The band's second album, ...Somewhere More Familiar was released in 1997 and sold approximately 30,000 copies through its initial pressing, prompting Universal Records to sign the band. Universal re-released ...Somewhere More Familiar in late 1997. A single from the album, "All For You" hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains the band's most successful single.
The band's third album Fortress was released in 2000 by Universal. The band worked with producers Mike Clink (Guns N' Roses, Mötley Crüe, Heart), Richie Zito (Cheap Trick), and Paul Ebersold (3 Doors Down). The album featured minor pop hits "Champagne High" and "Change Your Mind."
In 2003, after the band split from Universal, it released its fourth studio album, Chasing Daylight, on the Sixthman label and toured throughout the year to promote the album. The band's internet presence emerged during this time period, and hardcore fans dubbing themselves "Hazelnuts" studied setlists, shared bootleg concert recordings, and initiated a promotion scheme with the band through their official website. 2003 also saw the simultaneous release of Live*LIVE, a two-disc live album, and A Life in the Day, a live DVD.
In 2004, Sister Hazel released its next studio album Lift. Songs from Lift were re-recorded for 2005's Lift: Acoustic Renditions, an EP of studio acoustic takes on five of the songs, offered exclusively through Apple's iTunes Store. In July 2005, the Sister Hazel album was re-issued again by Sixthman, in response to claims that the album had become difficult to find in stores.
Sister Hazel then promoted its album, Absolutely, which was released on October 10, 2006. The band also continued to tour and hold annual fan gathering events, The Rock Boat and The Rock Slope. Absolutely is the band's highest charting album on the Billboard charts following Fortress and it received 4 out of a possible 5 stars from Allmusic, a tie with Fortress's score.
On June 5, 2007, Sister Hazel released a "hybrid" album entitled BAM! Volume 1. It contains B-sides from the Absolutely recording sessions and some from previous albums.
Sister Hazel also released a holiday album called Santa's Playlist on September 25, 2007.
On February 9, 2008, Sister Hazel performed a live concert at Daytona International Speedway for the Budweiser Shootout.
Sister Hazel released a live acoustic album on June 17, 2008 entitled Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic on Croakin' Poets/Rock Ridge Music. The record features sixteen tracks, including the band's hits, fan favorites, and live concert staples, all in a stripped-down, acoustic format. The album was recorded on January 12 at Nickel & Dime Studios in Atlanta (other bands who have recorded there in the past include Indigo Girls, The B-52's, Shawn Mullins) in front of 100 lucky fans who were chosen at random from more than five thousand entries.
At the July 18, 2008 concert at Wolf Trap Farm Park, drummer Mark Trojanowski took paternity leave for his newborn child. Former Vertical Horizon and current Doobie Brothers drummer Ed Toth played in his place.
On July 9, 2009 Ford Motor Company announced a collaboration with Sister Hazel to promote the company's new Sync Technology, which is available on a number of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. The band has been chosen to be the face of the company's "Sync My Ride" website.
The band released its seventh studio album of original songs (tenth album overall) on August 18, 2009. The album, entitled "Release", contains 12 tracks and is on the Rock Ridge Music label. On the day of release, "Release" was the number one album on iTunes.
On October 12th, 2010, Sister Hazel released their 8th studio album, "Heartland Highway", which is unique among SH albums in that all band members wrote at least one song that appears on the album.
Sister Hazel Williams was an African-American woman who ran Sister Hazel's Rescue Mission in Gainesville, FL. during the 1970s and early '80s. This facility gave those who were down on their luck a safe place to stay warm, eat and regroup, regardless of age, race or beliefs. It is in this spirit of unconditional concern for all beings that the band chose to use her name.
The band has had music featured in several movies and soundtracks including Major League: Back to the Minors, The Wedding Planner, Clay Pigeons, Bedazzled, American Wedding, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Sister Hazel also appear on the Fleetwood Mac tribute album, Legacy: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours with their cover version of "Gold Dust Woman". In 1999, they recorded a cover of "September Gurls" for the Big Star tribute album, Big Star, Small World. However, the track was not included when the album was released in 2006. The song "Where Do You Go" was featured on Scrubs (Season 6, Episode 4, "My House").
Band members
Ken Block - lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Jett Beres - bass, harmony vocals
Andrew Copeland - rhythm guitar, vocals
Ryan Newell - lead and slide guitar, harmony vocals
Mark Trojanowski - drums
Back Porch
Sister Hazel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down the road just to clear my head
On another fun filled day
Of doin' fine, but you're back instead
Now I'm no the only one
Who saw you for just what you were
You pushed me, and I'd keep tryin'
But you won't fool me
I'm smarter than that, yeah
You were the one
Who taught me what I don't need
And I thank you
I thank you for that
You were the one
Who brought me to my senses
And I thank you
Now just leave me alone
(Yeah, just leave me alone)
I had to drive away
Far away 'til you could not find me
And it was a beautiful day
Liberated and you're far behind me
What you did I'll never mention, no, no, no
Where you were, I don't want to know
I don't want to know, yeah
But you won't fool me
I'm smarter than that, yeah
What you did I'll never mention
In Sister Hazel's song "Back Porch," the singer expresses his frustration and weariness with a toxic relationship. The opening lines find the singer taking physical distance from his partner, recognizing that he needs space to clear his head. He describes his partner's presence as a burden, interrupting an otherwise enjoyable day. Despite her efforts to keep him around, he has finally come to see her for who she is, acknowledging that he is not the only one to have done so. The singer is grateful for the lessons learned from the toxic relationship, acknowledging that it taught him what he does not need and brought him to his senses.
The chorus of the song repeats the gratitude expressed in the verse, thanking the partner for the clarity that she ultimately provided. The singer asserts a newfound confidence, recognizing that his intelligence and intuition will prevent him from being fooled again. He drives away from the partner, reflecting on the beauty of his newfound liberation. While he acknowledges that although there is much he does not know about her, he does not seek to know, and just wants her to leave him alone.
The lyrics to "Back Porch" are relatable to many individuals who have experienced toxic relationships. It's a song that encapsulates the feelings of frustration, weariness, and eventual liberation that come with finally being able to walk away from a bad partnership. The song recognizes the lessons learned from such relationships and uses them to let the listener know that they will not be fooled again.
Line by Line Meaning
I had to walk away
I need to remove myself from this situation and take a break.
Down the road just to clear my head
I need some distance to think and gain clarity.
On another fun filled day
Continuing with regular activities.
Of doin' fine, but you're back instead
I don't need this distraction, I was doing well without you.
Now I'm not the only one who saw you for just what you were
Others are beginning to notice your true nature.
You pushed me, and I'd keep tryin'
I kept making an effort despite your actions.
I'd leave you, but you'd start cryin'
Whenever I tried to leave, you would manipulate me.
But you won't fool me, I'm smarter than that, yeah
I am not easily manipulated, I know the truth.
You were the one who taught me what I don't need
You showed me what I am better off without.
And I thank you, I thank you for that
I am grateful for the lessons you taught me.
You were the one who brought me to my senses
Your behavior helped me realize the truth.
And I thank you, now just leave me alone
I have learned what I need to, and I no longer need you in my life.
I had to drive away
In order to fully disconnect, I needed to leave.
Far away 'til you could not find me
You can no longer control or manipulate me.
And it was a beautiful day, liberated and you're far behind me
I am free from your hold on me and it feels wonderful.
What you did I'll never mention, no no no
I refuse to dwell on the past and what you have done.
Where you were, I don't want to know
I am moving forward and do not care about your current whereabouts.
But you won't fool me, I'm smarter than that, yeah
I am not easily manipulated and will not let you back into my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ANDREW COPELAND, JEFF BERES, KEN BLOCK, MARK E. TROJANOWSKI, RYAN CARTER NEWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind