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"
Once Upon a Time
The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was in love with you, lady and you treated me so cool.
I was drivin' a Chevy '72 had 4 on the floor, girl,
One hundred 20 it would do
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin',
What's goin' on
I didn't wanna go and fight, girl, but you were really lovin' me.
I remember Martin Luther King,
Lord he was the man, baby, that gave us all a dream.
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin',
What's goin' on
Don't play with my love no,
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin', What's goin' on
We used to have sweet music in the park
Lord up at Monterey a they sang throughout the dark
You used to wear girl, those hot pants
When you strolled down the hall,
All the boys wanted a chance...
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin',
What's goin' on
Don't play with my love, no
I remember Otis Redding, Sittin' at the Dock of the Bay
Ahh, he went away..
I remember Sam Cooke ya'll, Bring It On Home To Me,
From your love I can't be free
I remember Elvis Presley, and the Blue Suede Shoes
Ahh it gave me the blues.
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin' Let's get it on
The Gaslight Anthem's song "Once Upon a Time" is a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with the singer reminiscing about his high school days and a past love interest. The song starts with the singer driving his Chevy and how his lady love used to treat him cool. He then remembers Marvin Gaye's iconic song "What's Going On," which was a reflection of the social and political upheavals of the time. The singer mentions the war across the sea and his reluctance to fight in it but also remembers the message of peace and unity that Martin Luther King Jr. spread.
The song then moves on to talk about sweet music in the park and how his lady love used to wear hot pants and how all the boys wanted a chance with her. The singer remembers the soulful music of Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Elvis Presley, all legends of their time. He ends with a mention of Marvin Gaye's sensual song "Let's Get it On," which became an anthem for lovers.
"Once Upon a Time" is a song that takes the listener back to a time when things were simpler, and the world seemed less complicated. It's a reminder of the power of music to evoke emotions and memories, and it's a celebration of the artists who created some of the greatest songs of their era.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time, when I was in high school
In the past, during my high school days
I was in love with you, lady and you treated me so cool.
I was infatuated with you, and you treated me well.
I was drivin' a Chevy '72 had 4 on the floor, girl, One hundred 20 it would do
I owned a powerful Chevrolet model 72
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin', What's goin' on
I recall the melody and lyrics of Marvin Gaye's famous song
There was a war, baby, somewhere across the sea I didn't wanna go and fight, girl, but you were really lovin' me.
A war was ongoing, and although I didn't want to fight, you encouraged me to.
I remember Martin Luther King, Lord he was the man, baby, that gave us all a dream.
I remember Martin Luther King, the iconic figure who gave us all hope for a better world.
We used to have sweet music in the park Lord up at Monterey a they sang throughout the dark You used to wear girl, those hot pants When you strolled down the hall, All the boys wanted a chance...
In the park at Monterey, we used to listen to music together. You used to wear hot pants that made the boys curious about you.
I remember Marvin Gaye, singin', What's goin' on Don't play with my love no I remember Marvin Gaye, singin', What's goin' on
Marvin Gaye's song played a significant part in my life, and it's a song that reminds me not to play with love.
I remember Otis Redding, Sittin' at the Dock of the Bay Ahh, he went away.. I remember Sam Cooke ya'll, Bring It On Home To Me, From your love I can't be free I remember Elvis Presley, and the Blue Suede Shoes Ahh it gave me the blues. I remember Marvin Gaye, singin' Let's get it on
I remember various musicians who once inspired me, including Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, and Marvin Gaye
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert Bradley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@beaterbikechannel2538
Only just found this one. The band that keeps on giving. I got into these guys around 2010 I feel like I missed the party with Gaslight Anthem. And the present feels like the morning after.
@liamgallagherful
Same here. First heard of them with 45 but didn't get into them til a couple of years after you. I was happy I got to see them play for the first time, in Asbury Park, during what was their last tour.
@thedidymuss
I fell asleep during Devils due. I woke up to this awesome song" once upon a time"at the closing credits. It touched me in a way I can't explain. Guess it's because I grew up in the fifties and sixties. Remember MLK on TV.
I had a teenage queen and a 69 Chevy with 4 on the floor. I remember the evening news giving a casualty count from the Vietnam war EVERY DAY!! Great song!!!great beat!! I now have another song to listen to while riding my Harley!!!
@fabianavalos1386
thedidymuss Same here. I woke up to this in the middle of the night.
@DarthC0MB0S
lol I woke up to it too, was really thinking I missed out on an amazing film due to this amazing song!
@ryancoulson687
I sweat to god I woke up to this song too , this is kinda wierd
@ryancoulson687
+Ryan Colson swear
@generationkill791
thedidymuss lol so did i woke uo to this tune
@aydenvavra2153
Devil’s Due brought me here great film and fantastic song in the end credits.
@wesket1259
Came here from Devil's Due. I actually loved the movie. :)