges that Alexandra's beauty and charm are undeniable and evident to everyone around her.
So completely beautiful
The singer emphasizes Alexandra's physical attractiveness and inner beauty.
You teach me to sing again
Alexandra inspires the artist to find joy in music and sing again after a difficult experience.
So sweetly I will sing for you
The artist promises to express their feelings for Alexandra through song.
If you let me in
The singer is requesting that Alexandra open up to them and allow them into her life.
When you wake up, wear your morning crown
The singer encourages Alexandra to feel confident and authentic in her natural state, without any makeup or pretense.
No makeup, beautiful
The artist reiterates that Alexandra's true beauty is not dependent on cosmetics or external factors.
You teach me to love again
Alexandra's love and presence in the artist's life has helped them overcome past romantic disappointments and learn to love again.
So deeply I will fall for you
The artist declares their intention to fall deeply in love with Alexandra if given the opportunity.
When you give up, bear your only heart
The singer advises Alexandra to be vulnerable and brave, even when it's difficult or scary.
No regrets, beautiful
The artist affirms that Alexandra's choice to be true to herself and follow her heart is both courageous and admirable.
You teach me Whole again
Alexandra's authenticity and vulnerability has helped the singer feel more complete and whole again.
So sweetly I will be with you
The singer promises to treat Alexandra with sweetness, kindness, and respect.
If you let me in
The singer renews their request for Alexandra to trust them and allow them to become a part of her life.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Casey Marchfeld
such a beautiful song, I could listen to it on repeat all day
yoyoyiggityyo
Beautiful song. Could listen to it all day.
Ruswal
I just don't understand how these guys aren't more known :/
gay or smth idk
i found this song while trying to get over an ex with the same name and i cried to this song for so long, it’s so pretty. ACTUALLY WHY ISNT IT ON SPOTIFY
Alexandra Gates
This is one of the only songs with my name in it, and it's a good one. <3
Andrew Rolling
great new song!! Cant wait for the album!!
alexisonfire921
You guys are amazing. Can't wait for when you come to Edmonton!
Alexandra P.
Es hermosa <3
mandy berg
cant wait to see these guys live tomorrow
Becky T
love it, so so so excited to see you guys in may!!