The fact that there’s even a new Prids record is a miracle. In March of 2015 bassist-vocalist Mistina La Fave suffered a brain hemorrhage the night before the band was scheduled to enter the studio. The recovery was physically and mentally taxing, and La Fave is lucky to be alive, let alone playing and performing again. The Prids’ 22 years have been marked with death, sickness, divorce, and a near-fatal van crash that cut a tour short and left members bloody and broken—but they survive through the friendship and bond of founding members La Fave and guitarist-vocalist David Frederickson. While those events have invariably made their way into the band’s narrative, the two simply chalk it up to life.
They met in La Fave’s small hometown of Saint Joseph, Missouri, in 1995, not long after Frederickson had moved there from Southern California. They started a relationship (they divorced in 2001, not long after they married), formed The Prids, and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling in Portland, Oregon, in 1999. In that time they’ve released four full-lengths and a trail of EPs, toured all over the world, while gaining the respect of bands throughout Portland for their tenacity and longevity (The Prids are one of the longest-running active bands in the city). They continue to make music for the right reasons—with or without a label, for themselves. A few years ago they brought in drummer Gordon Nickel and multi-instrumentalist Tim Yates, their sturdiest lineup to date. These four individuals are what make Do I Look Like I’m In Love? such a special record.
Throughout it all The Prids have remained completely DIY (the band even launched its own label/artist collective This-a-Way Records in 1996). Their videos and album art are as brilliantly conceived as the music itself. And in 2017 the Prids are playing with the same ardor they did 20 years ago. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and this band is the embodiment of that.
I'll Wait
The Prids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lose your reasons in the light
And some dreams give out on you
Never mind, your darker side's not asking
To let your ugliness decide
And we can give it away until it haunts us too
Promises you look sweet believing
If she can come out intact
I'll Wait
I never wish, you can keep your hope
Without you there I don't know what feels good
If she can come out intact
I'll Wait
I don't suppose you'll remember me after
All the days have had their ways
And the nights would like a word with you
There's nothing I can drink to hear your laughter
Though I'm continuing to try
And we can give it away until it haunts us too
Identify yourself, give it all to me
Promises you look sweet believing
If she can come out intact
I'll Wait
I never wish, you can keep your hope
Without you there I don't know what feels good
If she can come out intact
I'll Wait
The lyrics of "I'll Wait" by The Prids can be interpreted in various ways. At first, it seems to be about a person warning their loved one to be careful when it comes to their emotions and dreams, as they can lead to heartbreak and disappointment. The lines, "Watch yourself, you might end up with feelings/Lose your reasons in the light/And some dreams give out on you" express this warning, as the singer acknowledges the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to emotions and the possibility of having one's dreams crushed.
The second stanza seems to delve deeper into the concept of letting one's "ugliness" and darker side dictate their actions. The singer implores their loved one not to give in to this side of themselves, as giving into it can lead to lasting regrets and negative consequences. The repetition of "And we can give it away until it haunts us too" emphasizes the importance of not letting negative emotions and actions consume one's life.
In the chorus, the singer seems to be holding out hope that their loved one will come out "intact" despite the struggles and challenges that life presents. The lines "Identify yourself, give it all to me/Promises you look sweet believing" could be interpreted as the singer asking for their loved one to be truly honest and vulnerable with them, and assuring them that despite any difficulties that may arise, they will remain by their side.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'll Wait" can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving into negative emotions and urges, and the importance of staying true to oneself and one's loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Watch yourself, you might end up with feelings
Be careful not to let your emotions get the best of you.
Lose your reasons in the light
It's easy to lose your perspective when things are going well.
And some dreams give out on you
Not all of your hopes and dreams will come true.
Never mind, your darker side's not asking
Don't worry, your flaws and imperfections are not being judged.
To let your ugliness decide
Don't let your negative qualities determine your behavior.
And we can give it away until it haunts us too
We can let go of our problems and mistakes, but they may come back to haunt us.
Identify yourself, give it all to me
Be honest with who you are and share everything with me.
Promises you look sweet believing
It's easy to be taken in by promises that seem too good to be true.
If she can come out intact
If she can make it through without being hurt.
I'll Wait
I will be patient for her to come out okay.
I never wish, you can keep your hope
I don't want to make any false promises, and you should hold onto your own hope.
Without you there I don't know what feels good
I need you in my life to feel happy and fulfilled.
I don't suppose you'll remember me after
I don't think you will remember me in the future.
All the days have had their ways
The passage of time will change us and our memories.
And the nights would like a word with you
The nights could tell you things and bring up memories.
There's nothing I can drink to hear your laughter
I can't find anything that will bring back the joy of our memories together.
Contributed by Lucas D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.