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.
Romeo
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not even bi-sexual
Am I just a thespian
Acting out Romeo?
We cruise chicks together
We dress in real fake leather
But sometimes the weather,
We can kiss like mothers
We can sleep like brothers
We can walk like lovers,
But that's as far as it goes
And so I do not hesitate
To hope one day that she turns straight
And if that day never comes,
Then make me a lesbian
The Planet Smashers's song Romeo is a humorous and witty take on the complexities of human relationships and sexuality. The opening line "My girlfriend is a lesbian" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song, as it highlights the confusion and uncertainty that the singer is experiencing. He then goes on to clarify that his girlfriend is not even bisexual and wonders if he is simply "acting out Romeo", i.e. pretending to be someone he is not just to please her.
The lyrics go on to describe the various activities that the couple engage in together, such as cruising for girls and dressing in fake leather. However, the singer also acknowledges the limitations of their relationship, stating that while they can kiss and sleep together, they cannot take things any further. The song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, with the singer expressing his willingness to accept his partner's sexuality and even consider becoming a lesbian himself if need be.
Line by Line Meaning
My girlfriend is a lesbian
The singer's significant other is solely attracted to women
Not even bi-sexual
The girlfriend is not open to relationships with both men and women
Am I just a thespian
The singer wonders if they are just playing the role of a lover in this scenario
Acting out Romeo?
The artist questions if their relationship is just a performance, like the play Romeo and Juliet
We cruise chicks together
The artist and their girlfriend go out together to find romantic partners
We dress in real fake leather
The couple shares a style and perhaps subculture, but their relationship is still unfulfilling
But sometimes the weather, It gets to hot...
Their physical closeness can sometimes be uncomfortable or awkward
We can kiss like mothers
The couple can show physical affection like family members
We can sleep like brothers
The partners share a friendship and close bond, but not romantic attraction
We can walk like lovers, But that's as far as it goes
Their love is platonic and does not extend beyond certain boundaries
And so I do not hesitate
The singer is determined and confident in their desire
To hope one day that she turns straight
The artist wishes for their partner to become attracted to men
And if that day never comes, Then make me a lesbian
If the girlfriend never changes her preference, the singer would rather identify as a woman who is romantically and sexually attracted to women
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS MILLER, MARK STEVENS, LENNY WHITE *, BERNARD WRIGHT *
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind