Straight No Chaser is a men's a cappella group from Indiana University, sta… Read Full Bio ↴Straight No Chaser is a men's a cappella group from Indiana University, started in 1996. In 2007, a 1998 video of them singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" went viral and subsequently led to a record deal with Atlantic Records.

Straight No Chaser is also a band from San Diego. They have an album, Panoramic.

Straight, No Chaser is a hardcore band from Rochester, NY.

Straight No Chaser is alias of Chicago House Music producer Johnny Fiasco.

Straight No Chaser is also a Rock, Indie band form Kilmore/Wallan, Australia.
Members: Matt Jennings - vocals/guitar Corey Mills - Drums Trev Mills - Bass
Straight no Chaser are barely a year old but have already captured a large fanbase in north central Victoria due to their unique style and brilliant live shows.
Spawning from Without Sound In late 2008, Straight no Chaser incoprates drum and bass, nostalgic guitar lines and poppy vocals to create their own fresh sound. Influenced by bands such as Incubus to the Melodics, SNC are a focused and talented three piece commited to creating quality and original music.
Artist Website: www.myspace.com/straightnochaser101
Download Tracks from: http://www.triplejunearthed.com/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=31466

Straight No Chaser
Straight No Chaser Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Back home again in Indiana
I was happy but I needed something more
I didn't know exactly how I was gonna find it
Acappella I was looking for
And I searched that campus far and wide
For a sound that was for me
There was nothing I tell you
Nothing at all

That could set this music free
And I knew that something had to be done
I needed to bring this music
To the heart of Bloomington
So I got my buddies together
The ones I knew could sing
We made ourselves into little group
It was an acappella thing

We called it

Straight No Chaser
And we're thinking
Straight No Chaser
And we're drinking
Straight No Chaser
And we're staying
Straight No Chaser
And we're playing

We're gonna give it to you
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to you
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to you
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to you
Straight No Chaser
We're gonna give it to
Straight No Chaser

And we called it

Straight No Chaser
And we're thinking
Straight No Chaser
And we're drinking
Straight No Chaser

And we're staying
Straight No Chaser

Overall Meaning

The song "Straight No Chaser" by the acapella group Straight No Chaser tells the story of how the group came to be. The lyrics describe the singer's return home to Indiana, feeling content but still searching for something more. This search leads him to look for a sound that was just right for him, and after searching far and wide, he decides to start an acapella group with his friends. They call themselves Straight No Chaser, and the lyrics describe the camaraderie and dedication that the group shares as they work together to make their music a success.

The lyrics also emphasize the group's commitment to their unique sound, with the refrain of "Straight No Chaser" repeated throughout the song. This name represents not only the group's dedication to acapella music but also their willingness to be straightforward and honest with their audiences. The song suggests that the group's formation was a spontaneous decision, made out of a desire to create something special together.

Overall, the lyrics to "Straight No Chaser" capture the camaraderie and passion of a group of friends coming together to share their love of music. Their willingness to challenge themselves by creating a new type of sound, combined with their determination to bring their music to a wider audience, is what makes this song so exciting and inspiring.

Line by Line Meaning

Back home again in Indiana
Returning to my home state of Indiana

I was happy but I needed something more
Although content, I felt unfulfilled and desired something additional

I didn't know exactly how I was gonna find it
I was uncertain about how I would achieve this goal

Acappella I was looking for
I was in search of a specific type of music, a capella singing

And I searched that campus far and wide
I scoured the campus thoroughly

For a sound that was for me
I was seeking a specific style of music that I personally enjoyed

There was nothing I tell you
I found no such music on the campus

Nothing at all
Absolutely nothing met my musical preference

That could set this music free
No musical group on the campus offered the type of music that I desired to hear

And I knew that something had to be done
I realized that a solution needed to be found

I needed to bring this music
I had a strong desire to introduce this musical style

