In May 2006 the long awaited The Tough Alliance - New Waves EP was released on their own label Sincerely Yours. In October 2006 followed their second full length album, 'Escaping Your Ambitions'.
In May 2007, the much anticipated third album 'A New Chance' was released on Sincerely Yours, further developing their charismatic sound of 'The New School' and 'New Waves'; a fusion with their brief exploration of ambient electronica found on Escaping Your Ambitions.
In 2010, Eric Berglund made it clear that The Tough Alliance since 2009 was no more.
Take no heroes
The Tough Alliance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brian, Jackie Wilson
Always make me feel strong
Paul & Joe & Mick
CeCe, Kevin, Vic
Tim & Leroy Burgess
Always at my Service
Alton, Barry, Scott
Take no heroes
Only inspiration
Biggie
Prince & Loleatta
Make it all seem better
Barrington & Buzzcocks
Lift me from the chaos
Richie, Sam & Debbie
When everything feels heavy
Jim & William Reed
Sometimes it seems like all I'll ever need
Take no heroes
Only inspiration
Sean William Ryder!
Snoop Dogg
Henkan & Curtis
Show me that it's worth it
The sound of young Scotland
Always holds my hand
The song "Take no heroes" by The Tough Alliance is an ode to those who inspire the artists personally and musically. The lyrics mention a list of influential figures such as Ice Cube, Brian Wilson, Jackie Wilson, Paul, Joe, Mick, CeCe, Kevin, Vic, Tim, Leroy Burgess, Alton, Barry, and Scott. These figures have had a positive effect on the artists, making them feel strong and taking them to the top. The chorus, "Take no heroes, only inspiration," is a nod to the idea that these figures are not to be idolized or put on a pedestal, but instead, they serve as a source of motivation and inspiration.
The second verse mentions more influential figures such as Biggie, Prince, Loleatta, Barrington, Buzzcocks, Richie, