The band has had multiple EP releases, regular rotation on station WXPN in Philadelphia, and near capacity headliners at TLA. In 2002, The Brakes set the record for highest ticket sales at The Point in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.[1]
In early 2006, The Brakes joined forces with H&R Block and became the face of the company's "TaxCut program" advertising campaign. The advertisements were featured on major national networks during shows like American Idol and The OC. The "TaxCut Program"'s print campaign graced the back covers of Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and Us Weekly.[2]
On Father's Day 2006, Djanikian was chosen to sing "God Bless America" during the seventh innings stretch at the Philadelphia Phillies game.
Josh Sack, drummer for The Brakes, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in August, 2007 and he died on May 4, 2008, two days before the day of the release of their Hyena Records album, Tale of Two Cities.[3] The album is a tribute to Sack's life and a showcase of his talents as a performer. Sack's successor, Spence Cohen, has been drumming with The Brakes since late April 2008.
The Brakes are winners of the 8th annual Independent Music Awards Vox Pop vote for best Live Performance Album "Tale of Two Cities".
On Your Side
The Brakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get through to you
But there's no getting through a door
And I'm just hoping too
break on through to you
Hope your door wont mind me hoping
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You're only self assured with your liquor lips and slurring words
The line is clear, the point is blurred
And I'm just hoping that you can shut your eyes and see for miles
cos when they're opened they're so frightened
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You're gunna need somebody on your side
It's a lonely time otherwise
You can tell by her lips she's good to kiss
But her eyes she's good to talk too
But there's a ringing there's a buzzing in her ear
She cant drink people stare her way
And I'm just trying to
Get through to you but
There's no getting through sometimes
And I'm just hoping too
Break on through to you
Hope your door wont mind me hoping.
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You're gunna need somebody on your side
It's a wasted life
It a lonely time other wise
The lyrics of The Brakes's song "On Your Side" speak to the desire for connection and support in a relationship that seems difficult to navigate. The singer is expressing their frustration in trying to reach their partner, but feeling like their efforts are in vain. The first verse conveys the hope to break through the barriers that exist between them, with the singer unsure if their partner's "door" will be open to their attempts. The repetition of the line "You're gunna need somebody on your side" emphasizes the importance of having support and understanding in a relationship, suggesting that without it, the time spent together feels lonely and wasted.
The second verse highlights the self-assuredness that the partner displays when under the influence of alcohol, yet their clarity of thought is blurred and their point is unclear. The singer hopes that their partner can look beyond their current state and see the bigger picture. However, when their partner's eyes are open, they become fearful, further hindering the connection between them. The chorus is repeated again, underlining the necessity of having someone by your side during challenging times.
The bridge of the song introduces a third person, possibly referring to someone else involved in the situation. This person is good to talk to and engage with intellectually, but they are also troubled by a ringing and buzzing in their ear, making it difficult for them to engage socially. Despite the obstacles faced by all parties involved, the singer continues to try and break through, hoping that, somehow, their partner's door will open to them.
Overall, "On Your Side" portrays the frustration and longing for connection in a relationship where communication proves to be difficult. It emphasizes the importance of having support and understanding from a loved one, highlighting the loneliness that ensues when such support is absent.
Line by Line Meaning
And I'm just trying to
I am making an effort to
Get through to you
Reach out and communicate with you
But there's no getting through a door
However, it seems impossible to connect with you
And I'm just hoping too
Additionally, I am also wishing
break on through to you
To find a way to penetrate your emotional barriers
Hope your door wont mind me hoping
I hope your guardedness won't hinder my hopefulness
You're gunna need somebody on your side
You will require support from someone who understands you
You're only self assured with your liquor lips and slurring words
Your confidence stems from alcohol-induced behavior and intoxicated speech
The line is clear, the point is blurred
The message is evident, but your understanding is clouded
And I'm just hoping that you can shut your eyes and see for miles
I wish you can close your eyes and have a clear perspective of the bigger picture
cos when they're opened they're so frightened
Because when your eyes are open, they are filled with fear
It's a lonely time otherwise
Otherwise, it feels isolated and desolate
You can tell by her lips she's good to kiss
From her lips, it is evident that she is skilled in kissing
But her eyes she's good to talk too
However, through her eyes, it is clear that she is capable of meaningful conversation
But there's a ringing there's a buzzing in her ear
Yet, there is a constant ringing and buzzing sound in her ear
She cant drink people stare her way
She is unable to consume alcohol while people gaze at her
There's no getting through sometimes
Occasionally, it feels impossible to establish a connection
It's a wasted life
This existence feels unfulfilled and futile
It a lonely time otherwise
Otherwise, it is a period of solitude and isolation
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind