Several of Streetlight's members were already well known among the New Jersey ska community for their roles in past ska bands from that area, most notably Catch 22's Tomas Kalnoky, James Egan, Mike Soprano, and Josh Ansley, as well as One Cool Guy's Stuart Karmatz, Pete Sibilia, Dan Ross, and Chris Paszik.
The band's first album, Everything Goes Numb, was released on August 26, 2003, and was distributed by Victory Records. They headlined their first ever show at Rutgers University on December 9, 2003 in front of a sold out audience.
The line-up has gone through several changes since the band's conception and currently consists of Matt Stewart on trumpet, Mike Brown on alto and baritone saxophone, Jim Conti on alto and tenor saxophone, Tomas Kalnoky on guitar and lead vocals, Pete McCullaugh on bass guitar, Karl Lyden on trombone, and Chris Thatcher on drums.
Though the band has enjoyed little mainstream commercial success, they have received acclaim in alternative music circles, and their debut album is currently in Interpunk.com's top 100 items, over 2 years after its release. In addition, they regularly sell out their live shows, and their first few shows at Rutgers and The Stone Pony not only sold out, but had people coming from as far as Minnesota and Canada. Their second album, a reworking of Catch 22's Keasbey Nights was released on March 7, 2006.
Streetlight Manifesto's third album, entitled Somewhere in the Between came out on November 13, 2007. Rumors also have it that the band is currently working on a series of 8 albums entitled "The 99 Songs of Revolution" in co-operation with Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, a side-project of singer Tomas Kalnoky slated for release in early 2009.
On November 17, 2009, the band's website announced that "99 Songs of Revolution: Volume One" has been ready for release for quite some time but "some record labels are just plain horrendous." They are also in the process of arranging a tour for 2010 but will spend some time in the studio until they have "a few records to release."
The first album of 99 Songs of Revolution was released on March 16, 2010. On this CD, the band covered songs by artists such as The Postal Service, Radiohead, and NOFX.
Band Members:
Mike Brown - Baritone Sax
Karl Lyden - Trombone
Jim Conti - Tenor Sax
Matt Stewart - Trumpet
Chris Thatcher - Drums
Tomas Kalnoky - Guitar, Vocals
Pete McCullaugh - Bass
www.streetlightmanifesto.com
Point/Counterpoint
Streetlight Manifesto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My finger's on the trigger but that trigger seems locked
And I can't stop staring at the tick tock clock
And even if I could I would never give up.
With a vest on my chest, a bullet in my lung
I can't believe I'm dying with my song unsung.
If and when I die won't you bury me alone?
'Cause I'll never get to heaven if I'm singing this song.
If there was something wrong would you be oh so strong?
Would you do what it takes to move this hollow life along?
I'd like to think I would, you know I'd like to think I would
But I guarantee that what you see is not reality
And every time I make a point, she makes a counterpoint
She said it's easy but in the end you'll have no choice
And you know that's only just the way it goes
You said it right man, That is just the way it goes
And the days, and the days they seem like forever
And the days, and the days they seem like forever
But forever isn't ever enough!!
I'd like to sing a song
Please swear you won't be long!
I'll try not to be long but I don't want to get this story wrong
There was a kid who never cared about the little things
Don't even bother because I'm tired and I'm sick of it
And every time she makes a point I'll make a counterpoint!
She said It's easy but in the end you'll have no choice
And you know that's only just the way it goes
You said it right man, that is just the way it goes
I've got a gun in my hand but that gun won't cock
My finger's on the trigger but that trigger seems locked
And I can't stop staring at the tick tock clock
And even if I could I would never give up.
With a vest on my chest, a bullet in my lung
I can't believe I'm dying with my song unsung.
If and when I die won't you bury me alone?
'Cause I'll never get to heaven if I'm singing this song.
Oh, You don't know where I've been!
Oh, You don't know what I've seen!
If I did something right
Would you give up this fight?
Would you say you were wrong and maybe someone else was kind of right
I'd like to think you would
You know I'd like to think you would
But I can't guarantee that what you get is an apology
Jump back to the day we met
I never thought that it would end this way
If ever I let you down I want to ask of you
To take it down a notch and we can talk it on through
And the days, and the days they seem like forever
And the days, and the days they seem like forever
But forever isn't ever enough!!
I'd like to sing a song
Please swear you won't be long!
I'll try not to be long but I don't want to get this story wrong
There was a kid who never cared about the little things
Don't even bother because I still don't give a shit
And every time she makes a point I'll make a counterpoint!
She said it's easy but in the end you'll have no choice
And you know that's only just the way it goes
You said it right man, that is just the way it goes
I've got a gun in my hand but that gun won't cock
My finger's on the trigger but that trigger seems locked
And I can't stop staring at the tick tock clock
And even if I could I would never give up.
With a vest on my chest, a bullet in my lung
I can't believe I'm dying with my song unsung.
If and when I die won't you bury me alone?
'Cause I'll never get to heaven if I'm singing this song.
Oh, You don't know where I've been!
Oh, You don't know what I've seen!
So tell me friend, How's it going to end?
When the shit goes down and there's no one left Around to get your back
You'll crack
You'll smile and agree with everything they say
They'll try to tell you that it's all okay
But it's not and you're shot and you're bleeding pretty bad
And You can't stop thinking about the things you never had
Like a wife and a kid and the things you never did
You're running around
You're living a life that's empty in the end, my friend
No, You'll take back all you've said
Oh, When the regrets fill your head
Trust me I've been there before
I would not wish it upon my greatest enemy
What Irony!
Once friends, but I find
You'll have to learn this lesson on your own
So I waited by the phone but that phone never rang
And I sang so loud so I wouldn't hear the bang
When the bang never came and I never got the call
Fuck You! Thank You! I Love You All!
Some are going to say that we're doomed to repeat
All our past mistakes
Great!
But that's not me
And even if it was I would always disagree
Because in the end I always get the better of me
I've got a gun in my hand but that gun won't cock
My finger's on the trigger but that trigger seems locked
And I can't stop staring at the tick tock clock
And even if I could I would never give up.
With a vest on my chest, a bullet in my lung
I can't believe I'm dying with my song unsung.
If and when I die won't you bury me alone?
'Cause I'll never get to heaven if I'm singing this song.
Oh, I'll take you where I've been!
Oh, I'll show you what I've seen!
The song "Point/Counterpoint" by Streetlight Manifesto is a song that seems to be about hopelessness and the feeling of being stuck in a situation one can't get out of. The lyrics of the song paint a picture of a person who is holding a gun, contemplating their life and the things they have left behind. They feel as though they have been cheated out of their chance at life, and that no matter what they do, they will never be able to achieve their dreams.
The song also deals with the idea of confrontation, but not in the usual sense. The confrontation in the song is not a physical one, but rather a mental one. The person in the song is faced with conflicting thoughts and emotions, and they are struggling to come up with a solution. The chorus reinforces the idea that the person is feeling trapped and that they are running out of time. They know they need to make a decision, but they feel as though they can't.
Overall, the song is a poignant exploration of the human emotions of hopelessness, conflict and desperation. It speaks to the feeling of being trapped and the inability to find a way out.
Interesting facts about "Point/Counterpoint":
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a gun in my hand but that gun won't cock
I have a tool for defense but it doesn't work
My finger's on the trigger but that trigger seems locked
I'm ready to defend myself, but something is holding me back
And I can't stop staring at the tick tock clock
Time seems to be running out, and I'm anxious about it
And even if I could I would never give up.
I'm determined to keep fighting, despite the odds
With a vest on my chest, a bullet in my lung
I'm wounded and vulnerable
I can't believe I'm dying with my song unsung.
I'm leaving this world with regrets
If and when I die won't you bury me alone?
I don't want anyone to mourn me or celebrate my life
'Cause I'll never get to heaven if I'm singing this song.
I'm afraid I won't be rewarded for expressing myself
If there was something wrong would you be oh so strong?
Are you capable of handling adversity?
Would you do what it takes to move this hollow life along?
Are you willing to take action to improve your life?
I'd like to think I would, you know I'd like to think I would
I want to be optimistic about my abilities
But I guarantee that what you see is not reality
My projections might not be accurate
And every time I make a point, she makes a counterpoint
I'm engaged in a back-and-forth argument
She said it's easy but in the end you'll have no choice
My opponent is confident about their position
And you know that's only just the way it goes
This is a common dynamic in arguments
You said it right man, That is just the way it goes
I agree with your assessment
And the days, and the days they seem like forever
Time stretches out when you're feeling bad
But forever isn't ever enough!!
No amount of time would be sufficient to feel better
I'd like to sing a song
I want to express myself
Please swear you won't be long!
I hope you'll listen to me without interruption
I'll try not to be long but I don't want to get this story wrong
I want to be truthful and accurate
There was a kid who never cared about the little things
Let me tell you a story
Don't even bother because I'm tired and I'm sick of it
I'm frustrated and don't want to engage anymore
And every time she makes a point I'll make a counterpoint!
I'm not giving up the argument
She said It's easy but in the end you'll have no choice
My opponent is confident about their position
You said it right man, that is just the way it goes
I agree with your assessment
Oh, You don't know where I've been!
You don't understand my experiences
Oh, You don't know what I've seen!
You don't understand the things I've witnessed
If I did something right
Imagine if I acted correctly
Would you give up this fight?
Would the argument be over if I did the right thing?
Would you say you were wrong and maybe someone else was kind of right
Would you admit that you weren't completely right?
I'd like to think you would
I hope you're reasonable enough to do that
You know I'd like to think you would
I have faith in you
But I can't guarantee that what you get is an apology
My overtures might not be enough for you
Jump back to the day we met
Let's revisit a memory together
I never thought that it would end this way
I'm surprised at how things have turned out
If ever I let you down I want to ask of you
If I disappoint you, can you help me make amends?
To take it down a notch and we can talk it on through
Let's have a more calm and constructive conversation
Don't even bother because I still don't give a shit
I haven't changed my mind and don't want to discuss it further
So tell me friend, How's it going to end?
Where do you think we're headed?
When the shit goes down and there's no one left Around to get your back
In a moment of crisis, will you have any support?
You'll crack
You'll break down under the pressure
You'll smile and agree with everything they say
You'll try to appease others to avoid conflict
They'll try to tell you that it's all okay
Others will try to reassure you
But it's not and you're shot and you're bleeding pretty bad
Things are much worse than people realize
And You can't stop thinking about the things you never had
Your regrets weigh heavily on your mind
Like a wife and a kid and the things you never did
You wish you had a family and had done more with your life
You're running around
You're trying to get everything done in the limited time you have left
You're living a life that's empty in the end, my friend
Your life feels meaningless in retrospect
No, You'll take back all you've said
You'll regret the things you've done
Oh, When the regrets fill your head
You'll feel overwhelmed by remorse
Trust me I've been there before
I know what that feels like
I would not wish it upon my greatest enemy
It's a terrible experience that you wouldn't want anyone else to go through
What Irony!
Isn't it ironic how life turns out sometimes?
Once friends, but I find
We used to be close, but not anymore
You'll have to learn this lesson on your own
I can't teach you everything you need to know
So I waited by the phone but that phone never rang
I hoped for something that never came
And I sang so loud so I wouldn't hear the bang
I tried to drown out a painful sound
When the bang never came and I never got the call
What I hoped for never materialized
Fuck You! Thank You! I Love You All!
I have conflicting emotions and don't know how to express them
Some are going to say that we're doomed to repeat
People will argue that we can't escape our patterns
All our past mistakes
We've made a lot of errors in the past
Great!
That's just what I needed to hear
But that's not me
I don't believe that I'm destined to fail
And even if it was I would always disagree
I refuse to accept that I'm powerless
Because in the end I always get the better of me
I'm in control of my own outcomes, for better or worse
Oh, I'll take you where I've been!
Let me show you my experiences
Oh, I'll show you what I've seen!
Let me give you a glimpse into my world
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind