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.
Struggle
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the winning look for this year?
The game is on and seasons in full swing
Stakes are high pick your invitations
Careful not to push or shove
If you want in on the new idea
Who will be the first to unite?
Sorry if I act this way, these are things that I can't change
Courage is my only hope; I struggle as I try to cope
A million dollar question
What's the winning look for this year?
The game is on and the pace is picking up
Place your bets no room for hesitation
The trick is to show some love
If you want in on the next idea
Gotta say you're in the know
Stand up and check your invitations
Sorry if I have to say, you'll never see me last this way
Courage is my only hope; I struggle as I try to cope
Sorry if I act this way, these are things that I can't change
Courage is my only hope; I struggle as I try to cope
You will never see me act this way
Must I always be the one to bleed?
The Planet Smashers' song Struggle is a commentary on the struggle for acceptance and finding a place in society. The lyrics describe a competitive culture where success is measured by the ability to keep up with the latest trends and fads. The singer is expressing their frustration with the pressure to conform and their feelings of inadequacy when they are unable to keep up with the expectations of others.
The "million dollar question" in the song refers to the pressure to find the right "look" or "idea" that will make one popular or successful. The stakes are high, and there is no room for hesitation. The singer is cautioning against pushing or shoving to get ahead, instead suggesting that the key to success is to "show some love" and be "in the know."
Despite their struggles, the singer expresses hope and courage. They acknowledge that there are some aspects of themselves that cannot be changed, but they are determined to persevere and find their place in the world. The final line, "Must I always be the one to bleed?" suggests that the singer is tired of being the outsider, but they are also willing to fight to be accepted.
Line by Line Meaning
A million dollar question
There is a very important question that needs to be answered
What's the winning look for this year?
What is the trend or style that will be popular this year?
The game is on and seasons in full swing
There is a competition happening and it's at a high level of activity
Stakes are high pick your invitations
The rewards for winning are significant, so choose wisely who you want to be involved with
Careful not to push or shove
Don't be too aggressive or forceful
If you want in on the new idea
If you want to be part of the new trend or concept
Who will be the first to unite?
Who will be the first to bring everyone together?
Stand up and check your invitation
Make sure you are included and take action to be involved
Sorry if I act this way, these are things that I can't change
I apologize if I come across a certain way, but it's just how I am and I can't do much about it
Courage is my only hope; I struggle as I try to cope
I'm trying my best to deal with the situation, but it's challenging and I need to be brave
The pace is picking up
Things are starting to move faster and become more intense
Place your bets no room for hesitation
Make your decisions and commit to them without any doubt or hesitation
The trick is to show some love
The key is to be kind and supportive
Gotta say you're in the know
You need to show that you are informed and knowledgeable
Sorry if I have to say, you'll never see me last this way
I'm sorry if I offend you, but I won't put up with this situation forever
You will never see me act this way
I won't behave like this again
Must I always be the one to bleed?
Do I always have to be the one who gets hurt or suffers?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ty
One of my favourite 3rd wave songs. Right up there with Fishbones Unyielding Conditioning.
Such fun shows these cats put on.
matt mesler
thank you so much for this saved my life tonight and before
xneoness18x
This comment went to my phone, so, I definitely wanted to hop on and say something. Hang in there, man! Life is never that bad. Glad this song could bring some relief. :) Ska always does for me, especially this band.