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.
Trip and Fall
The Planet Smashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or it can go to hell
Too soon to say
Can't seem to tell
In a stagnant state
Trouble finds me
I'm making my move
There's no time to lose
You gotta fight
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Stuck in a bind
Principles in question
I stick my neck out
This fight I'll choose
A punch in the side
A blow to my pride
Kicked to the ground
Gotta pick myself up
You gotta fight
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
A little roughed up
But back on my feet
A bump in the road
But I'm still running
As Uncle Nemo said
"In life there's certain death"
No time for that
Gotta keep with the pack
You gotta fight
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
You gotta fight
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
You gotta fight
Keep up the pace
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
The Planet Smashers's song "Trip and Fall" is an upbeat ska-punk anthem about persevering through life's struggles. The lyrics express the idea that while life can be unpredictable and tumultuous, it is important to keep pushing forward even when the going gets tough. The song opens with the sentiment that life can either go well or spiral out of control, but it is too early to tell which direction it will take. The singer finds themselves in a "stagnant state" and in trouble, but they are determined to make a move and take control of their situation.
The chorus provides the central message of the song, urging the listener to keep fighting and "stand tall, even when you trip and fall." The second verse describes a difficult situation in which the singer's principles are being called into question. Despite the risk involved, they take a stand and fight for what they believe in, ultimately getting knocked down but getting back up again. The bridge echoes the sentiment of the chorus, adding that while challenges are inevitable, it is important to keep moving forward and not let thoughts of mortality hold one back.
Overall, "Trip and Fall" is a message of hope and resilience, urging the listener to keep their head up and keep fighting even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Life can go your way
Sometimes things work out in your favor
Or it can go to hell
Other times things can completely fall apart
Too soon to say
I'm not sure which way things are going yet
Can't seem to tell
It's difficult to predict what's going to happen next
In a stagnant state
Feeling stuck and not making any progress
Trouble finds me
It seems like I'm always dealing with problems
I'm making my move
I'm taking action to change my situation
There's no time to lose
It's important to take action quickly
Stuck in a bind
Caught in a difficult situation
Principles in question
My values are being tested
I stick my neck out
I'm taking a risk to stand up for what I believe in
This fight I'll choose
I'm willing to stand up for myself and my beliefs
A punch in the side
I'm experiencing physical pain from the fight
A blow to my pride
This situation is affecting my self-esteem
Kicked to the ground
I've been knocked down by this situation
Gotta pick myself up
I need to get back up and keep going
A little roughed up
I'm feeling a bit battered and bruised
But back on my feet
I'm standing up and moving forward again
A bump in the road
An obstacle or challenge
But I'm still running
I'm not letting this obstacle slow me down
As Uncle Nemo said
Referencing some advice or wisdom from someone important
"In life there's certain death"
Life is finite and we all will eventually die
No time for that
I don't have time to dwell on negative thoughts or fears of death
Gotta keep with the pack
I need to keep up with the other people around me
You gotta fight
Keep pushing forward and not giving up
Keep up the pace
Continue moving quickly and efficiently
Stand tall, even when you trip and fall
Stay strong and keep going despite setbacks or failures
Contributed by Alex Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.