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.
Told You Once
The Apples in Stereo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh ooh, what do you do to your baby?
(Ooh ooh, what do you do?)
Ah ha, I hear her cry she's so lonely.
(Why you make her cry?)
Why do you treat her bad?
Ooh ooh, I see right through how you use her.
(Ooh ooh, I see through you.)
Ah, ha, I'll be nearby when you lose her.
(Ah ha, I'll be nearby.)
(Why do you treat her bad?)
Why's that?
(Why do you treat her bad?)
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
Ooh ooh, if I were you I'd be there with her.
(Ooh ooh, wish I were you.)
Ah ha, I'd be nearby to take care of her.
(Ah ha, I'll be nearby.)
(Why do you treat her bad?)
Why's that?
(Why do you treat her bad?)
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
(Why do you treat her bad?)
(Why do you treat her bad?)
(I told you once)
Ooh ooh, what do you do to your baby?
(Ooh ooh what do you do?)
Ah ha, I hear her cry, she cried out for me.
(Why you make her cry?)
(Why do you treat her bad?)
Now why is that?
(Why do you treat her bad?)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
(Ooh ooh ooh)
I told you once, I told you twice (Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your baby nice. (Ooh ooh ooh)
I'm gonna treat your, I'm gonna treat your, I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
I'm gonna treat your, I'm gonna treat your, I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
The Apples in Stereo's "Told You Once" is a song about calling out someone who is mistreating their significant other. The chorus repeatedly asks "Why do you treat her bad?" emphasizing the need for the person to reconsider their actions towards their partner. The verses describe how the singer sees through the person's actions and would personally take better care of the neglected partner if given the chance. The repeated statement of "I'm gonna treat your baby nice" signals the singer's commitment to rectifying the situation and treating the partner with the love and respect they deserve.
Musically, the song is an upbeat and catchy pop tune in true Apples in Stereo fashion. The use of clean guitar riffs and prominent bass guitar give the song a retro, alternative vibe that is characteristic of the band's sound. With tight harmonies, the melody of the song is easy to sing along to and emphasizes the chorus's main phrase, "Why do you treat her bad?"
Overall, "Told You Once" is a straightforward yet powerful message of calling out bad behavior in relationships and promoting love and respect towards partners.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh ooh, what do you do to your baby?
Asking the person what they are doing to hurt their loved one.
Ah ha, I hear her cry she's so lonely.
The singer knows that the person is making their loved one cry from neglect.
Why do you treat her bad?
Asking the person why they are treating their loved one poorly.
Ooh ooh, I see right through how you use her.
The artist can see that the person is using their loved one for their own benefit.
Ah, ha, I'll be nearby when you lose her.
The artist will be there to support the loved one when they finally leave the person mistreating them.
I'm gonna treat your baby nice.
The singer promises to treat the loved one well and make up for the mistreatment they have received.
Ooh ooh, if I were you I'd be there with her.
If the singer were in the person's shoes, they would be with their loved one and take care of them.
Ah ha, I'd be nearby to take care of her.
The artist would offer support and care to the loved one if they were in the position to do so.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Mick Jagger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Peter Castillo
Cant believe its been 10 years since the last Apples record
nekroneko
One of the most refreshing songs I've heard in a long while. Shame songs sell on image instead of I don't know, the song!
Mattydigs
I remember downloading this band on limewire almost a decade ago. I just liked the sound of their name. It reminded me of the beatles (apple anthology) so i figured they might be good. Well long story short, they have been part of the backdrop to many of my 'wallpaper reveries' over the years and many a fond memory. Thanks guys :)
Alyx-Fao
@Andy Petrovich Ninteen years ago!
Andy Petrovich
I used Napster to search for elf music (something quirky for D and D night) and found Elf Power which led me to Elephant 6. That was in 1999. Damn, I miss college!
Rosie Loosemore
This song AND video is CRIMINALLY underrated!!
Kait Driscoll
Dude, I'd pay REALLY GOOD money, or anything... just to see these guys perform for 30 seconds! Insanely great!
R
You guys were featured on conservative radio... thats how I discovered you. Please keep on! Best band Ive come across in a long time.
Magicprincess9000
Very Creative Band! I am so glad that I became their fan through Elijah Wood!
Hezekiah Crocker
LOVE THIS!!