Say Anything, then called Sayanything, began their career when the band was still in high school. They self-released two EP's and one LP entitled Baseball. Baseball and the band's first EP, Junior Varsity, are both out of print and are no longer available. The band's second EP entitled Menora/Mejorah was released online. All of these early albums have a pop punk sound reminiscent of blink-182 and of Max's favorite band, Saves the Day.
In August 2004 they released ...Is a Real Boy on Doghouse Records. The album was produced by Tim O'Heir (Sebadoh, All-American Rejects, Superdrag) with arrangements by Stephen Trask (Grammy nominated for Hedwig & the Angry Inch). While recording the album Max Bemis had a nervous breakdown during which he took to the streets of New York until his girlfriend found him and ended up in a mental hospital for a few weeks. He attributes the breakdown to stress and bipolar disorder.
Some time after ...Is a Real Boy was released, a set of 8 songs entitled Vs. AIDS Demos were leaked onto the internet by an unknown source. Soon the band told fans that the demos were part of an AIDS benefit album that had been scrapped, and told anyone who had attained them not to distribute them to anyone else (Max Bemis later stated on his website, "that shit sucks," in regard to the demos).
Say Anything signed with J Records (Maroon 5, Alicia Keys), owned by BMG Entertainment, one of the "big four" record labels. Under J Records they re-released ...Is a Real Boy with a bonus disc entitled ...Was a Real Boy containing seven of the eight Vs. AIDS Demos. This album, originally scheduled to be released on October 25th, 2005, was delayed over 4 months to February 28th, 2006. Some copies ended up leaking out through various retailers, notably Tower Records' website. Most leaks occurred due to retailers shipping pre-orders before J-Records had a chance to stop them. Soon copies of the album were selling for over $50 on eBay.
Say Anything released their third album, In Defense of the Genre, under J Records in 2007. Produced by Brad Wood, the album had two discs containing 27 songs, many of them featuring guest appearances by high-profile musicians such as Gerard Way and Hayley Williams.
In November 2009, Say Anything released their fourth full-length studio album, Say Anything. This is the band's first album under RCA Records. It contains 13 tracks, including "Hate Everyone," which was the album's first single.
On August 19, 2010 it was confirmed that Say Anything and RCA Records had parted ways. Soon after (September 29) it was announced via Say Anything's official website that Alex Kent would be leaving the band, and that Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line would be temporarily taking over as bassist for their upcoming tour. As of so far no permanent bassist has been selected to replace Kent.
In December 2012, Bemis announced that drummer Coby Linder, the only other remaining original member of the band, had left Say Anything on amicable terms to pursue other projects.
The Word You Wield
Say Anything Lyrics
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To where you'll dine with foreign kings
You can't forget about our tryst
And all those other fleeting things
And will they train you like a dog?
And will they walk you down my street?
The wind will whistle our old songs
The ones I'll always keep
You've got nowhere to go
I've got a bone to pick with you
About the argument we had
The day you got into that cab
And said my world is in your past
You've got nowhere to go
There must be something wrong with me
My mind is just a sickly little alibi
And why am I surprised you're giving up on me?
Goodbye: the word you're wielding like a knife
You've got nowhere to go
The Word You Wield is a song by Say Anything that is full of introspection about relationships and the pain of letting go. The opening line of "You've got nowhere to go but up" sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics where the singer is trying to come to terms with the fact that their love interest has moved on. The next line "To where you'll dine with foreign kings" can be interpreted as the singer understanding that their former significant other is moving in a different social circle and that they are unable to keep up.
The reference to "our tryst" and "all those other fleeting things" indicate that there was a strong connection between the two individuals but it was not enough to make it last. The singer wonders if the new love interest will "train you like a dog" and "walk you down my street," highlighting the sense of loss and the fear of being replaced.
The second part of the song addresses the unresolved conflict between the two people which shows that the singer is still holding onto the past. They say that "goodbye" is the word the other person is wielding like a knife, indicating that the end of the relationship is painful for them. The singer's "mind is just a sickly little alibi" suggesting that they try to convince themselves that they are not at fault, while at the same time knowing that their behavior has led to this outcome.
Overall, The Word You Wield is a poignant look at the pain of letting go of a past relationship, and the conflicting emotions that come with it. The singer is trying to come to terms with their feelings and move on, but finds the process difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got nowhere to go but up
Despite feeling lost and uncertain, there is always the potential for growth and improvement.
To where you'll dine with foreign kings
Success and fulfillment is within reach.
You can't forget about our tryst
Even though our past romantic encounter may be fleeting, the impact still lingers.
And all those other fleeting things
Our relationship was brief, but there were other small moments that meant something.
And will they train you like a dog?
Will success come with a cost, like losing your dignity and control?
And will they walk you down my street?
Will your newfound success lead to encountering me once again?
The wind will whistle our old songs
The memories of our time together will never fade, and will be carried on by the breeze.
The ones I'll always keep
Despite moving on, I will always cherish the moments we shared.
I've got a bone to pick with you
There are unresolved issues between us that need to be addressed.
About the argument we had
The dispute we had was significant enough to leave a lasting impact.
The day you got into that cab
The moment you decided to leave and move on.
And said my world is in your past
Acknowledging that our time together has ended, and you must now look towards the future.
There must be something wrong with me
Feeling a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.
My mind is just a sickly little alibi
My thoughts and justifications for our failed relationship are weak and flawed.
And why am I surprised you're giving up on me?
Realizing that the signs of our impending separation were there all along.
Goodbye: the word you're wielding like a knife
The act of saying goodbye feels like a painful and violent cut to the heart.
You've got nowhere to go
Despite your new opportunities and success, you cannot escape the memories of our past together.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: MICHAEL JAMES BEINHORN, BILL O. LASWELL, HERBIE HANCOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind