Since forming in 2007, the band's combination of danceable rock and soulful songwriting (and brilliantivity) has come to life through a meticulously-crafted and ever-evolving live performance. The band has been instrumental in the growth of New Orleans’ burgeoning indie rock scene, and they have achieved success and notoriety in the city’s competitive musical landscape.
The Revivalists have proven themselves as a live act. They have managed to advance from low-profile local gigs to extensive touring, developing a loyal fan base at home and across the Gulf Coast Region and gaining footholds nationally. Abroad, they have commanded such venues as The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), Sullivan Hall (New York City), Toad’s Place (New Haven, CT), and Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta, GA). At home, The Revivalists are regulars at The Howlin’ Wolf, The Republic, and the legendary Tipitina’s. They have shared stages with such notable acts as Perpetual Groove, Marco Benevento, Rebirth Brass Band, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, The Lee Boys and Snarky Puppy. Additionally, they have established themselves as an engaging festival act, winning over audiences at French Quarter Fest, Crawfest and Foburg Festival in New Orleans, Hamstock Barbecue and Music Festival in Ridgeland, MS, and The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, DC. Most recently, The Revivalists played the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. There, they caught the attention of Rolling Stone senior editor David Fricke, who wrote about their performance on his blog on rollingstone.com.
The Revivalists have also grown as studio musicians. Their first release was listed as an editor’s pick in both the Jam and American Traditional Rock categories on CDBaby.com, despite being a humble five-song EP. Their second release, Vital Signs, is both the band’s first full-length album and a significant step forward in terms of production and scale. The young band was privileged to record under the guidance of Grammy Award-winning producer Chris Finney, whose resumé ranges from Dr. John to R.E.M. Vital Signs is the result of this collaboration. Soon after its release, Vital Signs became the top-selling album on CDBaby in the American Traditional Rock category, and was quickly selected to be featured in their newsletter.
Members:
George Gekas (bass)
Andrew Campanelli (drums)
Zack Feinberg (guitar)
David Shaw (vocals, guitar)
Ed “Steel” Williams (pedal steel guitar)
Rob Ingraham (saxophone, miscellaneous/other)
Catching Fireflies
The Revivalists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and I know that she's not getting any better man she just sin
I still love her but I know I was once there wearing them shoes I'm still hurting ‘cause the woman I love's giving me the blues sitting here sober but I wonder what shape she'll find me in
I need her under my skin like a junkie needs heroin
and I'm never going back to Snake n' Jakes
the amount of money I spent I could've bought the place
not to mention that they know my face
now it's hell getting out the place
I'm catching some fireflies
some would say that I'm living a lie
but no more today no more tonight
you could say that I'm under the gun
nine million miles away from the sun
I've hesitated much too long
but I'm still having fun hope you're having fun
belly up in an ambulance I spent Sunday making doctor friends
I could've used a pair of depends
I hope that made you laugh ‘cause you know I'm a gentlemen heaven found me living didn't find me dead
got a permanent ash mark on my forehead
but it still couldn't save me from lying in bed
staring at your clothes in the closet while I was out of my head
so I'm walking the streets tonight I'm catching some fireflies some would say that I'm living a lie
but no more today no more tonight
you could say that I'm under the gun
nine million miles away from the sun
I've hesitated much too long
but I'm still having fun hope you're having fun
I'm a peaceful man today
ain't got no more weekend wars to wage
so give me one more shot babe shot babe
The Revivalists' song "Catching Fireflies" is a contemplative ballad about a man who is trying to overcome his past mistakes in order to move forward. The opening lines, "My baby told me you gotta get better if you ever wanna win, and I know that she's not getting any better man, she just sin," set up the theme of the song: that redemption is possible, but it requires hard work and perseverance. The singer admits to still loving the woman who has caused him pain but acknowledges that he was once in her shoes and understands that she may never change.
The lyrics offer poignant imagery, such as the line "I need her under my skin like a junkie needs heroin," which highlights the singer's desperation and addiction to his lover. There are references to a bar called "Snake n' Jakes" where the singer spent too much money, and the mention of walking the streets in search of fireflies creates a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The chorus, "you could say that I'm under the gun, nine million miles away from the sun, I've hesitated much too long, but I'm still having fun, hope you're having fun," suggests a sense of regret for wasted opportunities and time but also a determination to enjoy life regardless of the obstacles.
Overall, "Catching Fireflies" is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of love, addiction, regret, and the power of redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
My baby told me you gotta get better if you ever wanna win
My significant other told me that in order to succeed in life, I need to improve upon myself.
and I know that she's not getting any better man she just sin
However, I can tell that my partner is not following her own advice and her behavior is not improving.
I still love her but I know I was once there wearing them shoes
Despite this, I still have affection for her and can empathize with the struggle she's going through, as I have experienced similar struggles in the past.
I'm still hurting ‘cause the woman I love's giving me the blues
Her actions are causing me emotional pain and sadness.
sitting here sober but I wonder what shape she'll find me in
Although I am currently sober, I am worried about how she will perceive me and my state when we next interact.
I need her under my skin like a junkie needs heroin
I am deeply attached to her and crave her presence and affection like someone addicted to drugs.
and I'm never going back to Snake n' Jakes
I am determined to never return to a place (possibly a bar or club) called Snake n' Jakes.
the amount of money I spent I could've bought the place
I regret how much money I wasted in that place and believe it could have been better spent elsewhere.
not to mention that they know my face
Furthermore, the people at that place are familiar with me and my presence there, possibly causing me trouble in the future.
now it's hell getting out the place
Escaping from that environment is now a difficult and unpleasant experience.
so I'm walking the streets tonight I'm catching some fireflies
In order to distract myself and find some solace, I am wandering the streets and catching fireflies.
some would say that I'm living a lie
Although this may seem strange or unproductive to others, it is helping me cope with my emotions and find happiness.
but no more today no more tonight
Regardless, I am acknowledging that this is only a temporary fix and I need to address my problems in a more sustainable way.
you could say that I'm under the gun
I am under pressure or facing a difficult situation.
nine million miles away from the sun
I feel far away or disconnected from others and the world at large.
I've hesitated much too long
I have waited too long to take action or make changes in my life.
but I'm still having fun hope you're having fun
Despite my struggles, I am still trying to enjoy myself and want others to do the same.
belly up in an ambulance I spent Sunday making doctor friends
Recently, I was in an ambulance in a vulnerable position and spent a Sunday getting to know the doctors who treated me.
I could've used a pair of depends
During that incident, I needed adult diapers to manage my bodily functions.
I hope that made you laugh ‘cause you know I'm a gentlemen
I am attempting to make light of my embarrassing situation and hope that this humor is well received.
heaven found me living didn't find me dead
There were times when I thought I might not make it, but I am still alive and grateful for it.
got a permanent ash mark on my forehead
As a result of my experiences, I have a permanent reminder or symbol of what I have been through.
but it still couldn't save me from lying in bed staring at your clothes in the closet while I was out of my head
Despite everything, I still struggle with thoughts of my partner and am haunted by the sight of their belongings.
I'm a peaceful man today
Now, I am calm and attempting to find inner peace.
ain't got no more weekend wars to wage
I am no longer looking for trouble or fights on the weekends.
so give me one more shot babe shot babe
I am asking for another chance or opportunity with my partner.
Contributed by Henry L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lauvshahi1439
My baby told me
You gotta get better if you ever wanna win
And I know that
She's not getting any better man she just sin
I still love her
But I know I was once there wearing them shoes
I'm still hurting
'Cause the woman I love's giving me the blues
Sitting here sober
But I wonder what shape she'll find me in
I need her under my skin
Like a junkie needs heroin
And I'm never going back to Snake n' Jakes
The amount of money I spent I could've bought the place
Not to mention that they know my face
Now it's hell getting out the place
So I'm walking the streets tonight
I'm catching some fireflies
Some would say that I'm living a lie
But no more today no more tonight
You could say that I'm under the gun
Nine million miles away from the sun
I've hesitated much too long
But I'm still having fun hope you're having fun
Belly up in an ambulance
I spent Sunday making doctor friends
I could've used a pair of depends
I hope that made you laugh 'cause you know I'm a gentlemen
Heaven found me living didn't find me dead
Got a permanent ash mark on my forehead
But it still couldn't save me from lying in bed
Staring at your clothes in the closet while I was out of my head
So I'm walking the streets tonight
I'm catching some fireflies
Some would say that I'm living a lie
But no more today no more tonight
You could say that I'm under the gun
Nine million miles away from the sun
I've hesitated much too long
But I'm still having fun hope you're having fun
I'm a peaceful man today
Ain't got no more weekend wars to wage
So give me one more shot babe
@JSmith-xf2mr
Finally saw these fellas live last night. What a show....
@mrlance727
Same as above but 3 years apart
@markicampbell8634
@@mrlance727 0gxccv
@angieausburne699
Loving these guys for 2 years, they are some badass new age old souls and they deserve so much more credit than they get. Much love to a great band ❤️
@JacobFCO
Agreed. First discovered them when I was looking for shows to go to when I moved to FL in January of 2012. They blew me away, and 10 shows and counting later, I'm still obsessed. I can't wait for new music from them with this new record deal they signed.
@Playback007able
JacobFCO heard they love to play in Key West. Aside from their hometown of Nawlons', wondering what would be another one of their fave places to play.? They are headlining, later in August, the college kid debauchery scene, County Line (Formerly MillyVegas) in Georgia. That ought to be a wild one! chicks gone wild in Daisey Dukes and Western boots. It is true.
@johnparrigon
Just read your comment and thought man how did I miss these guys for 2 years, then I realized you commented 4 years ago! Just discovered them and loving what I've found so far. Wish I would have found them before they gained radio success, but still glad to have something new. At least new to me.
@whattookUsolong
..and why does the radio keep playing the same music over and over when we could have THIS!?
@austin61fo22
the new single is on the radio!!
@austin61fo22
and the last single haha