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
Sick and Sad
Streetlight Manifesto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And there was someone there
Who mentioned that they hoped that it would rain forever, forever,
So they could drown in peace.
Went down to the hodskin p.l.
But there was nobody to answer
When I rang the doorbell forever, forever
Sick and sad again. Sometimes I'd like the rain to end. Sick and sad again. Sometimes I'd like to stand on my own two feet.
Today was the day
But she threw it all away
And I could never understand 'cause she was never one to play
By the rules of the game
Her and me we're so the same
I try so hard
And I never give in
And I am never satisifed until the day that I win
Agaisnt them
But I don't care I'll follow her to anywhere.
The song "Sick and Sad" by Streetlight Manifesto is a melancholic reflection on life and the search for meaning. The lyrics introduce two individuals who are struggling to cope with their existence. The first person is found at the corner of Second and Main where they express their wish for an eternal downpour to finally find solace in drowning. This sentiment is a metaphor for their desire to escape the pain and suffering they are experiencing. The second person is found at Hodskin p.l., but nobody answers when the singer rings the doorbell. This leads to the singer feeling sad all the time. The song goes back and forth between these two stories before leading to a chorus that expresses the singer's desire to break free from their emotional turmoil.
The song also touches on themes of love and the human condition. The lyrics describe an intense relationship where two people are so similar that they both struggle to conform to societal expectations. The singer admits to never being satisfied until they win, but their partner was never one to play by the rules. Despite this, the singer shows a willingness to follow their partner anywhere, even if it means going against the norm. This relationship serves as a metaphor for the singer's refusal to settle for a conventional life and their quest to find meaning in their existence.
In conclusion, "Sick and Sad" is a powerful song that explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships. It is a song that speaks to those who struggle with mental health, question societal norms, or seek to find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Went to the corner of second and main
The singer went to a specific location
And there was someone there
While at that location, someone was present
Who mentioned that they hoped that it would rain forever, forever,
This person expressed a desire for perpetual rain as an escape from their life
So they could drown in peace.
The rainfall would allow them to end their life unobtrusively
Went down to the hodskin p.l.
The artist went to another location
But there was nobody to answer
Upon arrival, no one was available or responsive
When I rang the doorbell forever, forever
The singer attempted to alert the inhabitants of their presence, but to no avail
So now I'm sad all the time.
The artist is continually feeling down and despondent
Sick and sad again. Sometimes I'd like the rain to end.
The artist is frequently feeling ill and unhappy, and wishes the rain would stop
Sick and sad again. Sometimes I'd like to stand on my own two feet.
The artist wants to regain their independence and overcome their current struggles
Today was the day
The current day was significant for the singer in some way
But she threw it all away
Despite this importance, an individual the artist is close to sabotaged their plan or hopes
And I could never understand 'cause she was never one to play
The singer is confused by this person's actions because they're generally perceived as not being manipulative
By the rules of the game
This individual usually follows the ethical code of conduct
Her and me we're so the same
The singer and the person who interfered share common characteristics
I try so hard
The artist exerted significant effort
And I never give in
Despite potential obstacles, the artist remains committed to their objective
And I am never satisfied until the day that I win
The singer is not content until they reach their goal
Against them
The singer is competing with other individuals or entities
But I don't care I'll follow her to anywhere.
Despite the individual's interference, the artist is still loyal and committed to pursuing a future with them
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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