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
FAR AWAY
Sister Hazel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The long road, it just won't let me be
God knows it always brings you down
I come home and try to make things right
And I know it happens all the time
When I go it doesn't feel the same
You, you don't need to worry
When your heart is hurting
There's a letter in the bedroom drawer
And a photo that you've seen before
And I, I'm not that far
I'm not that far away
When you look into the children's eyes
You can see me on the other side
Cause I, I'm not that far
I'm not that far away
I can't wait to tell you 'bout last night
I ran off before the morning light
Cause I swear somewhere they were playing our song
I didn't know what I was looking for
I didn't know but I knew I'd be sure
Cause you and I have never felt so strong
You, you don't have to worry
Always on my mind
When my heart is hurting
There's a letter in the bedroom drawer
And a photo that you've seen before
And I, I'm not that far
I'm not that far away
When you look into the children's eyes
You can see me on the other side
Cause I, I'm not that far
I'm not that far away
You, you don't need to worry
I am on your side
There's a letter in the bedroom drawer
And a photo that you've seen before
And I, I'm not that far away
When you look into the children's eyes
You can see me on the other side
Cause I, I'm not that far
I'm not that far away
The lyrics of Sister Hazel's song "Far Away" talks about the difficulties someone may experience when they're far away from their loved ones. The long road is taking a toll and wears them down, but they come back home and hope to make things right. The first stanza describes how the singer misses their home and how it doesn't feel the same when they're not around. However, they reassure their loved ones that they'll always be there for them, even if they're somewhat far away.
The second stanza talks about the singer being away for the night but thinking of their loved ones. They're reminded of their bond and how strong it is. The lyrics describe a sense of longing, yet the person takes comfort in knowing that there's love that keeps them connected. The song's chorus repeats the idea of being far away and assuring loved ones that they will always be on their side.
Overall, "Far Away" is a beautiful song that talks about the difficulties of being far away from those you love. It encourages those who are far from their loved ones to keep faith and hope that the bond between them will remain strong, no matter how far apart they are.
Line by Line Meaning
These days take a lot from me
The current situation is causing a lot of stress and strain on me
The long road, it just won't let me be
The journey or process is prolonged and difficult
God knows it always brings you down
The struggle and hardship can be depressing and overwhelming
I come home and try to make things right
Despite the challenges, I try to maintain and fix what matters most to me
And I know it happens all the time
This is a recurring issue or cycle
When I go it doesn't feel the same
When I leave, it feels like something is missing or incomplete
You, you don't need to worry
You don't have to be concerned or stressed
I am on your side
I support and care for you
When your heart is hurting
During times of emotional pain
There's a letter in the bedroom drawer
There is a written message of love and companionship nearby
And a photo that you've seen before
There is a picture that holds memories and love
And I, I'm not that far
I am not as distant as it may seem
I'm not that far away
I am still present and connected
When you look into the children's eyes
When you see the beauty and love in the children
You can see me on the other side
You can feel my presence and love even when physically apart
I can't wait to tell you 'bout last night
I am eager to share my experiences and happenings with you
I ran off before the morning light
I had to leave early and suddenly
Cause I swear somewhere they were playing our song
I felt the connection and love we share from a past memory
I didn't know what I was looking for
I was searching for a feeling or connection
I didn't know but I knew I'd be sure
I was certain in my heart that I would find what I was looking for
Cause you and I have never felt so strong
Our love and connection has never been stronger
Always on my mind
You are always in my thoughts and heart
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: HEATHER MITCHELL, RYAN NEWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind