Shortly thereafter they were signed by Go-Kart Records and re-recorded the songs from "A Lesson" and re-released their album with the addition of some new tracks.
At the Fest VII in Gainesville, FL they were approached by Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms and subsequently signed to Red Scare Industries.
They released their Red Scare debut EP "Hold On, Dodge" in 2009.
In April 2010, Chamberlain Waits was released, through Red Scare Records. In March and April they also toured in support of Against Me!.
On May 17, 2011 they announced that they had signed to Epitaph Records. Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph Records and guitarist of Bad Religion said this about the signing of the band:
"These guys play the kind of pure punk rock that I grew up with. They are seriously talented songwriters and I'm happy to welcome them to the Epitaph family. I think the band is a great fit here."
They released their third full length album, On The Impossible Past, on February 21, 2012 via Epitaph Records.
The band currently lives in South Philadelphia, PA.
Band Members:
Tom May
Joe Godino
Greg Barnett
Eric Keen
Cold Weather Gear
The Menzingers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To see my poor daughter to see my poor baby′s face
I've got the flashman in my sight
I wonder if hes got a daughter and if he′s got a wife
And christmas eve came as a surprise
I counted my blessings and prayed to God for my life
I lost my best friend to Bastogne today
I wonder who'll tell his family and who'll tell his wife
In "Cold Weather Gear," The Menzingers explore the duality of war, focusing on the pain of soldiers who are forced to leave their families behind in order to fight in battles. The opening lines reveal the singer's eagerness to return home on a plane and see his daughter and baby's face again. However, the next lines shift focus to the enemy soldier named flashman, humanizing him by making us wonder whether he has a family of his own. The chorus reflects on the importance of family, especially during the holiday season, as the singer thinks about his lost friend and wonders how his death will be communicated to his loved ones.
The last verse suggests that war is not only horrific because of the violence and loss of life but also because it forces soldiers to confront a fundamental existential question: who will speak for them when they are gone? The song's theme is reinforced by the repeating guitar riff, which sounds both melancholy and tense. The Menzingers appear to have written "Cold Weather Gear" as a tribute to those who have fought and died in wars, and as a reminder of the immense sacrifices soldiers and their families make all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
And I cant wait to be back home on the plane
I'm excited to go back home and be reunited with my loved ones.
To see my poor daughter to see my poor baby's face
I miss my daughter and can't wait to see her again.
I've got the flashman in my sight
I'm focused on my current mission or task.
I wonder if hes got a daughter and if he's got a wife
I'm curious about the personal life of the person I'm currently focused on.
And Christmas eve came as a surprise
Christmas Eve was unexpected or caught me off guard.
I counted my blessings and prayed to God for my life
I am grateful for what I have and am seeking protection from a higher power.
I lost my best friend to Bastogne today
I tragically lost my closest companion during a battle in Bastogne.
I wonder who'll tell his family and who'll tell his wife
I'm concerned about who will deliver the devastating news of my friend's death to his loved ones.
Writer(s): Barnett Gregory Cornelius, May Thomas F
Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.