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.
Retribution
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Retribution. In fear, they failed to realize
They did not consider
That we should not be afraid
No I will not be afraid
Of their rage and their power
When we're offering alternatives
How could this be misunderstood?
They save themselves to save us all?
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
They did not consider
That I will not be concerned
No I will not be concerned
Of their rage and their power
When we're offering alternatives
How could this be misunderstood?
No notions of a comprimise
They save themselves to save us all?
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
Looking back will be clearer
Looking back will be clearer
Looking back will be clearer
Looking back will be clearer
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Looking back will be clearer
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
The song "Retribution" by The Planet Smashers is a powerful commentary on the consequences of actions, the value of alternatives, and the importance of standing up against fear and intimidation. The lyrics suggest a situation in which a group of people have taken actions that have caused harm, but now fear retribution from those that they have wronged. However, the singer in the song refuses to be afraid, and offers alternatives to violence and retribution. The singer argues that there can be no compromise on these alternatives, and that ultimately, everyone can benefit from a non-violent resolution of the situation.
The repeated phrase "Looking back will be clearer" suggests that the consequences of these actions may not be clear in the moment, but that with the clarity of hindsight, it will become apparent that the group that pursued retribution was in the wrong. The sense of conviction and strength in the singer's voice is palpable, making it clear that the message of the song is not one of weakness or defeat, but rather one of resilience and hope. Ultimately, the song is a call to action, urging listeners to stand up against fear and embrace alternative paths that may lead to a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Retribution. No change, victims of their action
We are receiving retribution for their actions and they haven't changed anything.
Retribution. In fear, they failed to realize
The ones who caused us harm were too afraid to apprehend the consequences of their actions.
They did not consider
They did not stop and think about the consequences of their actions.
That we should not be afraid
We shouldn't be afraid of them or their power.
No I will not be afraid
I refuse to be afraid of them.
Of their rage and their power
Their anger and power won't intimidate us.
When we're offering alternatives
We have suggested alternatives that they could use instead of causing us harm.
How could this be misunderstood?
It's hard to comprehend how our suggestions and alternatives could be misinterpreted.
No notions of a compromise
There was no willingness to find a compromise or a way to resolve the situation without resorting to harm.
They save themselves to save us all?
Did they really cause harm to save us all, or were they only motivated by their own self-interest?
Looking back will be clearer
With hindsight, it will be more evident what their motivations were and how they could have made different choices.
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Their actions took a bad turn, and they should have chosen differently.
They did not consider
Once again, they didn't think about the effects of their behavior on others.
That I will not be concerned
I won't worry about the harm they cause me or the retribution they receive.
Looking back will be clearer
The situation will become clearer in retrospect.
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
They made a bad choice and didn't think through the consequences before acting.
Looking back will be clearer
When we look back at the events, we will have a clearer understanding of what happened.
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Once again, they made a mistake and went down the wrong path.
Looking back will be clearer
The events will be seen more clearly after some time has passed.
They took the wrong turn, they took the wrong turn
Their decisions caused harm, and they should have made better choices.
Looking back will be clearer
After we have had time to analyze the situation, all the pieces will come together and the situation will be easier to understand.
Looking back will be clearer
The true meaning and consequences of their actions will become more evident over time.
Looking back will be clearer
In retrospect, we will gain a more profound understanding of the events and the repercussions of their actions.
Looking back will be clearer
We'll have a much better understanding of the decisions they made and the path they took once some time has passed.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ecclesiastes
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