Band members are as follows:
Vic Ruggiero - Keyboards, Vocals
Jay "Agent Jay" Nugent - Guitar
Dave Hillyard - Saxophone
Glen Pine - Trombone, Vocals
Marcus Geard - Bass
Ara Babajian - Drums
Former members and contributors:
Marq "Q-Maxx 4:20" Lyn - Vocals
TJ Scanlon - Guitar
Luis "Zulu" Zuluaga - Drums
Jeremy "Mush One" Mushlin - Trumpet, Vocals
Allen Teboul - Drums
Dunia Best- Vocals, Flute
Jeff "King Django" Baker - Trombone
Tobias Fields - Congas
Eric "E-ROC" Singer - Alto Saxophone
Victor Rice - Bass
Dave Hahn - lead guitar
Justin Redekop- Trumpet
The next album released was Redlight, on HellCat Records in 1997. This album solidified their sound and further fixed the line-up.
The band released its latest album, entitled Self Medication, in May of 2008.
Close My Eyes
The Slackers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I only waited for a while
When it finally came along
I close my eyes and it was gone
So feel free go steal and rob
Revolution ain't my job
And if I sing your happy song
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes and I am gone)
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes)
And if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
Close my eyes and I am gone
So when I said that it was you
You know I meant it from the heart
Such a shame that when we're through
You'll say it didn't even start
So I says I like your smile
I only saw it for a while
And though you swore it would stay long
I closed my eyes and it was gone
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes and I am gone)
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes)
And if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
Close my eyes and I am gone
So on the day when I collide
Is on the fateful day I ride
Pray I somehow slip away
And slip into another day
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes and I am gone)
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes)
And if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
Close my eyes and I am gone
Well if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
Close my eyes and I am gone
And if I stare at the sun I find I just begun
Close my eyes and I am gone
The Slackers’ song “Close My Eyes” starts off by expressing how the singer has finally found something that he had been waiting for and how quickly that thing disappears. The lyrics in this verse, “When I said that ain't my style, I only waited for a while. When it finally came along, I close my eyes and it was gone” suggest that the singer might have been skeptical or may not have been expecting to find this something while also indicating how fleeting that moment was.
The next verse delves into the singer’s feelings towards social movements and how he does not want to be a part of them. The lyrics express a sense of detachment towards the need for revolution or change. But the singer is willing to sing someone’s happy song, regardless of whether it earns him criticism or admiration. His detached attitude towards social movements is emphasized in the lyrics, “Revolution ain't my job, and if I sing your happy song, please don't tell me I am wrong.”
The chorus, “Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes and I am gone), Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes)” reinforces the fleeting nature of things, especially those that give the singer happiness. The line, “And if I stare at the sun I find there's only one,” suggests that the singer might be seeking a sense of purpose or direction but only finds himself lost.
Line by Line Meaning
When I said that ain't my style
I thought it wasn't something I would do, but I was just waiting for the right opportunity.
I only waited for a while
It didn't take long for me to change my mind.
When it finally came along
The thing I said wasn't my style finally presented itself.
I close my eyes and it was gone
I missed it because I wasn't paying attention.
So feel free go steal and rob
I don't condone illegal activities, but it's not my place to stop anyone either.
Revolution ain't my job
I'm not interested in starting a revolution or forcing change.
And if I sing your happy song
If I agree with something that makes you happy, don't accuse me of being wrong.
Please don't tell me I am wrong
I don't want to be criticized for expressing my beliefs or views.
Close my eyes and I am gone (close my eyes and I am gone)
I'm easily distracted or not fully present in the moment.
And if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
I can only focus on one thing at a time.
So when I said that it was you
If I told you that I was interested in you, I meant it sincerely.
You know I meant it from the heart
My feelings were genuine and authentic, not just for show.
Such a shame that when we're through
It's disappointing that our relationship won't last.
You'll say it didn't even start
You'll deny that we ever had anything meaningful between us.
So I says I like your smile
I complimented you on your smile.
I only saw it for a while
I only saw you smile briefly.
And though you swore it would stay long
You promised that you would smile for a longer period of time.
I closed my eyes and it was gone
I missed the moment because I wasn't paying attention again.
So on the day when I collide
The day I experience a major setback or accident.
Is on the fateful day I ride
The day I choose to face my challenges and take risks.
Pray I somehow slip away
I hope to avoid the negative consequences of my actions.
And slip into another day
I'll keep moving forward and not dwell on my mistakes or misfortunes.
Well if I stare at the sun I find there's only one
I'm easily distracted and can only focus on one thing at a time.
And if I stare at the sun I find I just begun
I'm always looking for new opportunities and beginnings, even if I don't finish what I start.
Contributed by Oliver C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.