The Band has formed a large following in mainly in the northeastern United States but have fans across the country. After releasing two "sampler" EP's; On your Faces, On Your Screens which was released in May of 2002 and In The Blood in December of 2003, they released their first Full length album We Live Forever on Hellbent Records. The band is currently in the studio recording their second Album Swing From Her Fingernails.
Split Fifty proudly presents Swing From Her Fingernails The follow up to 2004's We Live Forever released by Hellbent Records. Teaming up with world famous production team Sheppard Goodman and Kenny Gioia (Head Automatica / Bayside / Punchline / Marcys Playground) Split Fifty has brought their brand of concept rock to a new level. After Months of touring, 11 dates on the VANS WARPED TOUR in 2005, 18 dates on the WARPED TOUR in 06', and an onslaught of interest from music professionals Split Fifty has responded with Swing From Her Fingernails. This record infuses Rock, Post Broadway, Punk and Hardcore with elements ranging from the Beatles to the Refused. This record is definitely the new form of things to come and the start of a new sound. When Alternative Press said "this band is hard to categorize which in our opinion is a great thing, we are curious to see where Split Fifty is leading," they werent kidding. From the eerie melodies and ragtime piano to the heart pounding breakdowns and blood curdling screams. It is clear that Split Fifty is leading in a new direction and the only choice is to follow or be left behind. Split Fifty has confirmed to play dates on the 2007 VANS WARPED TOUR, Bamboozle Festival, and Flipside Festival as well as 100 other national touring dates..
Branded
Split Fifty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We see with American eyes, we hear American lies
For all the stars and stripes,for all the patriot lies
This country is build on shit racist government political hypocrites
Ah now you will fit in
Now you're working over time
Your part of the grind
Castrated left here to die
You paid your dues
You're supposed to be getting somewhere
The more you work
Seems you're getting nowhere
Practice what they preach
Till they tell you not to do your very best
They will never notice you
Now your branded
The song "Branded" by Split Fifty is a commentary on current day America, specifically the country's economy and the methods used to control and manipulate the population. The opening lines of the song - "American economy kind of like American dreams, We see with American eyes, we hear American lies" - suggest that the American dream has become just like the country's economy, a false notion perpetuated by political propaganda. The next line "For all the stars and stripes, for all the patriot lies, This country is built on shit racist government political hypocrites" further reinforces this point, highlighting the hypocrisy of a nation that prides itself on democracy and equality but is built on a foundation of corruption and racism.
The song goes on to describe how individuals become trapped in the system and are branded with a number, forced to work tirelessly and still achieve little or no success. The lines "Ah now you will fit in, Now you're working overtime, Your part of the grind, You've got your number branded, Castrated left here to die" suggest that individuals lose their identity and become just another worker within society. The lines "You paid your dues, You're supposed to be getting somewhere, The more you work, Seems you're getting nowhere" perfectly illustrate the frustration that many people feel within the system.
The song ends on a bitter note, with the lines "Practice what they preach, Till they tell you not to do your very best, They will never notice you, Now your branded" suggesting that despite working hard and adhering to societal expectations, individuals are never recognized or appreciated for their efforts. Overall, "Branded" is a powerful and thought-provoking social commentary on the American Dream and the harsh realities of modern-day society.
Line by Line Meaning
American economy kind of like American dreams
The American economy is similar to American dreams- often lofty, never guaranteeing success.
We see with American eyes, we hear American lies
We are conditioned to see and hear only what America wants us to, which can often be lies.
For all the stars and stripes,for all the patriot lies
Despite the patriotic imagery and rhetoric, many lies are told about America that gloss over its faults.
This country is build on shit racist government political hypocrites
The country was built on a flawed foundation of racism and political hypocrisy.
Ah now you will fit in
When you comply with expectations, you will finally be accepted.
Now you're working over time
You are working harder and longer than you expected to, with little reward.
Your part of the grind
You are just another cog in the wheel of the system, contributing to the grinding machine of work and society.
You've got your number branded
You are reduced to a number in the eyes of the system, devoid of individuality or worth.
Castrated left here to die
You have been stripped of your power and independence, left to suffer.
You paid your dues
You have put in the work and earned your place, or so you thought.
You're supposed to be getting somewhere
You thought you would be progressing and moving forward with your hard work, but that is not the case.
The more you work
The harder you work and the more you contribute to the system, the less you seem to receive in return.
Seems you're getting nowhere
Despite your best efforts, you are not advancing or making progress.
Practice what they preach
You are told to follow the rules and conform to the expectations of those in power.
Till they tell you not to do your very best
You are encouraged to give your all, until it is inconvenient for the system or those in power.
They will never notice you
Despite your contributions and efforts, the system and those in power will never truly recognize or appreciate you.
Now your branded
You are forever marked by the system and reduced to a mere number or statistic.
Contributed by Lauren H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.