Released on Animation Records with world wide distribution, the EP attracted some underground attention.. In January 2001, The Revolution Smile solidified its first line-up, which consisted of Octavio Gallardo on bass, Tim McCord on guitar, and Jeremy White on drums alongside guitarist/singer Lopez. Showing inspiration from both heavy metal and modern alternative rock music, they began working on their follow up to 'At War With Plastic' that summer. Once again engineered, mixed, and produced by Lopez, 'We Are In This Alone' was finished in the fall of 2001 and the band released it soon afterwards.
In January 2002, 'We Are In This Alone' landed in the hands of the massive label Geffen, and they soon signed the band. Geffen planned to remix and release 'We Are In This Alone', but the band wanted to make a whole new record. Gaining approve, they headed to the studio.
In July 2002, the band recorded 'Above The Noise', a release that had both Dave Sardy and Shaun Lopez co-producing. In January 2003, Andy Wallace helped mix Above The Noise, and the band launched national tours in support of the album, playing alongside Deftones, Dredg, The Music, Marilyn Manson, Korn, and many other popular alternative acts.
In September 2003, the Revolution Smile also notably toured Europe with Deftones and A Perfect Circle. They were also musical guests on The Jimmy Kimmel Show. Shortly thereafter, Jeremy and Tim parted ways with the band. Jeremy was replaced by Stephen Hoke, and the band became a three piece.
In January 2004, the band asked to be released from their recording contract.
In July 2004, the band played The Warped Tour where they shared the stage with My Chemical Romance, Rise Against, Atmosphere, and From Autumn To Ashes. In June of 2005, the band finished Summer Ever, which was also recorded and produced by Shaun Lopez.
Shaun then took time off to produce and generally work with other groups. He recorded with bands such as Giant Drag and Deftones. The latter band's fifth album, 'Saturday Night Wrist', notably had work from Lopez.
In August of 2006, it was announced on Indie 103.1 that Summer Ever will receive a September 5, 2006 release on Animation Records.
The Revolution Smile has received national and international press in such publications as Spin, Revolver, Kerrang!, Alternative Press, Guitar Player, Rolling Stone online, and Q magazine called Shaun Lopez "one of the most influential guitar players of his generation".
Since 2011, the group has been on hiatus while Shaun Lopez serves in the electronic group Crosses. That name is usually stylized as †††. Achieving further success in that band, Revolution Smile's future has been murky.
Website: https://myspace.com/revolutionsmile
Payday
The Revolution Smile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'd do whatever just to be making it
All along I was just eating shit
And I'd do whatever just so I could make a hit
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
To be myself and live without a care
My day is payday
My day is payday
Will they ever...
All along I was their little bitch
And I'd do whatever just so I could be the rich
Now I'm as plastic as they ever come
But so are credit cards,
And they are worth more than some
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
To be myself and live without a care
My day is payday
Will they ever learn from me?
My day is payday
Will they ever learn from me?
My day is payday
Will they ever learn from me?
My day is payday
Will they ever...
I'd sell my soul for a million one
It's better than just living for the fun
'cause I'll be their fortunate son
And that's when I know I've won
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
To be myself and live without a care
My day is payday
Will they ever learn from me?
My day is payday
Will they ever...
Payday (x6)
The Revolution Smile's song Payday is a commentary on the music industry and the value system that it perpetuates. The lyrics explore the idea of selling oneself out for money and success, and the implication that in doing so, one loses one's sense of individuality and freedom. The song is essentially a critique of the music industry, which often values commercial success above artistic integrity.
The opening lines, "All along I was just faking it / And I'd do whatever just to be making it" are a confession of the artist's willingness to compromise their own artistic vision for monetary gain. The lyrics portray the artist as being desperate to succeed, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success, including "eating shit" and "selling their soul".
The chorus of the song, "My day is payday / Will they ever learn from me?", is a lament that success in the music industry is often defined by financial gain rather than creative expression. The artist's frustration is evident as they ponder whether the industry will ever recognize and value their artistry rather than just their earning potential.
Overall, Payday is a powerful commentary on the music industry and the trade-off that artists often face between financial security and creative integrity.
Line by Line Meaning
All along I was just faking it
I pretended to be something I'm not all along.
And I'd do whatever just to be making it
I would go to any lengths to achieve success.
All along I was just eating shit
I was suffering humiliation, but still pretending.
And I'd do whatever just so I could make a hit
I am willing to do anything, even compromise on my values to become successful.
I'm a slave because it isn't like me
I am not being true to myself and am constrained by others' expectations.
To be myself and live without a care
I wish to live free from the oppression of societal norms.
My day is payday
The day I receive my wages is the day of celebration for me.
Will they ever learn from me?
I wonder if others will learn from my mistakes and realize the importance of living freely.
I'd sell my soul for a million one
I would do anything, even sacrifice my values, to become rich.
It's better than just living for the fun
I feel money is more important than enjoyment in life.
'cause I'll be their fortunate son
Success will make me a lucky offspring of society.
And that's when I know I've won
Achieving financial prosperity is the ultimate win for me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEREMY WHITE, OCTAVIO GALLARDO, SHAUN LOPEZ, TIM MCCORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind