During the early 2000s the band rose to prominence in the US Pacific Northwest punk / new wave scene with a combination of energetic live shows and extremely well received singles. The band drew their influence from early British punk bands like The Undertones, The Jam, The Boys and The Buzzcocks, as well as pop acts like Nick Lowe. The Exploding Hearts lead a revival of 70s power pop and new wave in the Seattle / Portland area along with bands like The Briefs and The Epoxies on the then-Seattle based Dirtnap Records.
On July 20th, 2003 the band was in an automotive accident which claimed the lives of three members. Their touring van flipped over on Interstate 5 just north of Eugene, Oregon while en route from San Francisco to Portland. Jeremy Gage (age 21) and Adam Cox (age 23) were thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Matthew Fitzgerald (age 20), died at a hospital. Terry Six and band manager Rachelle Ramos both survived with minor injuries.
No attempts were made to carry on the band name after the accident, yet the band's music continued to gain popularity as word of mouth spread on the internet. Sole surviving member Terry Six went on to form The Nice Boys who are quite unlike the punk vibe of his former band and take on more of a 70s glam sensibility. In his current band, Six is the lead singer as well as the lead guitar player.
You're Black and Blue
The Exploding Hearts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your lips so sweet your hair so black your eyes so blue,
Well i see you walk with another boy, it hurts me so,
You don't feel my pain, oh girl, you will know,
You're black and blue (black black, black and blue)
Black and blue (black black, black and blue)
What can you do (black black, black and blue)
I've been back in town for a couple days, now i'm bored
All i need is something new, ah girl, something more
Than just you, (you dont know girl, it's hard)
You're black and blue (black black, black and blue)
Black and blue (black black, black and blue)
Black and blue (black black, black and blue)
What can ya do (black black, black and blue)
The Exploding Hearts’ song “You’re Black and Blue” presents a narrative of heartbreak and longing for a lost love. The lyrics express raw emotion, as the singer laments the end of his relationship with a girl who has moved on to another boy. The opening lines describe the isolation that comes with missing someone, as the singer sits alone in his room thinking about the girl he still loves. The imagery of her physical features highlights his deep admiration for her, but it also emphasizes the pain he feels in seeing her with someone else.
The chorus repeats the phrase “You’re black and blue,” which may be interpreted in a few different ways. It could refer to the bruises left on the singer’s heart from the breakup, or it could be a metaphor for the girl herself being damaged or hurt. The repetition of the line underscores the intense emotions that the singer is experiencing, as well as his need to convey them in a way that will make the girl understand his feelings. He acknowledges that she doesn’t yet feel his pain, but he is determined that she will eventually.
The second verse shifts focus to the singer’s desire for something new and different in his life. He has been back in town for a few days and is already bored with his surroundings. He recognizes that he needs to move on from the girl and find new experiences that will bring him fulfillment. However, he also acknowledges that it is difficult to let go of her completely. The chorus repeats with the same intensity, highlighting the singer’s emotional turmoil.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sittin' all alone in my room thinkin' about you,
The singer is alone and thinking about the person they love.
Your lips so sweet your hair so black your eyes so blue,
The singer is describing the physical features of the person they love.
Well i see you walk with another boy, it hurts me so,
The singer is hurt to see the person they love with someone else.
You don't feel my pain, oh girl, you will know,
The artist believes that the person they love will someday understand their pain.
You're black and blue (black black, black and blue)
The phrase 'black and blue' is likely metaphorical, expressing the artist's emotional pain.
What can you do (black black, black and blue)
The singer is expressing a sense of hopelessness.
I've been back in town for a couple days, now i'm bored
The singer has recently returned to town and is feeling uninterested and dissatisfied.
All i need is something new, ah girl, something more
The artist wants something exciting and different.
Than just you, (you dont know girl, it's hard)
The artist is struggling with their feelings for the person they love.
You're black and blue (black black, black and blue)
The phrase 'black and blue' is again likely metaphorical, expressing the artist's emotional pain.
What can ya do (black black, black and blue)
The singer is still expressing a sense of hopelessness.
Contributed by Stella E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chaoitcme
Such a great band and such a loss. 3/4 of the band died before making a dent in the world.
O Justiceiro
Wow
Escapism
Is it just me or is this version sped up