Although the band received much commercial attention during the ska wave, they decided to continue down the independent road with STOMP Records, which had become and remains a major player in the international independent music scene. Their fourth release, “No Self Control” (2001) was produced by Steven Drake (Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies, The Odds etc.) and was also well received by national college radio and spawned hit videos such as the animated “Blind” and the tongue in cheek “Wish I Were American”.
“Mighty”, the Planet Smashers’ fifth full length, was produced/engineered by Rod Shearer (Bran Van 3000, Bionic, Corey Hart) and co-produced by The Planet Smashers (not to mention mixed on the same board as Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”!). Having moved past the dark and critical themes of “No Self Control”, “Mighty” became the band’s most success record internationally after being licensed by labels in Japan, Europe, Russia, Brazil and Australia.
The Planet Smashers released their first and only DVD “10” in 2004, commemorating the last 10 years of the band. Countless tours all over the world, 12 videos, 5 full length releases and a ton of good times. The Planet Smashers celebrated their 10th by joining the Vans Warped 2004 which also entered it’s 10th year. In 2005, the Smashers released “Unstoppable” their sixth and most recent commercial offering. The album was licensed in Japan by Sky/Sony, in the UK by Household Name Records/Plastic Head, in Europe by Leechredda/Cargo and in Russia by AudioFind. In 2006 the band played over 60 shows in Europe including Moscow, London, Vienna, Berlin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Dublin and many more.
In terms of touring, not many indie Canadian bands come close. They have headlined countless tours in North America, 8 European tours, been included on 5 Vans Warped Tour as well as a Japanese tour in 2002. They have toured with such acts as AFI, the Toasters, Sick of it All, Billy Talent, Rancid, Mustard Plug, Simple Plan, Samiam, The Aquabats, Mighty Mighty Bosstones and countless others.
Frozen
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
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Something caught my eye a man ripped in half holding his salvation
It was plain to see that if it wasn't for me
Nobody would've cared or known that this man had no home
But all I say is how can shit be this way
One more lost so many to go while I'm going to the stupid show
Vision still haunting me it's a good thing to be so free
Don't let them get to near don't let them live around here
One of these days all this crap will scatter
and we will see what really matters
Moms and dads, oh you must be glad
Why can't we see that all we need is a little bit of humanity
Revolution breathes, still families living in the streets
Back down by the railway station morning comes, but I'm long gone
The man lying by the side of the road,
his toes are frozen, frozen from the cold.
The Planet Smashers's "Frozen" is a social commentary on homelessness and the lack of humanity in society. The lyrics talk about an encounter with a man who was ripped in half and holding his salvation near a railway station. The singer observes that no one would have cared about the man in question if he hadn't been there to bear witness to the tragedy. The lyrics express frustration towards the fact that society seems to be so nonchalant in the face of such injustice. The singer can't help but feel haunted by this vision and wonders aloud how things can be so terrible.
The song suggests that something needs to change, and that it's not enough to just shrug and move on. The lyrics seem to be a rallying cry for the need for a revolution, where society becomes more compassionate towards those who didn't have it easy in life. The lyrics emphasize the importance of seeing what really matters and cherishing moments with loved ones, rather than being fixated on the trivial aspects of life. The song seems to suggest that the key to fix society lies in embracing our humanity and looking out for each other.
Overall, "Frozen" is a poignant and powerful commentary on social issues that are still relevant in today's world. The song doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of homelessness, and its impact on society. The lyrics acknowledge the gravity of the situation and the need for change. The lyrics urge people to embrace a more empathetic and compassionate approach towards those less fortunate.
Line by Line Meaning
I was out late last night down by the railway station
The singer was out late last night near the railway station
Something caught my eye a man ripped in half holding his salvation
The singer saw a man who was torn in half and holding something he valued
It was plain to see that if it wasn't for me
The singer realized that no one else would have noticed or cared about the man
Nobody would've cared or known that this man had no home
The artist understood that the man was homeless and no one else would have noticed or cared
But all I say is how can shit be this way
The artist questions how society could allow for such a tragic situation
One more lost so many to go while I'm going to the stupid show
The singer feels guilty for enjoying entertainment while others suffer
Vision still haunting me it's a good thing to be so free
The singer feels haunted by the memory and grateful for their own freedom
Don't let them get to near don't let them live around here
The artist advises against allowing homeless individuals to live in their community
It's just a little bit insane
The artist recognizes the absurdity of the situation
One of these days all this crap will scatter
The artist hopes that the issue of homelessness will be resolved in the future
and we will see what really matters
The singer believes that when the issue is resolved, society will see what truly matters
Moms and dads, oh you must be glad
The artist suggests that parents should be thankful for their home and family
Why can't we see that all we need is a little bit of humanity
The singer questions why society can't show a little bit of compassion
Revolution breathes, still families living in the streets
The singer recognizes the need for change, since families are still living in the streets
Back down by the railway station morning comes, but I'm long gone
The singer has moved on from the situation and is no longer near the railway station
The man lying by the side of the road, his toes are frozen, frozen from the cold.
The artist describes the man's physical condition, emphasizing the severity of his situation
Contributed by Parker V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.