The Tories debut album "Wonderful Life" establishes the band's trademark power pop sound, and features some of their most memorable music.
The Tories are:
Steve Bertrand - Vocals, guitar
JJ Farris - Guitar, vocals
James Guffee - Bass, vocals
Brent Klopp - Drums
Album - The Upside of Down
The Tories have been to the other side and back. Steve Bertrand (vocals/guitar), James Guffee (bass/vocals) and J.J. Farris (guitar/vocals) have faced many changes and upheavals that would have shattered even the strongest of bands. From the parting of a member to the loss of family, The Tories have overcome their adversity to create the beautifully haunting The Upside of Down, the follow up release to their 1997 debut Wonderful Life.
Exploring a darker sound that retains elements of hope and humor on this sophomore effort, The Upside of Down encapsulates the spirit of this band. "It's sort of a starting over for us and that's what we really want to celebrate," says Bertrand. "It's been an incredibly difficult time, but it's a new day. The core of the band is still together, and we're very proud of the record we have made." Bryan Head (Black Lab) on drums rounds out this quartet and brings to the band a driving energy that is a mighty addition to their live shows.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, The Tories quickly found themselves in the middle of record/publishing offers after only six months of playing together. It was only when legendary producer Phil Ramone entered the picture that their dreams were realized. After signing with Ramone's own N2K Records, The Tories soon found themselves on the road tirelessly touring and promoting their debut album. "Gladys Kravitz," the first single and video from Wonderful Life, went top ten on M2. Billboard Magazine called the record "pure pop heaven." The band spent the summer of 1998 on the road with the VH-1 Rock Across America Tour as well as appearing on Entertainment Tonight, The Magic Johnson Show, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, E! Entertainment, ESPN, Viva Variety, USA Network and many other television programs. The tour also included dates in Europe. "We would see people in the audience in Spain or France, who could not even speak English but would be singing the lyrics to our songs," says Bertrand. "That's when it hit me how powerful music is. I'm always blown away when someone approaches me to tell me how much one of our songs has meant to them. Music is such a powerful medium and communicates so much."
After a whirlwind year of touring, it was at a hometown show that producer Gavin MacKillop (Toad the Wet Sprocket) approached the band to write and record the theme song for the NBC sitcom Jesse starring Christina Applegate. "We were so on that night", says Farris. "After being on the road so long, we were like a machine!" They went on to write the theme song "Time for You" as well as perform the underscore for the entire show. After two successful seasons in the top ten, The Tories were rewarded with the 1999 and 2000 ASCAP Film and Television Awards.
The Upside of Down was produced by The Tories and multi-talented Stuart Brawley (Foo Fighters, Don Henley, Michael Jackson.) "We couldn¹t have made this record without him," says Guffee. "It was a labor of love, and we're very grateful for his talent and contribution to the album." Brawley and renowned mix engineers James "Jimbo" Barton, Gavin MacKillop and Joe Chiccarelli deftly handled the mixing duties. Recorded almost entirely at home and rehearsal, this record is a fierce 11-song collection that still embraces the trademark Tories sound, but reflects a more seasoned approach. "Point of View" speaks of the splintering of friendships as the band found success early on. "The End" raises the sarcastic question, "What am I doing with my life?" to the beat of a marching band.
From the longing opening chords of "Would You Notice," to the transparent candor of "All The World's For Sale," The Tories plant new seeds in familiar soil. The result is the powerful The Upside of Down, a contemplative and confident record that's sure to please those who loved Wonderful Life as well as open the door to countless new fans.
Alone
The Tories Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah I love it when you come around
But girl I hate it when you not around
I feel so lost up in my head and I can't stand that shit, no more
You remind me of the summer when you here my heart was so warm
I hope you never leave me alone again,
I pray out story never has an end
cnd girl it's killing me, to see you dead inside yeah yeah
You say that I'm not enough, but I still give you my trust
When I'm feeling wrong, you the one I call up
I give you my all, you my only one yeah
I be swervin' in a foreign to your love,
Girl I'm racing
cnd I ain't slowin' up,
You the only one I'm chasin'
cnd in the late night when I lay awake,
I just think of you,and all the bad vibes
They all fade away
I know you hate when I lie
cnd I tell you I'm fine
But I'm numb, and so blind
I'm so lost in my mind
Be my light, be my guide
Through the dark and the night
ct the end of my life, hope you don't leave my mind...
cnd she know that I get it and go,
I do the most, its all for her, yeah
Imma give her my world
Cause you know that girl my world
I feel so lost up in my head and I can't stand it like, no more
You remind me of the summer when you here your heart was so warm
I hope you never leave me alone again,
I pray our story never has an end
cnd I know she a broken soul,
csk me how I know?
That's our secret
Imma go keep it, to the grave
I ain't gon' speak it, ain't no way
But I'll say one thing,
When I saw them tears on your face
Girl I looked into your eyes,
I could feel your pain
cnd I know your love for real now
You ain't gotta say no shit
cnd I know how you feel now
Talkin' with our bodies, maybe we should conversate
Need it now, i'm on my way
Oh no no i cannot wait...
I know you hate when I lie
cnd I tell you I'm fine
But I'm numb, and so blind
I'm so lost in my mind
Be my light, be my guide
Through the dark and the night
ct the end of my life, hope you don't leave my mind
Yeah I love it, girl I love it when you come around
I fucking i hate it when you not around
I feel so lost up in my head and I can't stand that shit, no more
You remind me of the summer, when you here my heart was so warm
I hope you never leave me alone again,
I pray our story never has an end
Now I can't stand it when you come around...
No I can't stand it when you come around.
The lyrics of The Tories's song "Alone" express a deep longing for the presence of someone special. The singer confesses their dislike for being without this person, highlighting their love for them when they are present. The absence of this person creates a sense of confusion and mental turmoil for the singer.
The line "You remind me of the summer when you're here, my heart was so warm" suggests that this person brings joy and happiness to the singer's life. They reminisce about the positive feelings experienced when this person is around and express a desire for them to never leave.
The second verse reveals a sense of vulnerability in the relationship. The singer acknowledges that the person they are speaking to is emotionally distraught and feels empty inside. Despite this, the singer still places trust in the relationship and considers this person to be their confidant.
The mention of "bad vibes" fading away in the late night when thoughts turn to this person implies that their presence brings a sense of peace and tranquility to the singer's mind. They are the one the singer constantly thinks about and finds comfort in during moments of restlessness.
The third verse delves into the singer's struggles with honesty and mental wellbeing. They admit to lying about their own feelings, claiming to be fine when they are actually numb and lost in their own mind. They yearn for this person to be their guiding light through the darkness and hope they will never be forgotten when their life comes to an end.
In the fourth verse, the singer speaks about their commitment to this person, stating that they will give their all and go to great extents for them. They acknowledge that this person is broken but keep their secrets and pain confidential, vowing to keep it to the grave. The singer recognizes and empathizes with the pain in the person's eyes, signifying a deep understanding and connection.
The repeated phrase "I know you hate when I lie, and I tell you I'm fine" showcases the singer's awareness of their own shortcomings and the vulnerability of their relationship. They admit to feeling lost and blinded by their own emotions. The plea for this person to "be my light, be my guide" reflects a reliance on them for emotional support.
In the final repetition of the chorus, the singer reaffirms their love and longing for this person, expressing the difficulty of their absence. The overall lyrical tone conveys a desire for a lasting connection and a hope that this person will always be by their side.
In conclusion, "Alone" by The Tories delves into the emotional complexity of a relationship, highlighting the singer's longing and vulnerability. It explores the impact this person has on their life, their struggles with honesty, and their hope for an everlasting bond.
Line by Line Meaning
I said I hate it when you not around...
I express my dislike for your absence...
Yeah I love it when you come around
I thoroughly enjoy your presence...
But girl I hate it when you not around
However, I strongly despise it when you are not here...
I feel so lost up in my head and I can't stand that shit, no more
I experience confusion and frustration in my mind, and I cannot tolerate it any longer...
You remind me of the summer when you here my heart was so warm
You bring back memories of a warm and joyful summer when you were present...
I hope you never leave me alone again,
I desire for you to never abandon me in solitude...
