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"
I Coulda Been a Contender
The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics
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I've been dancing on this killing floor for years
And of the few things I am certain, I'm the captain of my burden
I'm sorry doll, I could never stop the rain
Once you said I was your hero
You would dance with me on a dime
We could spin this world right right right round
I was gonna get this real big engine
I was gonna get them Broadway stars
You were gonna be my Judy Garland
We were gonna share your tin man heart
There's a dirty wind blowin', there's a storm front comin' in
There's an SOS on the seas tonight
Steady now, steady now, soldier, hold fast now
It's heads or tails and heart attacks and broken dreams tonight
We used to drive all night
All over town
We'd go waltzing Matilda
When Matilda came around
I sang them blues to you
There's a dirty wind blowin', there's a storm front comin' in
There's an SOS on the seas tonight
Steady now, steady now, soldier, hold fast now
It's heads or tails and heart attacks and broken dreams tonight
There's a dirty wind blowin', there's a storm front comin' in
There's an S-O-S on the seas tonight
Steady now, steady now, soldier, hold fast now
It's heads or tails and heart attacks and broken dreams
And heart attacks and broken dreams
Atlantis is my only dream tonight
The Gaslight Anthem's "I Coulda Been a Contender" is a haunting and nostalgic song, with lyrics that speak to the feelings of loneliness, longing, and regret that so many people experience at various points in their lives. The song consists of multiple verses, each of which paints a vivid picture of a different part of the singer's past life. In the first verse, he describes himself as broke, hungry, and lonely, and talks about how he's been dancing on a killing floor (a metaphor for a difficult, dangerous life) for years. Despite his struggles, he still feels like he's in control of his fate.
The second verse is somewhat more hopeful, as the singer reminisces about a time when he and his partner used to dance together, and how they could "spin this world right right right round" if they were together. He talks about their plans to achieve fame and success - he was going to get a big engine, and she was going to be his Judy Garland. However, as the song progresses, the tone becomes more and more ominous, with mentions of a "dirty wind" blowing in and an SOS on the seas. The final verse mentions Atlantis as the singer's "only dream," suggesting a sense of escapism from his present troubles.
Overall, "I Coulda Been a Contender" is a powerful commentary on the fragility of dreams and the ways in which life can dash our hopes and plans. The lyrics are evocative and poetic, drawing on a range of cultural references (from boxing to Broadway) to create a sense of time and place.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm broke and I'm hungry, I'm hard up and I'm lonely
I am financially troubled and in need of basic necessities, and I feel emotionally isolated and alone.
I've been dancing on this killing floor for years
I've been struggling and fighting to survive in this harsh and unforgiving world for a long time.
And of the few things I am certain, I'm the captain of my burden
Despite my uncertainties and struggles, I am in control of my own life and the weight of my problems.
I'm sorry doll, I could never stop the rain
I apologize, but I cannot control the inevitable difficulties and struggles that come with life.
Once you said I was your hero
You used to admire and look up to me as a role model.
You would dance with me on a dime
You were always willing to join me in my pursuits, even if it meant making an impulsive decision.
We could spin this world right right right round
We had the potential to achieve great things and make a significant impact on the world.
And catch back up on the flip side
We could overcome any obstacles and setbacks and come out on top in the end.
I was gonna get this real big engine
I had plans and dreams of achieving something significant and substantial.
I was gonna get them Broadway stars
I had aspirations of achieving fame and success on Broadway.
You were gonna be my Judy Garland
You were going to be my partner and collaborator in achieving success and greatness.
We were gonna share your tin man heart
We were going to pursue our dreams and goals together, and you were going to share your inner strength and courage.
There's a dirty wind blowin', there's a storm front comin' in
There are difficult and tumultuous times ahead, and hard times are approaching.
There's an SOS on the seas tonight
There is a distress signal and a call for help on the sea, symbolizing the need for assistance and support.
Steady now, steady now, soldier, hold fast now
Stay calm and composed, and hold on tightly to your beliefs and convictions.
It's heads or tails and heart attacks and broken dreams tonight
There is a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability, and the possibility of failures, disappointments, and heartaches.
We used to drive all night
We used to pursue our dreams and desires relentlessly, and we were not afraid of hard work and persistence.
All over town
We traveled and explored different places and opportunities, seeking success and fulfillment.
We'd go waltzing Matilda
We would celebrate and enjoy our successes and achievements, embracing life to the fullest.
When Matilda came around
When opportunity presented itself, we were ready and eager to seize it.
I sang them blues to you
I expressed my struggles and hardships to you through my music and art.
And heart attacks and broken dreams
There is a possibility of heartaches and disappointments, and the risk of failing in one's pursuits and aspirations.
Atlantis is my only dream tonight
Amidst all the struggles and setbacks, I still hold onto my dreams and aspirations of achieving something significant and fulfilling.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN FALLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind