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
I Don't Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore
The Menzingers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Last Friday night I wasn't me
I was a still life trapped in eternity
I was the focal point of a focus out of ink
And I've been wandering and I live through the garden of your heart ache
Always making a mess, always stumbling out the door
But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Woah baby, baby I'll be good to you
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Woah baby, baby, I'll be good to you
Baby, baby, I'll be good to you
Another night, I devour the sun
Plunge myself into the depths of oblivion
Yeah somewhere along the way I found wine
Feels damn good just to bleed sometimes
All I ever wanted was to make things right
Usual vital, missing spite
I push my emotions off a bridge,
I've been taking them hostage with a shotgun
Now we're somewhere treading water,
Somewhere lost inside the the man that I'm not
But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Woah baby, baby I'll be good to you
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Woah baby, baby, I'll be good to you
I'll be good to you
I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good
I won't lie no more about where I've been
And I won't pry no more over the people that you're hanging with
You're the only lover that I ever miss
And I've been hopelessly in love with
Look at this tangle of thorns
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Yeah, I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Oh no, no, no
The lyrics of The Menzingers' "I Don't Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore" depict the inner struggles and attempts at redemption of a person who has been reckless and confrontational in their interactions with others. The song begins with the singer admitting that they were not themselves on a recent night out and that they had been feeling stuck and unproductive. He acknowledges that he had been a source of trouble in people's lives and that he had often neglected their feelings. He has now realized the error of his ways and wants to change. The chorus "I don't wanna be an asshole anymore" repeats this sentiment multiple times.
The singer then divulges that he had been self-destructive, drinking a lot and not taking care of himself emotionally. He acknowledges that he had often hurt others by lashing out and that he had never really taken responsibility for his actions. He continues to reflect on his past mistakes and the tangled web of relationships he has left behind. However, he is now trying to make amends, to treat his loved ones with more care and respect. He ends by repeating the chorus, affirming his commitment to change.
Overall, the song is an honest and raw expression of introspection and personal growth. It shows the singer facing their demons and trying to become a better, more compassionate person.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah!
The singer is feeling empowered and energized about making a change in their behavior.
Last Friday night I wasn't me
I was a still life trapped in eternity
I was the focal point of a focus out of ink
The singer is reflecting on their actions from the previous Friday night and acknowledging that they were not true to themselves, rather they were stuck in a moment of time with no direction or purpose.
And I've been wandering and I live through the garden of your heart ache
Always making a mess, always stumbling out the door
But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
The singer realizes that they have caused pain and chaos in the lives of others and that they want to change their ways to become a better person and to stop hurting those around them.
Woah baby, baby I'll be good to you
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Woah baby, baby, I'll be good to you
Baby, baby, I'll be good to you
The artist is expressing their desire to make amends and treat their loved ones with respect and kindness from now on.
Another night, I devour the sun
Plunge myself into the depths of oblivion
Yeah somewhere along the way I found wine
Feels damn good just to bleed sometimes
The artist is describing a night of excessive drinking, where they lost touch with reality and allowed themselves to get lost in their own world of pain and suffering.
All I ever wanted was to make things right
Usual vital, missing spite
I push my emotions off a bridge,
I've been taking them hostage with a shotgun
Now we're somewhere treading water,
Somewhere lost inside the the man that I'm not
But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
The singer is reflecting on their past mistakes and the emotional turmoil that has led them to self-destructive behavior. They are acknowledging that they have been hiding their true emotions and holding themselves back from being who they truly are, but they want to change and be a better person in the future.
I won't lie no more about where I've been
And I won't pry no more over the people that you're hanging with
You're the only lover that I ever miss
And I've been hopelessly in love with
Look at this tangle of thorns
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Yeah, I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Oh no, no, no
The singer is promising to change their ways by being honest about their actions and letting go of any jealousy or resentment they may feel towards others. They express their deep love and respect for one special person while also recognizing the obstacles that have kept them from being their best selves. They conclude by reiterating their commitment to becoming a better person.
Lyrics © MOTHERSHIP MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: ERIC KEEN, GREG BARNETT, JOE GODINO, TOM MAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christopher S.
Lyrics:
[Verse 1]
Yeeeeahhhhh!
Last Friday night I wasn't me
I was a still life trapped in eternity
I was the focal point out of focus, out of ink
And I've been wandering nightly
Through the garden of your heartache
Always making a mess, always stumbling out the door
But, I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
[Chorus]
Baby, baby I'll be good to you
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Baby, baby, I'll be good to you
Baby, baby, I'll be good to you
[Verse 2]
Another night, I devoured the sun
And plunged myself into the depths of oblivion
Yeah somewhere along the way I found why
Feels damn good just to bleed sometimes
But all I ever wanted was to make things right
The years of idleness and spite
I push my emotions off a bridge
After taking them hostage with a shotgun
Now they're somewhere treading water
Somewhere lost inside the man that I'm not
But I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
[Chorus]
Baby, baby I'll be good to you
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Baby, baby, I'll be good to you
I'll be good to you, I'll be good, I'll be good, I'll be good
[Verse 3]
I won't lie no more about where I've been
And I won't pry no more
Over the people that you're hanging with
You're the only lover that I ever missed
Ever been hopelessly in love with
Look at this tangle of thorns
I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
[Outro]
Yeah, I don't wanna be an asshole anymore
Oh no, no, no
Tech Matt
Just recently discovered these guys, have literally been listening nonstop. Haven't heard a band which gives me the feels more than these guys.
Kody Eyre
Matthew Lemmers check out Off With Their Heads! Very similar
RitualREDRUM
Same found them few years ago through the Lawerence Arms. They are amazing. Glad there's still good music being produced these days
A Guy Named Marcus
I found them via accidental click on 'Anna' and they are now my number one listened to band for the last 3-4 years. As you said, even after all these years there is no band that compares to the feel The Menzingers give me.
Uesugi Kenshin
Hope you've had a chance to see them perform live!
Jason
You should listen to Dead Poet Society they are awesome
E H
I've been trying to quit drinking and get back in better shape and have a more positive attitude. Everyday is a struggle. But this song and this video puts a smile on my face because I know I'm not alone and I know I can reach my goal. I really needed this today.
Rudolph Drasler
How are you doing today? I really hope your still living a sober life, and finding joys you’ll never find in a bottle or anywhere else for that matter!!!
E H
@Rudolph Drasler I'm doing great man. I ended up quitting drinking for a bit. I only will drink once in a while but not to make myself feel better or escape any loneliness. But I ended up getting back in shape and life took a more positive upside for me after I stopped drinking. During the pandemic I met someone and I made her my wife this year. Things got better and I'm definitely finding joys in life. Thank you for asking! I forgot I posted this. I was in a dark hole at the time. But I'm much better now😁
Kyle Cook
@E H Goddamn this was not the story of triumph I expected when I decided to watch this video.