To the heart of Bloomington
To the beloved city of Bloomington, Indiana

So I got my buddies together
I contacted my friends

The ones I knew could sing
Those who I was aware possessed singing talent

We made ourselves into little group
We formed a small musical troupe

It was an acappella thing
Our style of music was a capella singing

We're gonna give it to you
We plan to offer our unique music to our audience

And we called it
We gave our group a name

Straight No Chaser
Our group was named Straight No Chaser

And we're thinking
We are considering our plans

Straight No Chaser
Our thoughts are focused on Straight No Chaser

And we're drinking
We are consuming beverages

Straight No Chaser
Our drink of choice is Straight No Chaser

And we're staying
We remain committed to our goals

Straight No Chaser
Our dedication is to Straight No Chaser

And we're playing
We are performing music

Straight No Chaser
Our music is Straight No Chaser

We're gonna give it to
We intend to deliver it

And we called it
We named our music

Straight No Chaser
Our music was named Straight No Chaser

And we're thinking
We are contemplating our future plans

Straight No Chaser
Our considerations are reserved for Straight No Chaser

And we're drinking
We continue to consume Straight No Chaser beverages

Straight No Chaser
Our refreshment of choice remains Straight No Chaser

And we're staying
Our commitment and determination hold steady

Straight No Chaser
Our devotion is still with Straight No Chaser

Contributed by Blake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS

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Comments from YouTube:

jcvoice2007

14y↑1

This is such a fantastic song! So clever and complicated, I love it! You all do a wonderful job! You basses are simply fantastic... rock it solid! :D

rbaleksandar

15y↑1

Amazing. And I really love the bass voices. They make most of the background music. But you're all perfect! Keep singing ^^

wendys120

15y↑1

That was great, too! All of their stuff is great. I especially like that who ever took the video was far enough away from the audience to avoid all the piercing screams that wreck other groups' videos. Superior stuff here.

Thorftw34

13y

One of the best themes ever...this is completely amazing!

Brendan B

9y↑1

I Love the use of "sing sing sing" in the song. Great song and absolutely awesome performance!

TheLegoFan1

13y

You guys are good! I wish I was there when u all performed this... =D Just love this...it's one of my favs of your songs.

Grace Le Tocq

15y

That's amazing - I love all your arrangments but this is fantastic! Good luck for the CD :D

Evans Design Studios - Kathy Evans

11y

Positively AMAZING - I could listen to you guys sing ALL DAY!!!

reject2008

14y

Amazing arrangement. You guys have true talent like I haven't seen before. Major props.

perfectdevyil

15y

gosh the way you guys blend all your sounds together is SO CRAZY!!!! i love you guys. such an inspiration

AlabamaAxeman

15y↑1

You're always going to have tonal discrepancies in a live performance, especially when you have 10 voices singing different parts using only monitors to hear themselves. Live performances are completely unforgiving, unlike studio cuts where you have countless "do overs". It's "one and done" when it comes to live performing and I think they do a great job. Remember too, back then it was just a hobby...now it's a career. They'll only get better!

MAGIC

16y↑1

These dudes are AWESOME! See the video description to order the DVD (only a few thousand, so get one while you can!). Also Check out their "Teen Sensation Medley". Excellent stuff, and pretty funny with the dance steps too! I hope to see this stuff on PBS one day, as a featured concert about music in our education system. (Hey Charlie Rose, pull some strings and make it happen!)

Roni J

14y

I just can't get enough of you guys!!! Great, great, great!!

Dhonna Salazar

15y

you guys are simply the best! looking forward to see you on the today show on the 22nd of this month! thank you for your music..truly ridiculous..utterly splendid!

AlohaDevil

15y

just awesome. I was stoked to see that your CD is 80 on Amazon Sales... fabulous for a holiday album and a group of this nature! Congrats on your success!

cavaliers60

12y

Saw the IU group this past week, and loved them! I love the fact that the college has a group as well as the original group. Allows more people to experience Straight No Chaser! I thought they were great! Still had the comedy that you all bring to your shows. I bet you are proud of them. :)

Keiara Davis

15y

Oh my goodness! LOVE these guys!!!

jlynne01

15y

I can't get enough of this song; it gets stuck in my head all day. This is one of my favorite tunes by them. I absolutely love the little swaying move they do. Normally, there's at least one part in a choir that bugs me, but every singer does an amazing job here! The tall tenor in the middle is my fave. ^_^

Abigail

16y

I have no words for how incredible this is. The solo is brilliant

Unh0lymuff1ns

14y

SNC should record this and make it available on iTunes!!!! it's awesome!

Emily Manno

14y

Love these guys!

BIEDS4U

16y

This is a great DVD. It was an awesome concert to watch on video. I could have only imagined how great it would have been live. It is great sound for only being together for two years. Is this the second song that Dan won for best arrangement at the college championships. You guys never did mention the second song.

believeland8

15y

perfect harmony keep it up!!

Elizabeth T

14y

Beautiful song. Can't wait to see them 4/25!!

David Salva

15y

where can i buy their album? they're so so cool!

Doug Congdon

16y

incredible stuff - that bass rhythm is incredible

Milli Wicz

12y

This gets stuck in my head all of the time!

Amy Kat

14y

Holy Crap. Hearing guys sing is such a turn on for me. And this group is amazing!!

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

The album is available on iTunes, Amazon, and most local US stores.

Jennifer Jack

16y

I preordered back in Nov or Dec. we got the CD today in the mail. We love it. Yes it is sad that we could not see what I am sure was a great ending do to no one on the cam. All I can say is the CD is worth the wait to get! My daughter is takin it in to have her Middle school choir view it!

dayton82

15y

I thought my high school acapella group was awesome, but these guys take the cake!

AlabamaAxeman

15y

I hope you guys add that cut to the first mainstream album....great song!

Unh0lymuff1ns

14y

I think they should Record it and make available on iTunes! you guys rock.

Blatherskite

15y

All of SNC are amazing, but I would just like to give props to Steve Morgan. In every video of them performing on YouTube he is totally into the music and gettin' down with his funky self. I love looking down the line to see what he's doing. XD So much love to you, Steve Morgan. You just keep on dancing.

Randy of Straight No Chaser

16y

The original group recorded three CDs. The first one was self-titled, the second one was called "Last Call", and the third album was "Live At Alumni Hall." They are available through the same website as the DVD.

eilrobichaud

Just saw you in New Orleans and LOVE every minute. The couple sitting next to me had never heard of you before and went away firm believers!

Charles Alspaugh

15y

Is the group thinking of making a new CD soon? I would totally buy it.

Vanessa S

11y↑1

This song was stuck in my head for days !! But I like it.

Joel W.

14y

these guys really make a cappella cool.

funnylozr

13y↑1

1:37 - 2:00 SO SLY!! love love LOVE IT

kayper

12y

Wow. They should compose MORE original music!

Nana Hansberry

12y

That was pure epicness

TSquared2001

15y

OLD SCHOOL and LOVING it.

angelfish22093

12y

how does this have less views than the Christmas stuff? This is the best I've heard of their stuff on youtube!

Kathy M

15y

I think there are only two basses. Randy is all the way to the left and Charlie is all the way to the right. Pure awesomeness.

Kevin Seltzer

14y

This just proves the high quality, that the IU Music Dept produces, even if you don't major in music.

JayhawkJazzy

15y

this is quite entertaining...they are so good :)

Gabe Morales

13y

These guys would win that new show "Sing Off" rather easily and make the other a capella groups look bad doing it.

ebear123456

16y

i love this song did you guys make it up yourselves?

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

SNC's new CD, "Six Pack" is now available through the SNC website!

rickyfan3956

15y

Man, they are OFF THA CHAIN!!!

Jay Gold

11y

My older sister is an IU grad of 1998. I appreciate she went to IU, during that time period, simply due to SNC. Thanks Jori

Megan Hooley

15y

Wow! They rock!!! Come perform in Lancaster :D

middy3234

14y

Best a capella group EVERRRRRRR!!!!!!

354ever

14y

FANTASTIC!!!!

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

Yes, we are in NYC right now, recording; the new album should be out this July!

Yoshira Escobedo

10y

Love it!
#Newringtone

Jenna Hilton

I haven’t heard this song in 10 years easy. I didn’t I would ever hear it again, but here is it is!

Pr0fess0rSasquatch

10y

Lol was looking for the jazz standard "Straight No Chaser" but came up on this instead... Certainly not disappointed, this is awesome!

YukiMizu100

12y

whoa!! this is just terrific! esplly frm 1:00 it goes just soooooooooooooo awesome!!!! n hahaha d dance watever is so cute! they are so adorable!!!

KikoNate

15y

Straight No Chaser has a lot of good beats and good songs

rickyfan3956

15y

STRAIGHT UP PUTTIN' IT DOWN!!!

Randy of Straight No Chaser

16y

Yes, group founder and musical director Dan Ponce wrote this song, and is singing the solo.

serban031

14y

how can someone not like this

iiiiiStutter

11y

It's too catchy ;)

swagulz

16y

i love snc

Jurgensen

11y

Is there a studio version of this song?

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

We are on tour! :) Check our website for the dates!

candy boyer

15y

All I can say is I have NEW FAVORITE GROUP!!!

Anne Feng

12y

this is such a fun song... :D

Randy of Straight No Chaser

16y

Yes, group founder and musical director Dan Ponce wrote this song.

sazcrichton

15y

awesomeness...come over to britain!!!

HorrorFrogPrincess

14y

Okay, but NOW, I want a SNC TV series.

Ashira Malka

15y

This is the first time I ever clapped for a video on YouTube!

Nika

14y

@mikado95 That means you're Randy! I'm a huge fan of yours :-) I LOVE your voice! :-)

Margot P

15y

LOVE.

Randy of Straight No Chaser

16y

Ghost Train is used in the opening credits of the DVD. However, it was not performed at this concert, which is why there are no clips of it.

xoxokristinnxoxo

16y

indescribable

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

We'll be on the Today Show on December 22nd, 2008!

SquadHawk

15y

What songs will be on there? Any of them on youtube?

Courtney Cleaton

13y

How'd you come up with thte name Straight No Chaser? Very Good =^.^=

Alvin Song

13y↑3

thumbup whos listen to this video more than 5 times!!

cybertooth49

14y

There's a standard called Straight, No Chaser.

Jill J

14y

I like the tall guy in the middle!

NiNJack

15y

just think of an instrumental version of a song.... now think the exact opposite thats acapella

trusty345

13y

Do they have YouTube channel? If so, can anyone tell me it plz?

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y↑2

Singing bass on the far left (stage right).

Randy of Straight No Chaser

15y

You may have read about Warner Music Group removing all of their artists' videos from YouTube. This has affected us as well, so our videos including the original '12 Days', 'Lion Sleeps Tonight', and 'This Is How We Do It' are no longer available here. Trust us, we are NOT happy about it! Instead you can see '12 Days' on our MySpace page. You can read about all of this in the news, just search Yahoo or Google about YouTube and WMG.

Kathy M

15y

Oh, I see what you're talking about ilouieg12. That's one of the two guys who didn't continue, but I don't know his name. Randy, did this guy sing bass?

Tiffany Grimm

11y

who is the really tall tenor?

KIM YU

14y

Totally hot!

Sttahl

11y

UPLOADED ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Randy of Straight No Chaser

14y

@SuperNinjaMan1 Yes, Randy & Charlie are the only basses.

Randy of Straight No Chaser

16y

Yes, they won't take orders once they run out. That's why the pre-order option disappeared yesterday, before we decided to order more.

Erin B

16y

Once they're gone, will you stop accepting orders? Because it seems strange to me to ask for payment up front for an item that is out of stock ...

wvoirol

15y

They are from IU....thats what we do...drink...but its really about staying with they music.....not using intrumentation... but song refers to drinking yes.. how you take a shot.....Straight...No Chaser

Annie_Acapellas

15y

when did they go to IU, my mom graduated from there

Pauline Chambers

15y

What's up? I can't see the video on how they got the group together again, it says there's a copyright claim by a third party...what's goin' on?

PandaView

15y

It's super annoyiong i know.... But seeing that this is from a whole concert they show only the ppl that are main singers seeing that you will see the others later on.. I hope xD