Recording mostly live, the band released its debut, Almost Killed Me, on French Kiss Records in March 2004 and Separation Sunday a year later. In April 2006 the band signed to Vagrant Records and entered the studio on the 1st of May to begin work on their third record, Boys and Girls in America. Released in October, it was one of the most critically acclaimed records of 2006 and reached a much larger audience than its predecessors.
The band released their fourth album, Stay Positive, recorded again with Boys and Girls in America producer John Agnello. Nicolay left the group and on May 4, 2010 the band released their fifth studio album, Heaven Is Whenever, recorded with producer Dean Baltulonis.
On July 15, 2008, Stay Positive was released. It debuted at #30 on the Billboard 200. It debuted on the UK Album Chart at #15 on July 20, the third-highest new entry. It ranked #1 on the UK Indie Chart. The album was named the best of 2008 by Entertainment Weekly. The song "Constructive Summer" was number 56 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.
Their seventh album, Thrashing Thru the Passion, was released in 2019. Among its songs, "Entitlement Crew" and "Confusion in the Marketplace," were considered standouts.
Hot Fries
The Hold Steady Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the things that make you high will make you die.
i went to your party and your party was got clever. i put a milkcrate on my head and surrendered in the corner. some borderline whore asked me how i'm liking california. i just cried. i saw you making eyes at some quote/unquote gorgeous guy. look a little closer because he's covered in flies. you're hot. but you're fried. you're cool. but you're iced out. you know exactly what i'm talking about.
the things that make you high will make you die. the crack has got you slipping through the cushions of the couch. dilaudids got your head like a howling haunted house. she said it's my party and i'll die if i want to. you would too if it happened to you.
The Hold Steady's song "Hot Fries" comments on the delusion and false happiness that can come from various forms of escapism - such as drugs, pop culture, and relationships. The opening lyrics suggest that our favorite movies, books, and songs can seem less significant when we are not under the influence of substances that are used to escape from our painful realities. The singer also points out that some of the most famous artists, such as Jack Kerouac and Elliott Smith, were troubled and didn't necessarily have it all figured out - therefore their work may not be a shining example of perfection. The chorus repeats the warning message that what brings us up, can also bring us down - ultimately causing our demise.
The second verse of the song describes a party atmosphere that is not exactly fun for the singer. He is experiencing inner turmoil and is therefore feeling disconnected from those around him. He sees the object of his desire flirting with a less-than-perfect man, and is disillusioned by the fact that what he perceived to be desirable or attractive in the past is now a source of disgust. The final lines of the verse are a warning that indulging in anything that brings temporary relief but long-term pain can lead to an early death. The final lines of the song are a chilling message that death can come early, and therefore, we should be careful about what we choose to indulge in.
Line by Line Meaning
all your favorite movies. they ain't all that funny. if you ain't that high. and i ain't that high.
The entertainment you enjoy may not actually be as good as you think it is, especially if you are under the influence. However, without any external influence, the experience of such entertainment can be rather mundane.
all your favorite books. they wouldn't seem so well written if you were just a little bit more well read.
The books you cherish may not be considered highly acclaimed literature if you had read more commonly studied works or authors.
jack kerouac is dead. he drank himself to death. i just ain't that high.
Jack Kerouac, known for his alcoholism, died from his excessive drinking habits. However, I am not inebriated to the same degree as he was.
all your favorite songs wouldn't seem so sad. if you weren't so depressed. elliott smith seems like a mess to me. and you cry way too easily.
The music you hold dear may not be as melancholic if you weren't feeling down to begin with. To me, Elliott Smith's music appears chaotic, and you're overly emotional.
the things that make you high will make you die.
Drugs, which may provide short-term pleasure, can have severe long-term consequences, even leading to death.
i went to your party and your party was got clever. i put a milkcrate on my head and surrendered in the corner. some borderline whore asked me how i'm liking california. i just cried.
I attended your gathering, which was well-known for its creativity, and I felt so out of place that I ended up putting a milk crate on my head and isolating myself. A promiscuous individual inquired about my feelings towards California, causing me to burst into tears.
i saw you making eyes at some quote/unquote gorgeous guy. look a little closer because he's covered in flies.
I noticed that you were showing interest in a supposedly attractive man. However, when you examine him more closely, he is unappealing due to his insect infestation.
you're hot. but you're fried. you're cool. but you're iced out. you know exactly what i'm talking about.
You are attractive but also under the influence of drugs. You present as cool, but mentally you are numb to the environment. You understand what I am trying to convey.
the crack has got you slipping through the cushions of the couch. dilaudids got your head like a howling haunted house. she said it's my party and i'll die if i want to. you would too if it happened to you.
The cocaine you have consumed has caused you to become lost within the cushions of the sofa. The pain medication Dilaudid has resulted in a tormenting mental state. She commented that since it was her gathering, she could die if she wanted to, and so would you if put in the same situation.
Contributed by Jeremiah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.