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
Lay It Down
Sister Hazel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To cover up all your stains
With another trick right here, yeah
You fool them all once again
You need a little emptiness
Before you know what is real
And take a little taste of wine, yeah
To give yourself half a chance
Release your wayward soul
And with these treasures you have found
The broken pieces of your crown
It's time to lay your cross on down (Lay it down)
And with this kingdom you have now
It's time to lay your cross on down
You better lay it down
You carry in a bright white lie
To cover up all your shame
You're gonna have to testify
To color in all your claims
And when you're weak of holding on
Release your wayward soul and
Spend your days not falling down
Before your empty idols
Chorus
And when you're weak of holding on
Release you wayward soul
On your walk to surround yourself
With rightful idols
Chorus
Lay it down
(Lay it down)
Chorus
The lyrics to Sister Hazel's song Lay It Down tell a story about a person who is struggling with hiding their insecurities and flaws from others. The lyrics suggest that this person puts on a façade, using makeup and tricks to conceal their perceived imperfections. The lyrics also hint at self-medicating with alcohol, in order to find a sense of escape from reality. The song urges the character to lay down their burdens and accept their brokenness, in order to find peace and true happiness. The lyrics also mention the idea of surrounding oneself with positive influences and idols, in order to stay on the right path.
The song speaks to a universal struggle that many people face - the desire to be liked and accepted by others, and the pressure to appear perfect. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of these false pretenses and face their vulnerabilities, in order to find true inner peace. This message is delivered through a catchy and upbeat melody, with powerful vocals and guitar riffs. Overall, Lay It Down delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance and the importance of being genuine with oneself and others.
Line by Line Meaning
You need a little makeup dear
You feel like you need to hide your imperfections to fit in and be accepted.
To cover up all your stains
You have some past mistakes, regrets, or insecurities that you feel define you and need to be hidden.
With another trick right here, yeah
You have developed certain coping mechanisms or behaviors that are not really who you are, just to impress people or feel good about yourself for a little while.
You fool them all once again
You keep playing these games with yourself and others, pretending to be someone you're not, and it's becoming exhausting and unfulfilling.
You need a little emptiness
You need to let go of all the noise, distractions, and illusions in your life to see things clearly and truly understand yourself and others.
Before you know what is real
Only when you're ready to face your own vulnerability, challenges, and opportunities without judgment or fear, can you experience the true essence of life and relationships.
And take a little taste of wine, yeah
You need to indulge in some simple pleasures and let go of your inhibitions, as long as you're not hurting anyone, to enjoy the moment and find some inspiration.
To give yourself half a chance
You need to believe in yourself and your potential, even when it seems daunting or impossible, to open up a new path for growth and fulfillment.
And when you're weak of holding on
When you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, or helpless, you need to let go of your ego and control, and trust the process of life and love.
Release your wayward soul
You need to find your true purpose and passion, and align your thoughts, feelings, and actions accordingly, to live a meaningful and joyful life.
And with these treasures you have found
Through your struggles and self-discovery, you have gained some valuable insights, skills, and relationships that make you more resilient, compassionate, and wise.
The broken pieces of your crown
You have recognized that some of your past illusions of glory, status, or power were not sustainable or fulfilling, and that you need to redefine your own values and goals.
It's time to lay your cross on down (Lay it down)
You need to let go of your burdens, guilt, or regrets, and forgive yourself and others, to move forward and live in the present moment.
And with this kingdom you have now
You have created a personal space and community of love, acceptance, and support, where you can be your authentic self and contribute to a greater good.
You better lay it down
You need to take action on your insights and intentions, and not procrastinate, hesitate, or doubt your abilities and worth.
You carry in a bright white lie
You still feel the pressure to conform to some stereotypes or expectations, and you're not always honest with yourself and others about your needs, feelings, or values.
To cover up all your shame
You still feel guilty or ashamed about some aspects of your past or present life, and you're not always able to accept and love yourself unconditionally.
You're gonna have to testify
You need to be more accountable and authentic, and speak your truth, even if it means risking rejection or criticism from others.
To color in all your claims
You need to express your creativity, uniqueness, and diversity, and embrace your flaws and quirks, to add more depth, richness, and meaning to your life story.
Spend your days not falling down
You need to stay focused and motivated, and not give up or settle for mediocrity or conformity, to achieve your goals and dreams.
Before your empty idols
You need to be mindful of your own attachments, distractions, and fears, and not let them overshadow your true desires and potentials.
On your walk to surround yourself
You need to seek out and nurture positive, uplifting, and inspiring relationships and experiences, that align with your own values and vision.
With rightful idols
You need to follow and learn from those who embody the qualities and achievements that you admire and aspire to, and not blindly or cynically reject all role models and mentors.
Lay it down
You need to surrender, let go, and trust in something greater than yourself or your ego, whether it's love, faith, or purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ANDREW COPELAND, ED ROLAND, JEFF BERES, KEN BLOCK, MARK E. TROJANOWSKI, RYAN CARTER NEWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind