They were signed to Island Records and went on to release their second studio album Every Six Seconds. Saliva later released their third studio album titled Back into Your System on November 12, 2002 which reached #19 on the Billboard 200. Back into Your System launched one of Saliva's most successful songs, "Always", reaching #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Modern Rock Chart. Three years after Survival of the Sickest, Saliva released Blood Stained Love Story on January 23, 2007, repeating Back into Your System's chart performance at #19 on the Billboard 200. Its first single, "Ladies and Gentlemen", peaked at #2 on the Mainstream Rock Chart.
Saliva was originally founded in Memphis, Tennessee in September 1996. After competing in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Grammy Showcase competition, where they advanced to the final round in New York City, the group self-released their self-titled debut album which sold over 10,000 copies in their region, prompting Island Records to take notice.
Saliva's Island debut Every Six Seconds was released in 2001 and featured the singles "Your Disease" and "Click Click Boom", both of which saw significant play on rock radio and helped bring the band into mainstream popularity.
Back into Your System, their third album, was released in 2002, which included the chart topping hits "Always", and "Rest in Pieces" co-written by James Michael and Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe. The song "Pride" was first given to the fans in a concert in a small bar, but Josey Scott also took some heat during this era for shouting out vulgar remarks about the Dixie Chicks. The band toured in 2003, opening for KISS and Aerosmith. Saliva beat out Billy Idol for the tour.
Saliva then released Survival of the Sickest on August 17, 2004, reaching #20 on the Billboard 200. On May 29, 2005, guitarist Chris D'Abaldo announced he had left the band "for obvious reasons, as the band is not a unit anymore." He then shortly retracted his statement and apologized, declaring on the band's website that "there was a bit of an issue we're working through and we're looking forward to recording a new album later this year". However, the band's website later apologized again for the confusion and confirmed that due to "creative differences", D'ABaldo was in fact leaving the band, but that Saliva was "completely moving forward as planned and [has] our best music ahead of us". D'ABaldo eventually moved on to start the band Smolder. Jake Stutevoss formerly of the band Future Leaders of the World replaced him in Saliva's tour lineup. Stutevoss left the group right before the recording sessions for Ladies and Gentlemen. Jonathan Montoya, formerly of Full Devil Jacket, then became the next permanent member of Saliva.
A new single, titled "Ladies and Gentlemen" was released in November 2006 to radio stations and made it to #2 on the US Mainstream Rock charts. Saliva released the album Blood Stained Love Story on January 23, 2007. It has also been included as the background music for a number of Sony's commercials for the PlayStation 3. It was also made the official Theme song for Wrestlemania 23. The second single released off of the album was "Broken Sunday", which reached #8 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and is frequently on the Sirius top 20 on Octane. Saliva's tour manager Chris stated that the new single off Blood Stained Love Story would be "King of the Stereo".
In an interview with WWE on February 27, Scott said "We're going to go in the studio probably around May and record our next record. If you like "Ladies and Gentlemen" and "Click Click Boom", and more dynamic stuff, it’s going to be an ass-whooping of a record. It’s going to be 45 minutes of ass-whooping!" Saliva toured with Sevendust in South Korea, Japan and a brief stint in Europe until July 2008.
As of April 30, 2008, Octane 20 on Sirius Satellite Radio began playing a new song titled "Don't Question My Heart", featuring Brent Smith from Shinedown. The song can be found on the album WWE The Music, Vol. 8, and was the official television theme song for the ECW brand. Saliva's sixth studio album is titled Cinco Diablo and was released on December 16, 2008. "Hunt You Down" was a song on the album that was then made the official WWE No Way Out 2009 theme song in February 2009.
The band have worked on a reality television show style DVD following the recording of Cinco Diablo and life on the road. In an interview with MJP, Josey was asked if it was a TV Show to which Josey stated "I hope not", and stated that he wanted it more as "a DVD or something for our fans".
Saliva was recently on tour with Pop Evil, Since October, Dead Season, and Aranda. They were scheduled to join the 13th annual SnoCore Tour, but singer Josey Scott had ulcer surgery. Walt Lafty of Silvertide was hired to fill in for Scott for the tour, but Saliva ultimately decided to drop out of the tour, instead of touring with Lafty.
On March 23, 2010, the band released a Greatest Hits album titled, Moving Forward in Reverse: Greatest Hits. "Time to Shine" from said album was used as the official theme song for the "WWE Extreme Rules" Pay-Per-View in 2010.
On 30 August 2010, the band announced the exit of guitarist Jonathan Montoya, saying that they would carry on as a four piece. They had begun recording their latest album, titled Under Your Skin, with Howard Benson.
The band supplied a song titled "Badass" to the Saw 3D soundtrack released on October 26, 2010.
The band released the lead single from their new album Under Your Skin, entitled "Nothing". It was digitally released on February 1, 2011. "Badass" was later released as the second single, and reached No. 26 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks.
At the end of 2011, after 15 years with the band, Josey Scott decided to leave the band to pursue a solo Christian music career.
In early January 2012 it was announced that Bobby Amaru has joined Saliva as the new vocalist. According to Wayne, "he is a 28-year-old singer, songwriter, producer from Jacksonville, Florida who has a GREAT voice and will not only bring some fresh blood into the band but; will also put a new spin on the Saliva sound." Amaru was the front-man of his solo band Amaru, as well as the drummer for Burn Season.
On February 10, 2012, Saliva released a brand new single named "All Around the World" and said to write a brand new album straight after the tour. In addition to "All Around the World", the band has been performing another new song titled "One More Night" on their current tour with 12 Stones and Royal Bliss.
On November 30, 2012, it was announced that the band had just signed a new record deal with Rumbum Records & that after they have finished their current tour, the band will return home to finish writing the new album and begin recording in January for a release date some time in the spring.
On February 5, 2013, Saliva began recording a new album which would later be named “In It to Win It”. “In It to Win It” was to be the bands eighth record (1st with RumBum Records) with producer Bobby Huff, and executive producer Luis Bacardi. Bobby Huff co-wrote Saliva’s single “Badass” and has worked with artists such as Meat Loaf, 3 Doors Down & Cavo.
On April 30, 2013, the band released its first single from the new album, the aggressively anthemic title track “In It To Win It,” which is now available on iTunes. On September 3, 2013, the band released an album "In It to Win It".
On January 22, 2014, a new single "Rise Up" was announced. It was also revealed that "In It to Win It" was an early limited time fan only sneak peek and the band is going to release the new record titled "Rise Up" with the same songs re-arranged.
On April 16, 2016 Saliva announced their new album, titled Love, Lies & Therapy would be released June 10, 2016. Later in May, the group announced they would be supporting the album by taking part of the "Make America Rock Again" tour in the summer 2016 alongside Trapt, Saving Abel, Alien Ant Farm, Crazy Town, 12 Stones, Tantric and Drowning Pool.
In mid-2018, drummer Paul Crosby announced his departure from the band after 18 years. Shortly afterward, bassist Brad Stewart would also depart to focus on other touring and projects. Saliva then released their tenth studio record, 10 Lives, on October 19, 2018 via Megaforce Records. The album was produced by frontman Bobby Amaru and Steve Perreira in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2019, both Crosby and Stewart confirmed their return to the band. Saliva would go on to tour in 2019 as a part of Puddle of Mudd's Muddfest.
In October 2019, former vocalist Josey Scott announced on The Morning Dump podcast that he planned to reunite with Saliva for a tour and a new studio album. This was confirmed by Swinny in an interview with Detroit's WRIF Radio, adding that although "there's nothing on paper," the reunion should take place from 2020 into 2021 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Every Six Seconds. In addition to Scott rejoining, Swinny also suggested that former guitiarist Chris D'Abaldo may also be taking part. In January 2021, it was announced that these plans were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 16th, 2021, the band released a music video for "After Me" following the 20th anniversary of their second album Every Six Seconds. Also, guitarist and founder Wayne Swinney sat out touring for August, due to testing positive for COVID-19, with Josh Kulack filling in for him.
Helpless
Saliva Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
these scars don't even know my name
the walls keep closing in on me
my minds at war but no victory
and I have got nothing left to lose
so why am I calling out to you
Hello Hello Hello I'm sinking I'm reaching
It's all too much for me to take
When the morning comes could I fade away
I suffocate my own defeat
My soul is my worst enemy
And I'm crying out for the last time
Hello Hello Hello I'm sinking I'm reaching
Hello Hello Hello I feel reckless I'm helpless
So take it away take it away
So take it away take it away
I'm sorry
I can't hold on
Forgive me
The lyrics of Saliva's "Helpless" delve into the inner turmoil and struggles of the singer who is facing intense pain, scars, and mental battles. The opening lines convey the sense of enduring hardships and feeling lost in their own suffering. The singer feels trapped and overwhelmed by the challenges they are facing as evident from the walls closing in metaphor, depicting the suffocation of their inner world. Despite feeling defeated and having nothing left, they find themselves calling out for help, perhaps out of desperation or a glimmer of hope.
The repetitive use of "Hello" in the chorus symbolizes a cry for help and reaching out to someone for support in their time of need. The feelings of sinking, recklessness, and helplessness are further emphasized, highlighting the depth of the singer's emotional distress and vulnerability. The plea for assistance is poignant and urgent, expressing a sense of urgency and emotional turmoil that the singer is experiencing.
The singer expresses feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the weight of their burdens, questioning whether they can endure until the morning comes or if they will fade away. The themes of suffocation, defeat, and inner conflict indicate a struggle with self-destructive tendencies and a profound sense of hopelessness. The acknowledgment of their soul being their worst enemy adds a layered complexity to their internal battles, as they confront their own demons and seek solace in their darkest hour.
The lyrical shift towards expressing apologies and a sense of surrender in the closing lines indicates a moment of vulnerability and humility. The singer acknowledges their inability to hold on and seeks forgiveness, perhaps reflecting a moment of surrender and reaching out for understanding and compassion. The repetition of "take it away" suggests a desire to be freed from their pain and struggles, pleading for a release from their emotional torment. Overall, the lyrics of "Helpless" poignantly capture the profound sense of desperation, inner turmoil, and yearning for salvation experienced by the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
I've Been through hell I've been through pain
I have endured immense suffering and agony in my past
these scars don't even know my name
My emotional wounds are so deep that they do not even recognize me
the walls keep closing in on me
I feel trapped and overwhelmed by my circumstances
my minds at war but no victory
My thoughts are constantly in conflict but I cannot find a resolution
and I have got nothing left to lose
I am at a point where I have lost everything and have nothing more to give
so why am I calling out to you
Despite my circumstances, I am reaching out for help and support
Hello Hello Hello I'm sinking I'm reaching
I am feeling overwhelmed and desperate, seeking help and connection
Hello Hello Hello I feel reckless I'm helpless
I am feeling lost and vulnerable, unable to find a way out on my own
It's all too much for me to take
The burden of my situation is becoming unbearable for me
When the morning comes could I fade away
I am afraid that the weight of my troubles may consume me and I will cease to exist
I suffocate my own defeat
I am my own worst enemy, allowing my struggles to suffocate and defeat me
My soul is my worst enemy
My inner conflicts and struggles are causing me the most harm
And I'm crying out for the last time
I am reaching out for help and support, hoping that this will be the last time I need to do so
So take it away take it away
I am pleading for someone to help alleviate my pain and suffering
I'm sorry
I apologize for burdening others with my struggles
I can't hold on
I am struggling to continue enduring my hardships
Forgive me
Please forgive me for seeking help and understanding
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: BRAD MICHAEL STEWART, PAUL ALLEN CROSBY, ROBERT SALVATORE AMARU, WAYNE A. SWINNY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind