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.
Vexed
Say Anything Lyrics
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You're just a pawn, does this confession turn you on?
I know your kind, you'd do me from behind
And when everybody stares, their eyes will bare the sharpest glare
Everybody knows beneath your clothes
Starring at your toes is just a pose
Everybody good knows how hard you blow
You did me wrong, I grinned and played along
Those days are gone, does this confession turn you on?
I'd see you stoned, lawn chair to gilded throne
You cut your tiny ties and now you're dangling by a lie
Everybody knows beneath your clothes
Starring at your toes is just a pose
Everybody good knows how hard you blow
Everybody knows
You think you're Jesus Christ
You're not my Jesus Christ
The lyrics to "Vexed" by Say Anything present a scathing critique on individuals who elevate their own egos above all else. In the introductory lines, the singer makes a commentary on the idea of a "greater intellect," suggesting that some are willing to concede their own sense of self for the mere allure of association with someone perceived as intelligent. The phrase "you're just a pawn, does this confession turn you on?" can be interpreted as a cynical jab at individuals who are willing to discard their own beliefs and stance simply for a few moments of admiration from someone (specifically, someone considered more intelligent). The singer also makes some incisive observations about what "everybody knows" about the people who claim to be holier-than-thou or disingenuously meek.
The song's lyrics also delve into themes of betrayal and the idea of someone who has become too corrupted by their own self-interest. Particularly, the chorus emphasizes a sense of betrayal that the singer has felt due to the other's actions. The line "you did me wrong, I grinned and played along" suggests that the singer might have been willing to overlook some minor flaws in the other's character but now acknowledges the ill-treatment that came along with their arrogance. The lyrics "you think you're Jesus Christ, you're not my Jesus Christ" speak volumes about how the battle for control between these two conflicting characters has reached its zenith, with the singer ensuring that they have the final word by implying that the other individual may believe they are ultimate authorities on morality, but they do not hold this person in high esteem.
Overall, the song's lyrics present an articulate and striking analysis of individual behavior, highlighting how individuals' tendencies to elevate themselves and belittle others in the process could lead to a loss of relationships and trust with those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Pay your respects to a greater intellect
Show some respect to those with greater intelligence and knowledge.
You're just a pawn, does this confession turn you on?
You're a mere tool being used for someone else's gain; does your knowledge of this excite you?
I know your kind, you'd do me from behind
I know your type - you'd betray me without any hesitation.
And when everybody stares, their eyes will bare the sharpest glare
If you are caught, people will stare at you with anger and hatred.
You did me wrong, I grinned and played along
You betrayed me, but I pretended everything was okay.
Those days are gone, does this confession turn you on?
I'm no longer pretending to be okay with what you did; does the truth excite you?
I'd see you stoned, lawn chair to gilded throne
I hope to see you brought down from your high position and humbled.
You cut your tiny ties and now you're dangling by a lie
You severed your small connections and now you're hanging on to a big lie.
You think you're Jesus Christ
You have a god-complex and think you're all-powerful.
You're not my Jesus Christ
You are not someone I look up to or believe in like a religious figure.
Everybody knows beneath your clothes
Everyone recognizes the truth behind your words and actions.
Starring at your toes is just a pose
Avoiding eye contact and staring at your feet is a fake and unconfident way of presenting yourself.
Everybody good knows how hard you blow
Everyone who is genuinely good and insightful can see through your false demeanor.
Everybody knows
It's common knowledge among everyone who truly knows you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAX BEMIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind