He trick-or-treated at Liberace’s house, planned a two-day stay in Amsterdam that ended a month later with him escaping the city under the cover of darkness, and was Bob Hope’s favorite altar boy. On top of that, he co-wrote the longest-running song on the Billboard Top 100, had a debut solo album that earned three and a half stars in Rolling Stone, and was awarded the title of “San Diego’s Most Influential Artist of the Decade” at the San Diego Music Awards.
Born among in Halifax, Nova Scotia, his parents moved him to Palm Springs where he was raised. After the University of San Diego, Poltz became a full time musician. He started out playing bars and coffee houses around San Diego, eventually forming the college radio favorite band, The Rugburns. The Rugburns are well-known and appreciated by DJs all over the country, due in no small part to the fact that the anthemic “Dick’s Automotive” was long enough to afford them the opportunity to relieve themselves and then some during their shows. The Rugburns blended punk, pop, folk, and if you listen close enough, you might just hear the slightest hint of a whisper of the possibility of Swedish Christian Death Metal. They were so freaking good that they found themselves in a crappy old van 300+ days a year, playing packed and sold out clubs and bars all over the country.
While performing dates at the Innerchange Coffeehouse in San Diego, he formed a relationship with Jewel, frequently opening for her on tours, co-writing songs, and appearing in her music video for "You Were Meant For Me." The song made it to Number 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
In 1998, Poltz released his first solo album, One Left Shoe, for Mercury Records.
Poltz collaborated as a songwriter with A. J. Croce on Croce's 2004 album Adrian James Croce.
Dreamer: A Tribute to Kent Finlay, released in early 2016 on Austin-based Eight 30 Records, features Poltz' version of Finlay's "The Plight of the Bumblebee."
Friendly Fire
Steve Poltz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't walk across the street without dodging all this friendly fire
And I won't rest assured until I am sure that you are safe inside my big, brass bed
I can't stretch out on the sheets without dodging all this friendly fire
Would someone please send satellites
And maybe lunch and a flashlight
My rocket ship is spinning â??round
And I'm lost again
Don't you know that I'll try to frighten all the ghosts from you
And you can brighten up my lonely room
I won't shut my eyes until I'm sure
I'm dodging all this friendly fire
I'll be dreaming of your face at night and I believe I'll know you when I see your smile
I can't walk across the street without dodging all this friendly fire
I'm dodging all this friendly fire
I'm dodging all this friendly fire
In Steve Poltz's song "Friendly Fire," the lyrics speak to a sense of vulnerability and the desire for safety in an unpredictable world. The repetition of dodging "friendly fire" creates a sense of chaos and danger, despite the term typically referring to unintentional fire from one's own side. The lyrics suggest that the singer is constantly on guard, unable to relax even in their own bed, until they know that their loved one is safe as well. The desire for protection is emphasized by the lyrics, "Would someone please send satellites / And maybe lunch and a flashlight / With lightning speed and leaps and bounds / My rocket ship is spinning 'round / And I'm lost again."
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be dreaming of your face at night and I believe I'll know you when I see your smile
I have vivid memories of your face and I am confident to recognize you from your smile.
I can't walk across the street without dodging all this friendly fire
I cannot move ahead easily because of the hindrances or distractions caused by unintentional attacks.
And I won't rest assured until I am sure that you are safe inside my big, brass bed
I won't have peace of mind until I am certain that you are secure and happy by my side.
I can't stretch out on the sheets without dodging all this friendly fire
I can't even relax on my bed without avoiding all the disturbances around.
Would someone please send satellites
I request for some help, preferably scientific in nature.
And maybe lunch and a flashlight
I request for some basic needs of food and light to feel energized and active.
With lightning speed and leaps and bounds
I want to travel quickly and at an unbelievable pace.
My rocket ship is spinning â??round
My mind is confused and wandering around, not able to focus.
And I'm lost again
I am confused and directionless again.
Don't you know that I'll try to frighten all the ghosts from you
I will make sure that you won't have any fears or uncertainties by my protective efforts.
And you can brighten up my lonely room
You are the one who can bring cheerfulness and positivity to my otherwise dull and lonely place.
I won't shut my eyes until I'm sure
I won't lose alertness or awareness until I am sure of the safety and comfort of myself and others.
I'm dodging all this friendly fire
I am constantly avoiding all the unintentional harm or distractions that surrounds me.
I'm dodging all this friendly fire
I am still trying to avoid all the unnecessary troubles or distractions that come my way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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