The band consists of vocalist Dan Marsala, lead guitarist Ryan Phillips, rhythm guitarist and back up vocalist Philip Sneed, bassist Adam Russell and drummer Josh Wills. Initially named Big Blue Monkey, they changed their name to Story of the Year in 2002 because a blues group of the same name had already existed.
It would not be until eight years after forming that Story of the Year saw its first piece of commercial success in its major label debut, Page Avenue, containing the popular singles "Until the Day I Die" and "Anthem of Our Dying Day". A second album, In the Wake of Determination, followed in 2005, but did not achieve the success of its predecessor. The band has returned with their third album The Black Swan, their first on Epitaph Records, which was released on April 22, 2008.
The band toured with Linkin Park on the Meteora World Tour in 2004 along with P.O.D. and Hoobastank.
The band's fourth, The Constant, was released on February 16, 2010 through Epitaph Records.
On March 8, 2013 it was announced that the band are planning on a world tour.
Pay Your Enemy
Story of the Year Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your cleverness, the cutting words did not exist
Bitter, bleak, you're fucking weak
You know you don't deserve a thing
You fight for pride to save your name
To heal the scars and erase the shame
Take the blame, take the blame
Save an ounce of dignity
[Chorus]
You've become the enemy
Let it go (whoa, whoa)
But you'll never take the blame
So let it go (whoa, whoa)
I'll tear it down arrogant, sick of it
Flatter everyone you can
I'm pulling my teeth 'cause talk is cheap
And my regrets are elbow-deep
So now it's time to chase the dream
With hand grenades and gasoline
Burn it down, burn it down
Every gracious word you speak
'Cause now I see right through so FUCK YOU
[Chorus]
Whoa
The time has come you know
To just let go!
Just let it all go!
And it's not enough
That you're handling everything
Still you smile to my face
But this time I'll tear it down
I'll tear it down
I'll tear it down
'Cause there's nothing left to prove to you
[Chorus]
You are your own worst enemy, we know
(Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa)
The lyrics to Story of the Year's Pay Your Enemy are a powerful message to all those who have been wronged by someone who they once trusted. The song speaks to the hurt and betrayal that comes with realizing that someone you've held in high esteem has become your enemy. The lyrics urge the listener to let go of the anger and bitterness they may be feeling towards this person, as it's not worth holding onto if it means sacrificing one's own dignity.
The first verse of the song is directed at the enemy, with lines like "your cleverness, the cutting words did not exist," and "you know you don't deserve a thing." The chorus repeats the title of the song, "you've become the enemy," and urges the person to let go and move on. The second verse is a more aggressive call to action, with lines like "I'm pulling my teeth 'cause talk is cheap," and "now I see right through so FUCK YOU." The bridge brings the message full circle, with the lyrics urging the listener to let go and tear down the things that once held them back.
Overall, Pay Your Enemy is a cathartic and empowering song about overcoming a hurtful situation and rising above it with strength and grace.
Line by Line Meaning
Your face is never missed
I don't care if you're gone; you're insignificant.
Your cleverness, the cutting words did not exist
You think you're smart, but your words are meaningless.
Bitter, bleak, you're fucking weak
You're full of hatred, negativity, and you're weak-willed.
You know you don't deserve a thing
You think you deserve everything, but really you deserve nothing.
You fight for pride to save your name
You're fighting for your pride and reputation, but it's pointless.
To heal the scars and erase the shame
You're trying to fix your mistakes and get rid of your shame.
Take the blame, take the blame
Accept responsibility for your actions.
Save an ounce of dignity
Prevent yourself from being completely humiliated.
'Cause there's nothing left to prove to you
I don't have to prove my worth to you anymore.
You've become the enemy
You've turned into someone I can't trust or rely on.
Let it go (whoa, whoa)
Release your hold on this issue or conflict.
But you'll never take the blame
You refuse to accept responsibility for what you've done.
I'll tear it down arrogant, sick of it
I'm done with your arrogance, and I'm going to destroy it.
Flatter everyone you can
You try to win people over with flattery and lies.
I'm pulling my teeth 'cause talk is cheap
I'll make enormous sacrifices to achieve my goals, as opposed to just talking about it.
And my regrets are elbow-deep
My mistakes and regrets are deeply embedded and difficult to overcome.
So now it's time to chase the dream
It's time to pursue my goals and dreams.
With hand grenades and gasoline
I'm going to be aggressive and destructive to achieve my goals.
Burn it down, burn it down
Destroy everything that stands in my way.
Every gracious word you speak
I won't believe your words of flattery and kindness anymore.
'Cause now I see right through so FUCK YOU
I now see through your manipulative and fake nature, and I'm done with it.
The time has come you know
It's time for you to acknowledge this.
To just let go!
Give up and move on.
You are your own worst enemy, we know
You're your own biggest obstacle to success
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind