Smalltown Poets achieved recognition with their eponymous first album, released on Ardent Records in 1997. This release earned the band the first of its two Grammy nominations (Best Gospel Rock Album) and numerous Dove Award nominations. Despite line-up changes, the band stayed active for more than ten years, releasing three albums on Ardent Records and one on BEC Recordings.
Smalltown Poets went on hiatus several months after their fourth studio album called It's Later Than It's Ever Been," but regrouped in the fall of 2010 to begin production on a Christmas album due out in 2011 (co-produced and mixed by former Smalltown Poets drummer Matt Goldman). In anticipation of that full-length release, the band released a Christmas single in December 2010 titled "In the Bleak Midwinter."
The full-length project, Smalltown Poets Christmas, was released on Nov. 1st, 2011, on the band's own Friendly City Records label and is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and other online media outlets.
Everything I Hate
Smalltown Poets Lyrics
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These arms they are a wonder
Pull from sideways, up and under
I think it's time for something drastic
And it could be more than I bargained for
Ten to one it is
My spirit is not fooled, my members take the bait
Oh, I'm in to everything I hate
Still not dead enough to stifle this debate
These heels were made for bruising
And the cobblestones they're using
Are the pleasures of my choosing
I must be born for losing
Heal these soles to hurt no more
And I'll lift these hands just like before
Cover me like a dimestore suit
Until I'm just like you
Careful little eyes what you see
Careful little feet where you go
In Smalltown Poets's song Everything I Hate, the opening lines "I think I am elastic / These arms they are a wonder / Pull from sideways, up and under" suggest that the singer is open and flexible, ready to try new things and take on new challenges. However, the following line "I think it's time for something drastic / And it could be more than I bargained for / Ten to one it is" hints at a sense of apprehension or anxiety about the potential consequences of their openness.
The chorus of the song highlights an internal struggle between what the singer knows is right for themselves and what they are drawn to despite it being harmful. The line "My spirit is not fooled, my members take the bait" suggests that the singer is aware of the negative impact of their choices but is still struggling to resist the temptation. This is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "Oh, I'm into everything I hate" throughout the chorus.
The second verse of the song continues with the theme of self-destructive behavior, with the lyrics "These heels were made for bruising / And the cobblestones they're using / Are the pleasures of my choosing / I must be born for losing." This suggests that the singer feels doomed to a cycle of unhealthy behavior and is struggling to break out of it. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the line "Heal these soles to hurt no more / And I'll lift these hands just like before," suggesting that the singer is aware of the need to change and is willing to take steps towards it.
Overall, Smalltown Poets's song Everything I Hate explores the internal struggle between what we know is right for ourselves and the temptation to indulge in harmful behavior. It recognizes the difficulty of breaking out of negative patterns and the need for self-reflection and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I am elastic
I believe I am flexible and adaptable to change
These arms they are a wonder
My arms are capable of incredible feats
Pull from sideways, up and under
They can move in any direction
I think it's time for something drastic
I feel the need for a big change
And it could be more than I bargained for
But I know it might come with unforeseen consequences
Ten to one it is
There's a high probability that it will be more than I expect
Oh, I'm into everything I hate
Despite knowing it's not good for me, I'm attracted to things I dislike
My spirit is not fooled, my members take the bait
While my inner self knows better, my actions betray me
Still not dead enough to stifle this debate
I haven't yet silenced this internal conflict
These heels were made for bruising
I wear shoes that cause me pain
And the cobblestones they're using
The ground I'm walking on is rough and uncomfortable
Are the pleasures of my choosing
I'm attracted to things that cause me discomfort
I must be born for losing
I feel like I'm meant to fail
Heal these soles to hurt no more
Please relieve me of this pain and suffering
And I'll lift these hands just like before
I promise to change my ways and improve myself
Cover me like a dimestore suit
I ask for protection and support like a cheap and disposable item
Until I'm just like you
Until I conform and blend in with everyone else
Careful little eyes what you see
Be mindful of what you watch and observe
Careful little feet where you go
Be careful of where you step and what path you take
Lyrics © ARDENT MUSIC LLC
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