In 2000, Nathan Nicholson left Tennessee, America after the death of his mother, and came to London. The band formed in 2001 through a chance meeting at London's 12 Bar Club between vocalist Nathan and guitarist Todd. This quickly cemented into a firm friendship which resulted in them living and writing together. College friends Adam and Piers, were soon intrigued, and completed the line-up. All shared common influences, and a passion for epic, escapist music - The Boxer Rebellion was born.
In June 2003, after funding and releasing their own limited edition self-titled EP, they bolstered their way onto Glastonbury's New Bands tent, and were soon snapped up by Alan McGee's Poptones label, who put out first single Watermelon in the same year. Before the enormity of what they were doing had even registered, the Boxers spent months in the studio rehearsing and writing, before disaster struck for Nicholson, and riders and roadies were swapped for a hospital bed and saline drips. A twelve hour operation to remove a life-threatening growth from his stomach was successful. He was lucky. The result was the cancellation of tours with Razorlight and The Killers, among others.
The band was signed by major label Universal Music following Exits, who promised worldwide distribution and a free hand in continuing to create records of longevity and substance. Instead, the deal proved more of a curse than a blessing, as Universal became reluctant to continue to finance the lengthy gestation of the next record. Financial difficulties led Poptones to drop the Boxer Rebellion in early 2007, with Universal following suit soon after; however, both continued to hold rights to the band's catalogue and digital distribution. With the record nearly complete and invitations to tour from Editors and others still open, the band began a lengthy fight to get control back over them, which they eventually won in 2008. In January, an unmixed version of future single Evacuate was released on limited vinyl, but it would be a full year before anything approaching a full release was possible, and some of the band moved to Berlin in 2009.
With the money nearly running out and so a physical self-release impossible, the band entered an exclusive worldwide deal with iTunes to put their new record Union out as well as a re-release of Exits. The album charted highly, reaching #2 on the Alternative chart and #4 on the iTunes UK Top 100, but was ineligible for the official UK Top 40 as it was released when a physical release was required. The CD and vinyl were eventually released in August.
The Cold Still was released in the U.S. on 1 February 2011 on iTunes and is available on CD worldwide through the Boxer Rebellion's own label Absentee Recordings. The album charted on iTunes at #24 with a peak position of #20, spending 9 days on the US iTunes album chart. The band made their network television debut on 2 February 2011 on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman, where they performed the single "Step Out of the Car" live. The Boxer's new song "Both Sides are Even" was featured on ABC's Grey's Anatomy on 3 February 2011. Since the release of The Cold Still, the band have had several music placements including two in the videogame industry. "Step Out Of The Car" from The Cold Still was used in 2011's Rocksmith game and original composition "Losing You" was written exclusively for the Batman: Arkham City game soundtrack. Additionally "Caught By The Light" was used in the serial drama Nikita.
Also in 2011 the band released their first full-length live record Live in Tennessee. It was recorded and mixed by Ben McAmis and featured 16 tracks from a single concert.
On 7 November 2012, the band announced the release of their two volume B-Sides & Rarities Collection, Vol. 1 & 2, which contains tracks that had been previously recorded, but not included on initial releases of any of the studio albums. Volume one focused on material before and around the band's debut, Exits, and volume two included tracks that were released around and after Union, as well as some rarities that didn't make the cut or were included as bonus tracks for The Cold Still.
The band finished recording their fourth studio album, Promises, in the late part of February 2013. The music video for the debut single from the album, "Diamonds," was released on March 26. The band have toured regularly and released further singles, "Keep Moving", and "Promises".
On April 29, 2014, Todd Howe announced he was leaving the band to concentrate on production and other interests, leaving the Boxers as a three-piece.
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Discography
2003 - The Boxer Rebellion EP, Watermelon
2004 - In Pursuit, Code Red
2005 - All You Do Is Talk, Exits LP, World Without End
2007 - Broken Glass, J F K F C
2008 - Evacuate, Don't Drag Your Dirty Feet
2009 - Union LP, Flashing Red Light Means Go, iTunes Live From London
2011 - The Cold Still LP, Step Out Of The Car, The Runner, No Harm, Live in Tennessee
2012 - B Sides & Rarities Vols. 1 & 2
2013 - Diamonds, Promises LP, Keep Moving
2014 - Promises
Lay me Down
The Boxer Rebellion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That my aggravations get the best of me
And I'm tired of your side
Which should be so easy
And when it comes to pass my dear
Will you get me out of here
That my frustrations can go nowhere
And I'm tired of your side
Which should be so easy
And when it comes to pass my dear
Will you get me out of here
Lay me down...
The lyrics of "Lay Me Down" by The Boxer Rebellion express feelings of frustration and a desire for understanding from a loved one. The singer feels as though their aggravations are not being seen or acknowledged by their partner, and they are tired of feeling unsupported. They are pleading with their partner to "know me enough to care" and help them through their struggles. The repeated line "lay me down" could be interpreted as a plea for comfort and support.
The overall tone of the song is melancholic, with a sense of resignation and exhaustion. The lyrics reflect a longing for emotional intimacy and a deep connection with someone who truly understands and cares. The use of the word "dear" suggests a certain degree of fondness and affection, even in the midst of frustration and emotional pain.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was featured on the soundtracks of several movies and TV shows, including "Going the Distance," "Vampire Diaries," and "Grey's Anatomy." It also earned The Boxer Rebellion a spot as the supporting act for the popular band The Killers on their 2009 tour.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know me or even see
Do you truly understand who I am and recognize my struggles?
That my aggravations get the best of me
My frustrations and annoyances have a strong hold over me and affect me deeply.
And I'm tired of your side
I am exhausted from our constant disagreements and arguments.
Which should be so easy
Our relationship and communication should both be simple and stress-free.
And when it comes to pass my dear
If and when a significant event or challenge arises,
Will you get me out of here
Will you be there to support and help me through it?
I wish you knew me enough to care
I desire for you to have a deep understanding and concern for my well-being.
That my frustrations can go nowhere
I feel as though my stress and irritations are neglected or disregarded.
Lay me down...
I yearn for release from the burdens and pressures of life, perhaps even to rest in death.
Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CaptainOatwright
superb. This band is criminally ignored.
Xeryptos
Definitly the masterpiece in the album full of masterpieces :) The Boxer Rebellion <3 since 2008 I heard them at Imagine Festival Basel :)
Zora Z
Ahh guys - why didn't I find your music 18 years ago :( :( :( Exits and Union are just amazing! Hope you guys are staying safe, are well and happy. Think we need a few gigs please once we sort Covid out :) :)
Camila G.
This song is one of my favorite songs ever, it takes me to another place... a better place.
Gillian Smith
Beautiful song 💗🤗💓
Maxiclaudi
Great track!
nevandana
Great song!
zafeiris khalil
Pure relaxing intro
Рома Мельота
Lay me down... Oh God I love it !!!
Vlado Cifra
❤️