The band's sophomore effort, "After We Go", again produced by Wright, was released in February 2004, preceded by the single "Hey Now". Described as heavier than their first record, "After We Go" debuted at #56 on the Billboard 200. Unfortunately, the album did not match the success of their debut, in part due to the poor reception of follow-up singles (the title track "After We Go," and their cover of Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain"). Nevertheless, Tantric soldiered on, touring with Three Doors Down and Shinedown for much of 2004.
In 2005, it was announced that Jesse Vest had left the band to spend time with his family. He was replaced by Bruce LaFrance. For much of that year, Tantric worked on their third record. Some of the songs tracked for the record include "Letting Go", "People", "Worth Waiting For", "Fall Down", "The One", "July", "Locked Out", and "Stay With You". Todd Whitener recorded the bass guitar parts for the album, and also contributed lead vocals to a number of songs.
In January, 2006 Tantric traveled with hard rock group Drowning Pool to Seoul, South Korea to play several shows for U.S. troops currently stationed along the DMZ. Highly appreciative of this, the troops gave members of the band a plaque with actual barbed wire from the 38th parallel barrier.
In March, 2006, Tantric was dropped from Maverick Records, which was collapsing. In 2007, Matt Taul was arrested on drug-related charges, which would further complicate the band's obtaining a new label. Finally, on May 8, 2007, the release of three songs from Tantric III on the band's MySpace was largely overshadowed by Todd Whitener's farewell announcement on the band's website, which cited a feeling of stagnation that caused him to grow tired of the band's struggle to succeed. Ferreira later said in interviews that Whitener, as well as other members of the band had grown frustrated with the band's record label complications. Taul was sent to prison in later months, but has since been released. Bruce LaFrance was replaced.
Hugo Ferreira began searching for a new band, enlisting former Fuel drummer Kevin Miller, Joe Pessia (guitarist Dramagods) through mutual friend Nuno Bettencourt, Erik Leonhardt (bassist), and Marcus Ratzenboeck (electric violin) as new members of the band. Shortly thereafter, Tantric announced their deal with the Silent Majority Group record label, and their new management company, JHMP.
Because Ferreira remained the only original member of Tantric, Tantric III has been shelved for the time being. Ferreira has said the reasoning for this, other than the logical label complications, was he did not want to produce an album under the Tantric name that was partially written by Whitener and Taul. However, in recent interviews, Ferreira's comments increased the likelihood of Tantric III's release. He has stated that although he did not plan to release it in grand style he would have liked to leak it out to the fans as a potential Christmas 2008 gift for their support. With the indefinite shelving of "T3," Ferreira and his new mates recorded 10 new songs, in addition to a totally revamped version of "The One," featuring Kevin Martin of Candlebox, and finally released the band's third album, The End Begins, on April 22, 2008.
On March 9 2009, Tantric announced through MySpace that their new album will be entitled Mind Control and that the band were in the process of recording the album. Produced by Brett Hestla (Creed), they announced a release date of August 4, and it was released in stores, as well as all digital retailers.
Something Better
Tantric Lyrics
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Then tell me if you're strong enough
Tell me if I'm to late
To make up for my mistakes
I have said this before
But it means so much more to me
This time has been on my side till now
Well, don't you want something better?
And I'm going crazy
Losing you has faded me
You've taken on another hand
This changing everything I've planned
You told me in confidence
That you had to admit it didn't feel right
When I can understand those things
I never quite got before
Don't you want something better
Something bigger than we are?
This is my open letter
Well, there's a sign that it's not far, yeah
Despite all the reasons people tend to go astray
There's nothing left behind
There's all this pain won't go away
I can't say goodbye so I won't even try
Don't you want something better
Something bigger than we are?
This is my open letter
There's a sign that it's not far
Tell me if I'm good enough
And tell me if you're strong enough
The lyrics to Tantric's song, "Something Better," explore the pain and confusion of a relationship that is falling apart. The singer questions their own worth and asks if they can still make up for their mistakes. They reflect on the time they have spent together and wonder if it was all worth it in the end. They also address the other person's decision to move on and how it has caused them to lose their grip on reality. Despite all the pain and confusion, the singer still asks if there is something better out there for them.
The lyrics are powerful because they tap into the universal struggle of trying to hold onto something that is slipping away. The singer is desperate to hold onto the relationship, but things have gone too far. They are unable to let go, but at the same time, they realize that holding on might not be the best thing for them.
The song's chorus emphasizes the theme of searching for something better. The singer is urging their partner to think about whether they are truly happy with what they have, or if there is something else out there that could be better for both of them. It's a poignant and relatable sentiment that will resonate with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me if I'm good enough
I am unsure of my worthiness, and these feelings consume me. Please provide me with validation.
Then tell me if you're strong enough
I need to know if you have the strength to endure the struggles we may face together. Can I trust you with my vulnerability and weaknesses?
Tell me if I'm too late
Have my mistakes and shortcomings caused irreparable damage? Is there still an opportunity for me to rectify my errors?
To make up for my mistakes
I am willing to do whatever it takes to regain your trust and prove my commitment to us. Let me show you that I am capable of growing from past failures.
I have said this before
I have attempted to express my remorse, but I fear my words may have lost their value due to my past actions.
But it means so much more to me
My conviction and intention are deeper than my previous attempts at reconciliation. Please hear me out and believe in my sincerity.
This time has been on my side till now
I know I have taken your love and patience for granted, but I hope it's not too late for me to make amends. Time is a precious commodity, and I don't want to waste any more of it.
I can't believe I let it get this bad
I recognize my part in the deterioration of our relationship. I am ashamed and disappointed in myself, and I hope you can forgive me for causing you pain.
Well, don't you want something better?
I know we both deserve more than what we have been experiencing. Can we strive for something more fulfilling, satisfying, and meaningful together?
And I'm going crazy
The thought of losing you is driving me insane. I can't bear the idea of a life without you by my side.
Losing you has faded me
Your absence has left me feeling weak, miserable, and uninspired. Without your love, support, and encouragement, I feel like a shadow of who I used to be.
You've taken on another hand
I am aware that there is someone else vying for your affection, and it's tearing me apart. I don't know if I'm ready to let you go, but I also don't want to hold you back from finding happiness.
This changing everything I've planned
The thought of losing you has thrown all my plans and aspirations into chaos. You were an integral part of my vision for the future, and I don't know how to move forward without you.
You told me in confidence
You shared something deeply personal and vulnerable with me, and I respected and appreciated your trust. I want you to know that I hold your feelings and secrets in high regard.
That you had to admit it didn't feel right
You voiced your doubts and reservations about our relationship, and I listened to your concerns. I understand that you may have doubts and fears, and I am willing to work through them with you.
When I can understand those things
I may not have comprehended your perspective before, but I am willing to try now. I want to empathize with you and support you in any way I can.
I never quite got before
I admit that I may have been oblivious to your needs, wants, and struggles in the past. But I want to make up for lost time and show you that I am invested in our relationship.
Don't you want something better
Let's aim for a partnership that surpasses our current one in terms of love, respect, communication, and growth. I believe we can achieve that if we work together.
Something bigger than we are?
Can we create a relationship that transcends our individual needs and egos? Can we make a positive impact on each other's lives and the world around us?
This is my open letter
I am laying my heart and soul bare for you to see. I am not afraid to be vulnerable and honest with you. I hope you can accept and appreciate this gesture.
There's a sign that it's not far
There may be obstacles and challenges ahead, but I have faith that we can overcome them. I see glimpses of hope and progress, and I hope you do too.
Despite all the reasons people tend to go astray
I know that many relationships end in heartbreak, betrayal, or indifference. But I don't want us to be another statistic. I want us to be the exception to the rule.
There's nothing left behind
If we end our relationship, there will be nothing but emptiness and despair in my life. You are my everything, and I don't want to lose you.
There's all this pain won't go away
I am hurting and suffering because I don't want to let go of the love we shared. The pain of losing you is too much to bear, and I don't know if I'll ever recover from it.
I can't say goodbye so I won't even try
I know that saying goodbye would break me, so I have to hold on to the hope that we can reconcile and repair our relationship. I can't give up on us yet.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIK LEONHARDT, HUGO FERREIRA, JOSEPH M PESSIA, KEVIN RICHARD MILLER, MARCUS RATZENBOECK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind