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
Streetlight Manifesto- If And When We Rise Again
Streetlight Manifesto Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody's laughing but they never ever get my jokes
Fool, you're a tool, a sheep
And it's obvious to everyone but company you keep
And don't you squint at me because your childhood was the pits
Every single one of us have trodden through our shit
Oh, and I know you're shrewd
Because I smell it on your clothes
Falling, fallen, we all fall down
It only really matters how we stand our ground
And if and when we rise to our feet again
We'll be on our own
Everything we built
(It's gone)
And every one around
(Is stunned)
We just sit here staring blankly
And everything goes numb
Lord, if I felt a thing
I could wrap my mind around this
And prevent our getting singed
Please excuse my enemies
I think they do not know
I will gladly self destruct if they leave me alone
Friend, that's the end of us
Because you're behind in empathy and overdue on trust
Calmly, calmly and patiently
We've seen all the evidence
But still cannot believe
And if and when we rise to our feet again
We'll be on our own
Somehow, someway, we persevere
The questions on our lips fall on deafened ears
And if and when we rise to our feet again
We'll be on our own
The lyrics of Streetlight Manifesto's "If And When We Rise Again" speak to the experience of feeling isolated and disconnected from others, even when surrounded by people. The singer is frustrated with those around them who seem to only see things in black and white, without the nuances of reality. They also challenge the notion that a difficult childhood should be an excuse for a lack of empathy or understanding.
The chorus of the song suggests that regardless of the challenges or the failures that the singer and their community face, what matters is how they stand their ground and eventually rise again. The line "everything we built, it's gone" suggests that the community has faced a devastating loss, but the singer still holds on to hope for their future.
Throughout the song, the singer seems to be searching for meaning and connection, while also grappling with feelings of helplessness in the face of difficult circumstances. However, the song ends on a note of resilience, as the singer acknowledges that they will have to find their own way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you come to me with all your color-coded quotes
Do not try to impress me with your fancy language and well-rehearsed speeches
Everybody's laughing but they never ever get my jokes
People may find me funny but they do not understand the deeper meaning behind my words
Fool, you're a tool, a sheep
You are a mindless follower, easily manipulated by those in power
And it's obvious to everyone but company you keep
Everyone can see your naivety except the people you surround yourself with
And don't you squint at me because your childhood was the pits
Do not judge me based on my background or upbringing
Every single one of us have trodden through our shit
We have all experienced hardships and difficulties in our lives
Oh, and I know you're shrewd
I can tell that you are cunning and manipulative
Because I smell it on your clothes
Your behavior and actions give away your true intentions
It's in everything you do
Your behavior is consistently characterized by self-interest and manipulation
Falling, fallen, we all fall down
We have all experienced failure or hardship at some point in our lives
It only really matters how we stand our ground
What truly matters is how we persevere and maintain our composure during difficult times
And if and when we rise to our feet again
If and when we overcome our difficulties and stand up again
We'll be on our own
We may have supporters or allies, but ultimately, we are responsible for our own success and progress
Everything we built
All that we have created or established
(It's gone)
Has been destroyed or lost
And every one around
Everyone else
(Is stunned)
Is in shock or disbelief
We just sit here staring blankly
We are at a loss for what to do next
And everything goes numb
We become emotionally disconnected or desensitized
Lord, if I felt a thing
I wish I could feel something
I could wrap my mind around this
So that I could understand what is happening
And prevent our getting singed
And avoid further harm or damage
Please excuse my enemies
I ask for forgiveness for those who oppose or harm me
I think they do not know
I believe they act out of ignorance or misinterpretation of the situation
I will gladly self destruct if they leave me alone
I would rather destroy myself than be subjected to their mistreatment or manipulation
Friend, that's the end of us
Our relationship has come to an end
Because you're behind in empathy and overdue on trust
I cannot continue to trust or empathize with someone who is lacking in these qualities
Calmly, calmly and patiently
We must remain calm and collected, even in the face of adversity
We've seen all the evidence
We have witnessed everything that has happened
But still cannot believe
We cannot accept or comprehend what has occurred
Somehow, someway, we persevere
Despite everything, we continue to endure and push forward
The questions on our lips fall on deafened ears
Our inquiries and concerns go unanswered or unheard
And if and when we rise to our feet again
When we overcome our difficulties and stand up once more
We'll be on our own
We may have allies or support, but ultimately, we are the only ones responsible for our own success and progress
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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