I pray out story never has an end
I sincerely hope that our narrative remains ongoing...
cnd girl it's killing me, to see you dead inside yeah yeah
It pains me deeply to witness you feeling emotionally empty...
You say that I'm not enough, but I still give you my trust
Although you claim that I am insufficient, I still entrust you with my faith...
When I'm feeling wrong, you the one I call up
When I am distressed, you are the person I seek for support...
I give you my all, you my only one yeah
I dedicate myself completely to you, for you are the only one in my life...
I be swervin' in a foreign to your love, Girl I'm racing
I drive recklessly and passionately in pursuit of your affection...
cnd I ain't slowin' up, You the only one I'm chasin'
And I refuse to slow down, as you are the sole person I am pursuing...
cnd in the late night when I lay awake, I just think of you, and all the bad vibes They all fade away
During the late hours when I lie awake, thoughts of you occupy my mind, causing all negative emotions to dissipate...
I know you hate when I lie
I am aware that you dislike it when I am dishonest...
cnd I tell you I'm fine
And when I claim to be okay...
But I'm numb, and so blind
However, I am emotionally detached and oblivious...
I'm so lost in my mind
I am deeply confused within my thoughts...
Be my light, be my guide
Serve as my source of guidance and illumination...
Through the dark and the night
Especially during times of darkness and nightfall...
ct the end of my life, hope you don't leave my mind...
If the end of my life approaches, I hope you remain in my thoughts...
cnd she know that I get it and go, I do the most, its all for her, yeah
And she knows that I swiftly acquire what I seek and move on, for I exert maximum effort solely for her benefit...
Imma give her my world Cause you know that girl my world
I will offer her my entire existence because she is my entire existence...
cnd I know she a broken soul, csk me how I know? That's our secret
And I am aware that she is a shattered individual, questioning how I gained this knowledge? That will remain our shared secret...
Imma go keep it, to the grave
I am determined to keep it concealed forever...
I ain't gon' speak it, ain't no way
I will not utter it, there is no chance...
But I'll say one thing, When I saw them tears on your face
Yet, I will mention one fact - when tears streamed down your face...
Girl I looked into your eyes, I could feel your pain
My gaze met your eyes, and I could empathize with your suffering...
cnd I know your love for real now
And now I am certain of the authenticity of your love...
You ain't gotta say no shit
You do not need to say a word...
cnd I know how you feel now
For I comprehend your emotions now...
Talkin' with our bodies, maybe we should conversate
Engaging in communication through our physical connection, perhaps we should converse...
Need it now, i'm on my way
I require it in this moment, I am already making my way towards you...
Oh no no i cannot wait...
Oh no, I cannot bear to wait any longer...
Yeah I love it, girl I love it when you come around
Indeed, I adore it, girl, when you are in my presence...
I fucking i hate it when you not around
I strongly despise it when you are absent...
I feel so lost up in my head and I can't stand that shit, no more
I experience profound confusion in my thoughts, and I am unable to tolerate this any longer...
You remind me of the summer, when you here my heart was so warm
Your presence brings back memories of a summer when my heart felt incredibly warm...
I hope you never leave me alone again
I sincerely hope that you never abandon me in solitude again...
I pray our story never has an end
I fervently pray that our narrative never reaches its conclusion...
Now I can't stand it when you come around...
Now, I am unable to tolerate it when you are in my presence...
No I can't stand it when you come around.
No, I cannot bear it when you are in close proximity to me...
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@YouLoveSleepie
Lol I been jamming 87 stingray like its a classic already 🔥🙏🏽
@informantfred1853
It is a classic
@Stoic.Bubblez
yes that and lady of namek 🔥🔥😌
@YouLoveSleepie
@Justin Velazquez no arguments there lol
@tmub23
Too fye
@cameronalexander923
Same
@tekashifinest
ayy he is making this december lit
@Richard.J.-yq7qe
Tory why are you such a great trendsetter! This vibe is so aesthetically pleasing
@jimmypeters9480
Estates at The Lake Club #47
he Korina is a 4,536 SF, 3 bedroom / 4 bath dream home inspired by classic coastal style with a contemporary influence. The aesthetics of this…
@coopergourlay6694
These little snippets were getting are so good