Formed in Miami, Florida by Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitar), Tom DeFile (bass) and Phil Varone (drums), the band managed to build up a solid following in their native Florida and eventually got signed to Atlantic records. It took a mere eleven days to record the debut album, and although it got rave reviews from critics, went mostly unnoticed by the record buying public.
The band hit it big with The Lizard and its #12 charting ballad "Love Is On The Way". The success of the ballad was a double-edged sword, it gave the band access to a huge new fan base, but several people grouped the band in with the other one hit wonders of the era. Shortly after the band's success DeFile left the band and was replaced by Chris McLernon. Prior to the recording of Water, Kramer also left the band and Bieler took over on vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment in America, but the band continued to have a loyal following overseas. Two more studio albums were recorded before the band decided to call it a day.
Bieler went on to form Super Transatlantic, and surprisingly the original Saigon Kick minus Bieler rejoined with Jeff Blando on guitar for some live shows. Varone also surfaced as the drummer for Skid Row during their 2003 comeback while Kramer pursues a solo career. The group continues to tour sporadically to this very day.
Eden
Saigon Kick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're beginning to dance for all to see.
Wanting for something that they can't find,
So they shift their hips and they get in a little grind,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Steal the bread from the baker man,
And you make a fist with an outstretched hand,
And you burn down the teacher's home,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Chorus:
You and I are heading for the end of time and there's no rhyme.
All we know is crashing down; the absence of the heart is now.
Can you run a little faster; won't you try?
We must beat ourselves to Eden or we'll die.
Trying to act like we just don't care,
So we jump around like it just ain't fair.
Throw your neighbors to the ground
And you take your stuff and you head downtown,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Chorus
Knock the one that you need the most,
And you kiss the ass of the holy ghost.
Trick your friends so they think you're cool,
And you get up on the floor of your school,
Singing oh, singing a la la la
Chorus
The lyrics to "Eden" by Saigon Kick describe the chaotic and destructive behavior of individuals who are searching for something they can't find. The first verse sets the scene of three little girls who are dancing in the street, trying to fill the void they feel inside. The second verse takes a darker turn as the lyrics describe stealing from the baker man, burning down the teacher's home, and singing "oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la." The chorus speaks of the end of time and the absence of heart, emphasizing the urgency of finding a way to reach Eden before it's too late.
The lyrics suggest that the individuals in the song are acting out because they are in pain and searching for meaning. They are willing to hurt others and destroy things in order to try and find what they're looking for. The chorus suggests that if they don't find a way to Eden, they will die. The bridge links back to the destructive behavior mentioned earlier in the song, with references to knocking down those who are important to us and kissing up to those who are seen as holy. The final line reminds listeners to keep moving forward, to try and reach Eden before it's too late.
Overall, "Eden" is a song about desperation and the lengths people will go to when they feel lost. The lyrics suggest that the search for meaning is not always a peaceful one, and that sometimes even the most destructive actions can be born out of a longing for something better.
Line by Line Meaning
Three little girls, they run up the street,
They're beginning to dance for all to see.
Wanting for something that they can't find,
So they shift their hips and they get in a little grind,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Young girls feeling lost and unsatisfied turn to suggestive dancing as a means of self-expression and attention-seeking.
Steal the bread from the baker man,
And you make a fist with an outstretched hand,
And you feed 'em something that they don't own,
And you burn down the teacher's home,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Promoting violence and theft as a way of rebelling against authority figures.
Chorus:
You and I are heading for the end of time and there's no rhyme.
All we know is crashing down; the absence of the heart is now.
Can you run a little faster; won't you try?
We must beat ourselves to Eden or we'll die.
A warning that society is falling apart and we must find a way to return to a more pure, honest state or face destruction.
Trying to act like we just don't care,
So we jump around like it just ain't fair.
Throw your neighbors to the ground
And you take your stuff and you head downtown,
Singing oh oh oh oh, singing a la la la
Encouraging a selfish, uncaring attitude towards others while celebrating mindless, meaningless behavior.
Knock the one that you need the most,
And you kiss the ass of the holy ghost.
Trick your friends so they think you're cool,
And you get up on the floor of your school,
Singing oh, singing a la la la
Disrespecting and betraying those closest to you while pretending to be loyal to something greater than yourself, all in the name of popularity and personal gain.
Chorus
Repeating the warning that unless we change our ways and rediscover our lost innocence, we are doomed to destruction.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mark S. Hollis, Timothy Alan Friese-Greene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind