The Gaslight Anthem’s music embraces many elements of blues, classic rock, and punk rock. The band has described their sound as “Bruce Springsteen singing for a Cure cover band, with a tinge more aggression.” The group’s fondness for Springsteen, a significant influence on their music, is celebrated by fans and critics alike. Representative of such views, one critic wrote, “The Gaslight Anthem are like something out of speculative fiction: this is what pop music would be if Springsteen hadn’t listened to his producer, let the Ramones record ‘Hungry Heart,’ and launched the C.B.G.B.’ers into megastardom.”
The band released its first LP, Sink or Swim, in 2007 through XOXO Records, and toured with many reputable bands, including Against Me!, The Draft, Dead to Me, and Fake Problems.
The Gaslight Anthem’s second release, a 4-song EP entitled Señor and the Queen, was released on January 29th, 2008 by Sabot Productions.
Their second full-length, The ‘59 Sound, was released on August 19, 2008 on Side One Dummy Records. The album debuted at #70 on the Billboard top 200. It was produced by Ted Hutt, who has produced albums for The Bouncing Souls, Flogging Molly, and MxPx.
On August 6, 2008 they became the first band to ever appear on the cover of Kerrang! magazine without the publication having previously written a single word about them.
In Fall 2008, the band toured with Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, and Thrice.
On December 9, 2008, the Gaslight Anthem made their television debut on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, performing the song the “The ‘59 Sound.” On January 30, 2009, they appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, again playing “The ‘59 Sound.”
Their third full-length, American Slang, was released on June 15, 2010, on Side One Dummy Records. The Bring It On Songfacts reports that it finds the band moving away from the fictional lyrics and '50s-inspired sound of their previous records.
In 2010 they appeared on the main stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals in the UK along with Arcade Fire, The Libertines and Modest Mouse.
Their fourth full-length, Handwritten was released on July 23, 2012 in the UK, and on July 24 in the US. The lead single, "45", was aired for the first time worldwide as Zane Lowe's Hottest Record in the World on April 30, 2012 on BBC Radio 1 and was released on iTunes on May 8, 2012. Handwritten was called by The Rolling Stone their "biggest sounding, most straightforward album"
Boxer
The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tucked just like a Tommy gun
Somewhere in the smoke
Just in case you need it
I know you got your pride and your prose
Tucked just like a Tommy gun
Somewhere in the smoke
Just in case you needed
Rougher than the last one
Oh, what'd you used to say
The harder they come
But he just swears he's praying for a good time
He, he said he just doesn't miss her
And I have heard you never really lose it
Do you, do you
He took it all gracefully on the chin
Knowing that the beatings had to someday end
He found the bandages inside the pen
And the stitches on the radio
There was something, baby, holding you down
And there were whispers that were driving you crazy
And now you hunt the heart of this town
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
And you tied two knuckles up
How they grind down
Tried to be a man
Tough just like your father
Try to settle down
Boy, I could calm down
Remember them songs
And the reasons we were singing
But he said he just doesn't miss her
He, he said it's somewhere in his framework
And I have heard you never really lose it
Do you, do you
He took it all gracefully on the chin
Knowing that the beatings had to someday end
He found the bandages inside the pen
And the stitches on the radio
There was something, baby, holding you down
And there were reasons that were driving you crazy
Until you hunt the heart of this town
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
And you can wait all night long
Until it all goes wrong
And you waste away your soul
And you can wait, wait, wait, wait
You took it all gracefully on the chin
Knowing that the beatings had to someday end
You found the bandages inside the pen
And the stitches on the radio
There was something, baby, holding you down
And there were whispers that were driving you crazy
Until you hunt the heart of this town
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
The Gaslight Anthem's song Boxer is a somber reflection on a person struggling with their emotions after a painful breakup. The opening lyrics suggest that the person is armed with their pride and their prose, ready to use them like the proverbial Tommy gun to protect themselves from further heartache. The chorus seems to suggest that although the person is putting on a tough front, they are still hurting inside. The line "He just swears he's praying for a good time" implies that the person is trying to distract themselves from their pain by seeking out pleasures in life.
The second verse further reinforces the idea that the person is trying to pick up the pieces after a traumatic experience. The line "He took it all gracefully on the chin, knowing that the beatings had to someday end" suggests that the person is accepting the pain and trauma that they have experienced, but they are also aware that it cannot last forever. The mention of "finding the bandages inside the pen and the stitches on the radio" suggests that the person has turned to creative outlets to help them cope with their emotions. The rest of the lyrics continue with this theme, as the person reflects on memories of their past relationship and tries to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
Got your pride and your prose
You have your dignity and your written expression.
Tucked just like a Tommy gun
Hiding like a weapon in the smoke.
Somewhere in the smoke
Concealed in the obscurity of habit.
Just in case you need it
Ready for use in case it's necessary.
I know you got your pride and your prose
I am aware that you hold important aspects of yourself.
Some of her to spin around
A part of her to linger in your thoughts.
Rougher than the last one
More difficult than your previous experiences.
Oh, what'd you used to say
What was your former attitude?
The harder they come
The greater the challenge.
But he just swears he's praying for a good time
He claims to seek pleasure, but possibly as a distraction.
He, he said he just doesn't miss her
He asserts that he doesn't long for her presence anymore.
And I have heard you never really lose it
I have heard that one never truly forgets.
Do you, do you
Is this true for you?
He took it all gracefully on the chin
He accepted the circumstances with poise.
Knowing that the beatings had to someday end
Aware that the suffering had to ultimately cease.
He found the bandages inside the pen
He found comfort through writing.
And the stitches on the radio
And some solace through song.
There was something, baby, holding you down
Something was weighing you down.
And there were whispers that were driving you crazy
There were rumors causing you distress.
And now you hunt the heart of this town
And currently you roam searching for meaning.
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
Recall when I was acquainted with a fighter.
And you tied two knuckles up
You prepared your fists for battle.
How they grind down
How they wear over time.
Tried to be a man
Attempted to exhibit strength and maturity.
Tough just like your father
Resilient akin to your paternal figure.
Try to settle down
Attempt to find peace.
Boy, I could calm down
I long to find tranquility.
Remember them songs
Recall those songs.
And the reasons we were singing
The motivations behind our vocalization.
He said he just doesn't miss her
He repeated the claim of not desiring her.
He, he said it's somewhere in his framework
He implies that the feelings form a part of himself.
Do you, do you
Is it comparable for you?
And you can wait all night long
And you can retain hope for a prolonged period.
Until it all goes wrong
Until the circumstance inevitably fails.
And you waste away your soul
And you squander your vitality.
You found the bandages inside the pen
You found solace through writing.
Remember when I knew a boxer, baby
Recall when I was acquainted with a fighter.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN FALLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
strayebyrd
as an avid music fan and a writer/poet, the line "You found bandages inside the pen/And the stitches on the radio" mean a lot to me personally
Matt
strayebyrd I thought it was some fighter leaving stitches on the radio, after he said he wasn’t boxing anymore
Tim Lalande
Forgot how damn good this song/album is!
Julien Profichet
I just discovered the band few weeks ago, and I can tell you it is one of the most beautiful discover I ever done!! And Boxer is my favorite song!! Thank you The Gaslight Anthem to make some so good music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LosNodos
My favourite song from American Slang. I have to say, I can listen to this for hours and never tire of it.
brednwashere
best song off the album! i love it
twinnedwitherlangen
Brilliant, as are all songs by The Gaslight Anthem.
Lizzie W.
I can't believe it's been 6 years :/ how time flies. I'm gonna watch this again in five more years, anyone else?
Birdy Boy
don't watch it, just listen to it
YONOFUÍ
10 years now