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
Red White and Blues
The Menzingers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With machine guns blasting to hell
I let my guard down and carried my heart so far away
And in a letter sent, that I don't want to be here any more then them
I'm sipping on coffee gone stale again
Is this how it tastes to mix drinks with sour grapes?
So kiss me before its over if only for a minute
Or let the walls do the talking
But in the middle of the night
I lay frozen in a memory of us down by a river
With your hand clenched into mine
Well I still remember all the promises we swore we'd never outlive
Please tell me you remember forever friends
Cause in the red light I'm singing all alone
As I watched my favorite dream fall from grace to stone
Hiding in the basement we kept our voices low
You gave me that old troubled look that said "I don't know"
Hold onto twilight the sun brings empire
We are the last fight we are the fire
Cause just like your mother said
Your too pretty and young for this
Red White and Blues by The Menzingers is a song that describes a feeling of isolation and loneliness, as well as the confusion that comes with it. The song starts with the imagery of a war-like scenario in a deserted "no man's land". The singer, feeling disconnected from everyone around him, reflects on his own feelings and how he's been carrying his heart far away. The second verse is a letter the singer writes, expressing his desire to leave the place and the people around him, comparing life to "mixing drinks with sour grapes", meaning it's not pleasant.
In the chorus, the singer seeks comfort and connection with someone, even if it's only for a few minutes. He looks back on the times spent with someone down by the river, where promises were made to be friends forever. The song then returns to the present and the singer's situation, feeling all alone, singing in the red light. He recalls a favorite dream that has crumbled to dust and how he and his friend used to hide in the basement to keep their voices low.
The song touchingly captures the feeling of a person trying to find a place in the world but feeling disconnected and alone. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and raw emotions. The melancholic melody and the emotive, almost anguished vocals add to the song's depth and resonate with listeners who have ever felt lost or isolated.
Line by Line Meaning
You called it no mans land
Referring to a place of conflict and danger, possibly a battlefield or broken relationship.
With machine guns blasting to hell
Describing a state of intense fighting and aggression, suggesting that conflict is inevitable in this place.
I let my guard down and carried my heart so far away
Admitting to vulnerability and a willingness to take risks, potentially leading to heartache and disappointment.
And in a letter sent, that I don't want to be here any more then them
Expressing a desire to leave a place of discomfort or danger, and a recognition of the shared struggle with others present in that place.
I'm sipping on coffee gone stale again
Reflecting on the monotony and lack of enjoyment in daily life, highlighted by the unappetizing coffee being consumed.
Is this how it tastes to mix drinks with sour grapes?
Wondering whether the unpleasant taste is due to the bitterness of the situation, or a result of one's own flawed choices and actions.
So kiss me before its over if only for a minute
Urging a moment of intimacy and connection before potential separation or loss.
We can argue who was first to bleed
Acknowledging past hurt and trauma, but suggesting that it's unimportant to focus on who suffered more.
Or let the walls do the talking
Suggesting that the environment or context is revealing of the truth or feelings present.
But in the middle of the night
Emphasizing a state of isolation or introspection, likely when one is most vulnerable to negative thoughts or emotions.
I lay frozen in a memory of us down by a river
Recalling a specific and meaningful moment shared with someone, possibly a lost or distant friend.
With your hand clenched into mine
Highlighting the physical and emotional intimacy present in the memory, and the sense of lost connection.
Well I still remember all the promises we swore we'd never outlive
Remembering shared vows or commitments, and recognizing the pain of broken promises.
Please tell me you remember forever friends
Asking for reassurance or confirmation that the relationship and memories are still valued and cherished.
Cause in the red light I'm singing all alone
Expressing a sense of solitude and melancholy despite the presence of others or a vibrant atmosphere, possibly referencing a deserted or unfamiliar place.
As I watched my favorite dream fall from grace to stone
Describing a painful realization of a lost hope or aspiration, and the resulting disillusionment or despair.
Hiding in the basement we kept our voices low
Recalling a shared moment of secrecy or vulnerability, perhaps highlighting the bond and trust between two people.
You gave me that old troubled look that said "I don't know"
Describing a look of uncertainty or confusion, and possibly suggesting a lack of shared understanding or communication in the relationship.
Hold onto twilight the sun brings empire
Suggesting that the fleeting moments of beauty or peace should be appreciated and savored, as they are overshadowed by the struggle and chaos of everyday life.
We are the last fight we are the fire
Asserting that the struggle and conflict present is significant and meaningful, and that it's important to not give up or give in.
Cause just like your mother said Your too pretty and young for this
Acknowledging a warning or cautionary message, likely related to the difficulty and danger of the current situation.
Contributed by Daniel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.