The name of the band derived from a friend's suggestion that the band's name should be "something with numbers" (meant in the vein of blink-182 or Sum 41). The band soon signed to small indie label, Below Par Records, and worked towards releasing their first EP, The Barnicles & Stripes, in 2002. Two years later, in 2004, Something with Numbers released their debut album, Etiquette.
The band continued to grow their sound and in 2006 they made their commercial break through, with the release of their second studio album Perfect Distraction in October of that year. Their 'Goodbye Mickey Finn' tour (the tour for the album, also the name of a track from the album) saw them play around the country with up-and-coming bands The Inches and The Lazys. The album featured a range of styles and genres, touching on soul rock and their usual punk rock sound. It featured three songs that were released as singles, the first - and most popular - being, "Apple of the Eye (Lay Me Down)". "Apple of the Eye" peaked at No. 34 on the ARIA Singles Chart, and placed No. 64 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2006.[1] The second single from the album was "Chase the Chaser", which failed to reach the ARIA Singles Chart; however, it did receive airplay on Australian music network, Channel V. Something with Numbers played at the Sydney Big Day Out on 25 January 2007. Channel V described the show as having the "best mosh of the day". Other notable concert appearances for the band have been along side Lagwagon, Good Charlotte, Millencolin, The Ataris, and Panic! At the Disco.
On the Inside
Something With Numbers Lyrics
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On the outside your right
On the outside your right
On the outside you're coloured in
On the outside your right I will take everyday
Like it's my last But not for you
On the inside
On the inside Is what I like What I like
On the outside you're wearing thin
On the outside your right
On the outside your right
On the outside your bearing sin
On the outside your right I will take everyday
Like it's my last But not for you
On the inside
On the inside Is what I like
What I like
Wait for someone to look inside of you
Let go of the worst things about you
The lyrics to Something with Numbers' song "On the Inside" seem to be talking about the difference between what we show on the outside versus what we feel on the inside. The first verse talks about someone who appears to be "caving in" on the outside, but they are "colored in" and "right", which could refer to them putting on a front or acting like everything is okay. The singer says that they will take each day "like it's my last" but not for this person, suggesting that they may not be living honestly.
The chorus is where the focus shifts to the inside, and the singer expresses a preference for what's on the inside rather than the outside. They like what's on the inside better than what's being presented outwardly. The second verse continues this motif, with the person on the outside "wearing thin" and "bearing sin", but still appearing to be "right". The singer reiterates that they will take each day like it's their last, but not for this person.
The bridge of the song calls for the listener to "wait for someone to look inside of you" which could be interpreted as a call to be vulnerable with others and let them see what's truly going on inside. The final line encourages the listener to let go of the worst things about themselves, perhaps suggesting that being honest about one's true self is the key to finding peace.
Line by Line Meaning
On the outside you're caving in
Externally, you appear to be losing strength or giving up
On the outside your right
From an external perspective, you appear to be correct or doing well
On the outside your right
From an external perspective, you appear to be correct or doing well
On the outside you're coloured in
Your external appearance or persona is carefully constructed or polished
On the outside your right I will take everyday Like it's my last But not for you
I will live each day to the fullest but not for your benefit
On the inside Is what I like What I like
Internally, I am content with who I am or what I enjoy
On the outside you're wearing thin
Externally, you seem to be losing strength or vitality
On the outside your right
From an external perspective, you appear to be correct or doing well
On the outside your right
From an external perspective, you appear to be correct or doing well
On the outside your bearing sin
From an external perspective, your actions seem to be immoral or sinful
On the outside your right I will take everyday Like it's my last But not for you
I will live each day to the fullest but not for your benefit
On the inside Is what I like What I like
Internally, I am content with who I am or what I enjoy
Wait for someone to look inside of you
Wait for someone to truly understand or appreciate your inner self
Let go of the worst things about you
Release the negative aspects of yourself to become a better person
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SCOTT CHAPMAN, TIMOTHY CROCKER, JAKE GRIGG, DAVID MCBEATH, LACHLAN SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind