1996-2001: Hollywood Records years
In 1995 the band signed to Hollywood Records, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. 1996 saw the release of their first album, Destruction by Definition. Its blend of punk rock and ska brought the national attention in the midst of the mid-1990s punk rock mainstream revival. The single "No Face" became a minor hit on modern rock radio stations and the album was supported through extensive touring across the United States. They released a follow-up in 1998 entitled Battle Hymns, which continued their ska punk style while incorporating more aggressive elements of hardcore punk, with nearly all of its songs lasting under two minutes in length.
Following the release of Battle Hymns Grant left the band. He went on to play with numerous groups including Thoughts of Ionesco, The Vandals, face to face, and Telegraph before finding a permanent position in the Alkaline Trio. He was replaced by Erin Pitman for some touring before new permanent drummer Ryan Vandeberghe joined. In 2000 this lineup released The Suicide Machines, a more pop rock oriented effort that moved away from the ska influences of their earlier releases. They received some radio and video play for the single "Sometimes I Don't Mind" and performed on the Warped Tour that Summer. In 2001 they released Steal This Record, which continued their exploration of pop punk style while mixing in elements of their earlier ska punk and hardcore albums.
2002-2005: Side One Dummy years
Following touring in support of Steal This Record bassist Nunley left The Suicide Machines to start his own band, Blueprint 76, and was replaced by Rich Tschirhart. The band also ended their contract with Hollywood Records, fulfilling their contractual obligations by releasing the compilation album The Least Worst of the Suicide Machines. They then moved to the independent label Side One Dummy Records. Their next album A Match and Some Gasoline, released in 2003, found the band abandoning the pop experimentations of their previous two albums and returning more to the ska punk and hardcore styles of their earlier years. They also began to explore sociopolitical themes in songs such as "Did You Ever Get a Feeling of Dread?" and "Your Silence," which were critical of President George W. Bush's administration, its response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. They toured internationally in support of the album and again performed on the Warped Tour.
In 2005 the band released the album War Profiteering is Killing Us All, which continued their political themes by openly attacking the Bush White House, the continuation of the Iraq War, and conservative Republicanism. Navarro also launched his own record label, Noise Riot Records, and released On the Eve of Destruction: 1991-1995, a compilation of the band's early EPs, singles, and demos.
2006: Breakup and post-Suicide Machines activity
In 2006, while touring in support of War Profiteering is Killing Us All, the band abruptly broke up. Explanations given by the band members for this included Vandeberghe's desire to take a break from touring, which he did while friend Steve McCrumb filled for a performance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on May 11. A tour of Mexico had been planned to follow this, and Navarro had suggested that the band perform its final shows that Christmas. However, interpersonal tensions came to a head after the Troubadour show when Lukacinsky refused to finish the tour. Lukacinsky himself further elaborated that the band had been planning to break up for some time.
Following the band's breakup, Navarro and Vandeberghe continued working with Left in Ruin, a band they had started as a Suicide Machines side project and had worked on and off with for almost 6 years. Vandeberghe also joined the new band Hifi Handgrenades. Lukacinsky, meanwhile, started his own band Bayonetting the Wounded. Navarro is currently fronting Hellmouth. Tschirhart is in The A-Gang.
Simple
The Suicide Machines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes it really is that simple don't let it pull at your blood
So try and let it go let it go and move on
This world can make you hurt but it can also make you love
It's never as bad as bad as you think
The sun still shines feels good on my face
It's never as bad as you think
The sun still shines on a new morning
There will always be a calm between all the storms
So don't get all hung up on the small problems
Just know that you're not giving up you're just moving on
So forgive quickly and always kiss slowly
Love hard and love truly and always laugh uncontrollably
Regret nothing put a smile on your face
Because we all are born astride of the grave
Don't ever be afraid
Don't let it be too late
The first paragraph of the song "Simple" by The Suicide Machines encourages listeners to embrace the beauty of the world by avoiding personal barriers or walls. The singer stresses the simple notion that the world is indeed beautiful and advises against allowing negativity to affect one's outlook and emotions. Moving forward and letting go are highlighted as essential in navigating through life's challenges, emphasizing the idea that while the world may hold pain, it also offers love and positivity. This section underlines the importance of resilience and acknowledging that situations are not always as bleak as they may seem.
