In 2005, the band recorded their debut album, Good and Reckless and True, with producer Jay Joyce in Nashville, TN. The next few years were spent touring and honing their live sound. In 2006, the band won an Independent Music Award for the song "Ordinary." Later that year, the band signed with Vanguard Records.
In 2007, the band re-released Good and Reckless and True on Vanguard, and released a limited-edition acoustic album. This latter album, available only at shows, was affectionately titled The Brooklawn Sessions, referring to the house where Tim and then bass player Chip Johnson lived and recorded the album. On April 10, 2007, the Alternate Routes performed their single "Time is a Runaway" on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
In 2008, the band recorded their follow-up LP, Sucker's Dream, again with Jay Joyce in Nashville. While waiting for its release in February 2009, the band recorded a five song EP, The Watershed EP, at Tarquin Studios with producer Peter Katis in their hometown of Bridgeport.
In 2010, longtime band member Chip Johnson left the band to pursue his home studio, Alpine Red.
The Alternate Routes parted ways with Vanguard Records in 2010 and shortly headed back to Nashville to begin work on their third studio album, Lately. Produced by Teddy Morgan at Barrio East in Nashville over the course of 6 weeks, the album featured drummer Richard Medek and multi-instrumentalist Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket.
“The way that I make is my own, but I know what I’m in for,” sings Tim Warren, front man and co-founder of The Alternate Routes.
Whatever fate has in store for this promising young band, it’s sure to make for a good story…and an even better song. Since 2002, The Alternate Routes have never been afraid to roll the dice during their brief and turbulent journey, always relying upon their heartfelt brand of music to pull them through the ups and downs that come with the territory. It’s a trait evident in their powerful Vanguard Records debut, Good and Reckless and True, a memorable, incredibly confident opening statement from a band that takes nothing for granted.
Warren recalls the initial meeting with his future songwriting partner/lead-guitarist, Eric Donnelly, between classes at Connecticut’s Fairfield University. “Eric and I appreciated the same things about music,” Warren says. "When we started out, we didn't really fit in anywhere. We played everywhere we could, at bars, clubs, coffee shops …but we always believed in what we were doing. We believed our music was important and we’ve never lost that feeling.”
The duo’s path crossed with that of bassist Chip Johnson during a brief residency in the Boston area. He was a skinny, mild-mannered presence—a kid who could pick up any instrument and make it his own. “I always say that Tim and I had the songs, but we didn’t have a band until we met Chip,” says Donnelly.
The months following Johnson’s arrival were important ones, the trio hung onto their music, their ideals, refining their sound and never lost focus. They turned each humbling moment into a lesson, each gig into a learning experience and established the all-or-nothing attitude that has come to define them.
Just the Same
The Alternate Routes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the moment that you got it you’ve already got one foot out the door
But if you ever forget what it is you came in here for
Just look in your pocket, I’m sure that you wrote it down
Baby I’m so tired of trying to change your mind back around
If I tell you that I’m sorry would you please come back to the car
Because your shoes are a mess, and I can’t tell your dress from your arms
And even if you are I can’t stay mad anymore
Cause this might be my last night here
Don’t leave me like you found me, and I won’t leave you standing there
Cause I see
What you see
And I want you just the same
Tell me was it worth it if it never gets no better than this
All those traps that you laid, just expect to get paid and quit
And you feel just like a candle who can’t tell whose hand that he’s in
Baby for your sake I hope that you know that it is
Cause this might be my last night here
Don’t leave me like you found me, and I won’t leave you standing there
Cause I see
What you see
I want you just the same
The song "Just The Same" by The Alternate Routes is full of emotional depth as it explores the concept of love and relationships. The lyrics carry a sense of vulnerability and desperation as the singer pleads with their partner to stay despite their seemingly guilty demeanor. The opening line, "From the moment that you got it you’ve already got one foot out the door," portrays a sense of distrust and uncertainty in the relationship. The singer seems to be aware of their partner's lack of commitment and their tendency to run away from their problems.
Through the lyrics, the singer expresses their willingness to put in the effort to make the relationship work, despite the challenges. The verse "If I tell you that I’m sorry would you please come back to the car, Because your shoes are a mess, and I can’t tell your dress from your arms," shows their desire for reconciliation and their readiness to make things right. As they express their love and appreciation for their partner, they also acknowledge the imperfections and struggles they face.
The chorus, "Cause I see, what you see, and I want you just the same," is a declaration of the singer's love and commitment to their partner, regardless of the challenges they face. They accept their partner for who they are and are willing to work through their issues together. The song carries a powerful message of love, forgiveness, and understanding, making it a relatable and inspiring piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
From the moment that you got it you’ve already got one foot out the door
You're always ready to leave, even before you start something new.
But if you ever forget what it is you came in here for
If you ever lose sight of your true purpose, just remember why you started.
Just look in your pocket, I’m sure that you wrote it down
I know you have your goals written down somewhere, let's find them and focus on them.
Baby I’m so tired of trying to change your mind back around
I'm exhausted from always trying to convince you to stay committed and focused.
If I tell you that I’m sorry would you please come back to the car
I apologize if I upset you, can we please continue moving forward together?
Because your shoes are a mess, and I can’t tell your dress from your arms
You're disheveled and disorganized, it's hard to tell what's happening.
We can walk it if you want to but we both know it’s way too far
We can try to do this on our own, but it's going to be a long and difficult journey.
And even if you are I can’t stay mad anymore
Even if you're at fault, I can't stay angry with you.
Cause this might be my last night here
This could be my final chance to make things right.
Don’t leave me like you found me, and I won’t leave you standing there
Let's work through our problems together and not abandon each other in the process.
Cause I see
I understand your perspective.
What you see
I can empathize with your struggles.
And I want you just the same
Despite everything, I still love and care for you just as much.
Tell me was it worth it if it never gets no better than this
Is it really worth all the effort and pain if we can't achieve anything better than this?
All those traps that you laid, just expect to get paid and quit
Stop trying to manipulate your way to success and just work hard and be patient.
And you feel just like a candle who can’t tell whose hand that he’s in
You're confused and lost, not sure who's really in control.
Baby for your sake I hope that you know that it is
I hope you know what you're truly fighting for and who you want to become.
Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.