The Apples in Stereo currently consist of Robert Schneider (vocals, guitar), Eric Allen (bass), John Hill (rhythm guitar), John Ferguson (keyboards) and John Dufilho. Schneider writes the most of the band's music and lyrics. Their debut release was 1995's Fun Trick Noisemaker (with Jim McIntyre on bass).
Longtime drummer Hilarie Sydney left the band in 2006, performing her last show at the Athens Popfestival.
Robert Schneider has side projects: Marbles, Ulysses, Thee American Revolution and a new kids music project under the name Robbert Bobbert & The Bubble Machine. He does a lot of commercial composition and film score work.
John Hill also plays guitar in Dressy Bessy.
Bill Doss, who had been the band's keyboardist since 2007, died on July 30, 2012. Doss was also the singer, songwriter and guitarist for The Olivia Tremor Control, the sole member of The Sunshine Fix, and an original member of the Elephant 6 collective.
One of their most popular songs, "Signal In The Sky," was created for and featured in episode 46 of The Powerpuff Girls.
They are best known for their bright, catchy lyrics and 60s pop/rock sound that often provokes comparisons to The Beatles, ELO and The Beach Boys.
Their major influences include The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys.
Tidal Wave
The Apples in Stereo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's one foot in the morning rain
Just round the corner a hole full of water
And hot dog!, it's a holiday!
Splish splash in a pool or puddle
Don't trip up on a tidal wave
You'll crash in a murky muddle
Then you'll know how it feels
To know you're not real
Went for a walk and I climbed up a tower
It seemed like a thousand years
Til I reached the top, oh and I picked a flower
That grew through the stratosphere!
Drop down to a cloud or jet stream
Don't trip up on a weather vane
You'll drown in a world or wet dream
Then you'll know how it feels
To know you're not real
I wrote a letter and I gave it to Jenny
I hoped for some return
Next time I saw her she gave me a penny
Wrapped up in a gummy worm
Run round a field or meadow
Don't trip up on a sugarcane
Fall down in a lazy shadow
Then you'll know how it feels
To know you're not real
The lyrics to The Apples In Stereo's song Tidal Wave are playful and imaginative, with a surreal quality. The opening lines set the scene with the image of a person standing with "one foot in the street and one foot in the gutter", braving the "morning rain". The lyricist then describes a hole full of water around the corner, and the exclamation of "hot dog! it's a holiday" suggests that even the mundane can be exciting and full of potential.
The chorus warns of the danger of getting caught up in a "tidal wave" - a metaphor for being overwhelmed by life's challenges. The lines "you'll crash in a murky muddle, then you'll know how it feels to know you're not real" hint at the disorienting feeling of being thrown off balance by unexpected events. The second verse describes climbing a tower and picking a flower that grows through the stratosphere, implying a sense of adventure and wonder.
The final verse tells a story of giving a letter to a girl named Jenny and hoping for a response. When she returns, she gives the singer a penny wrapped in a gummy worm, a small but quirky gift. The lines "run round a field or meadow, don't trip up on a sugarcane, fall down in a lazy shadow" conjure up images of idyllic, carefree moments. Again, the chorus serves as a warning to not get carried away and lose a sense of self.
Overall, the song Tidal Wave is a whimsical and imaginative exploration of life's ups and downs, encouraging listeners to appreciate the beauty in the small things while acknowledging the challenges that come with existence.
Line by Line Meaning
A foot in the street and a foot in the gutter
Existence that's torn between good and bad.
That's one foot in the morning rain
One step towards uncertainty and insecurity.
Just round the corner a hole full of water
A chance encounter with the dangers of life.
And hot dog!, it's a holiday!
An unexpected, pleasant surprise that dispels fear and uncertainty.
Splish splash in a pool or puddle
Indulgence in moments of joy.
Don't trip up on a tidal wave
Avoid the ups and downs of life that could make you lose your footing.
You'll crash in a murky muddle
If you let the extremes of life control you, you'll ultimately fail.
Then you'll know how it feels
You'll perceive the reality of the matter.
To know you're not real
You'll realise how transient everything is.
Went for a walk and I climbed up a tower
A journey towards an unattainable goal.
It seemed like a thousand years
The journey felt never-ending.
Til I reached the top, oh and I picked a flower
Finally achieving the goal with a reward at the end.
That grew through the stratosphere!
A sign of beauty and wonder that transcends our earthly experience.
Drop down to a cloud or jet stream
Let your dreams take you to great heights.
Don't trip up on a weather vane
Don't let your goals be dictated by changing circumstances.
You'll drown in a world or wet dream
If you don't plan and act accordingly, you'll fall short of success.
I wrote a letter and I gave it to Jenny
Making an effort to connect and communicate with someone.
I hoped for some return
Expecting a response or some level of reciprocation.
Next time I saw her she gave me a penny
Her response fell short of expectations, yet still had value.
Wrapped up in a gummy worm
A small gesture with a touch of sweetness.
Run round a field or meadow
Indulging in moments of happiness and freedom.
Don't trip up on a sugarcane
Avoid getting carried away with temporary pleasures.
Fall down in a lazy shadow
Take a break and rest in the comforts of an idle life.
Then you'll know how it feels
You'll come to understand the fullness of an experience.
To know you're not real
You'll realise how fleeting everything is.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MATTHEW THIESSEN, ADAM YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexander Aultman
Very good stuff! Fun Trick Noisemaker will always be my favorite Apples record.
The Apples in stereo official
Yes! Album art by Steve Keene!
ferdywilkerson
One of my favourite songs of all time... Made me shake since the first time I listened to it
Joshua Hunt
Fantastic Album, glad I stumbled upon you guys
rock'n'rollmandolin
Classic!
blueprintsymphonic
❤❤❤
this channel features Eli Gus and Derek
Wait, not knowing how old this is, I'm still going to ask this. Was this song used in a Adventures of Pete and Pete episode? And no, I'm not thinking about the theme song by Polaris.
Aqua Man
Yes the episode where they are stuck in the school
NolalanD
about a waterslide? great