The second paragraph of the lyrics continues to emphasize the idea that situations are not as dire as they may appear initially. The imagery of the sun shining and feeling good on one's face serves as a metaphor for the presence of hope and positivity even in difficult times. The reassurance that "it's never as bad as you think" is repeated, offering a message of optimism and resilience. The concept of a new morning symbolizes a fresh start and the potential for better days ahead, further reinforcing the theme of overcoming challenges and finding positivity in life.
In the third paragraph, the song suggests that life is a combination of good and bad experiences, with periods of calm in between storms. The lyrics advise not to dwell on minor issues and to keep moving forward without giving up. This message of perseverance and resilience is further emphasized by urging listeners to forgive quickly, love deeply, and find joy in laughter. The idea of living with no regrets and maintaining a positive attitude is highlighted, encouraging listeners to wear a smile and face life's challenges bravely.
The final paragraph of the song "Simple" by The Suicide Machines serves as a poignant reminder to be bold and unafraid in facing life's uncertainties. The lyrics caution against allowing fear to hold one back or prevent them from seizing opportunities. The urgency in the line "Don't let it be too late" conveys a sense of seizing the moment and living life to the fullest without hesitation or regret. Overall, the song's message emphasizes resilience, optimism, and the importance of embracing life's beauty and challenges with courage and a positive outlook.
Line by Line Meaning
This world is beautiful if you don't put up a wall
The world is full of beauty, as long as you don't block yourself off from experiencing it
Yes it really is that simple don't let it pull at your blood
Life can be uncomplicated if you don't let negativity consume you
So try and let it go let it go and move on
Try to release your worries and move forward with your life
This world can make you hurt but it can also make you love
While life can be painful, it also has the capacity to bring love and happiness
It's never as bad as bad as you think
Situations are often not as dire as they initially seem
The sun still shines feels good on my face
There is still beauty and positivity in the world, such as the warmth of the sun on your skin
It's never as bad as you think
Challenges are rarely as overwhelming as they appear at first glance
The sun still shines on a new morning
Each day brings new opportunities and a fresh start
So take all the good with the bad all the push and the shove
Embrace both the positive and negative aspects of life, along with the struggles
There will always be a calm between all the storms
Despite turbulent times, there will always be moments of peace and tranquility
So don't get all hung up on the small problems
Don't let minor issues weigh you down or overshadow the bigger picture
Just know that you're not giving up you're just moving on
Even when letting go of something, it doesn't mean you're quitting – you're simply progressing
So forgive quickly and always kiss slowly
Learn to forgive easily, cherish intimate moments, and take your time with love
Love hard and love truly and always laugh uncontrollably
Give your all to love, be genuine, and find joy in laughter
Regret nothing put a smile on your face
Live without regrets and keep a positive attitude
Because we all are born astride of the grave
Death is a part of life for everyone
Don't ever be afraid
Have courage in the face of challenges or uncertainties
Don't let it be too late
Don't wait until it's too late to make positive changes or express love
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ryan Vandeberghe, Richard Tschirhart, Justin Malek, Jason Navarro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerard Jerry
This some of the best Ska -Skate punk music in quite awhile And an uplifting song with the pandemic
Ooga Chaka
This song is fucking beautiful.
Young Jade the Sauce God
youtube is broken there’s a dislike
PunkRockZombie205
Nice
Cleo Preta
This sounds like a Descendents song
Krissy Mark Lewis
I thought that too!
Diznee TwentyFourSeven
Garbage. Dude you’re almost 50 crying sophmorically about cops 😂
Diznee TwentyFourSeven
Jason Harshman 😂 triggered
Jason Harshman
So because he is almost 50 he should just accept racism and police brutality and it's sophomoric to write lyrics about a serious issue in this country? Meanwhile you are sitting around crying sophomorically on YouTube. Also why are you commenting on that song on another song?
"If you are white then think about this
If you were black would it be different?
So answer honestly and answer truthfully
The question is for you, no, it’s not for me
Call this society, this shit’s still a disease"
General Fletch
The songs they dropped before the full album is honestly the best songs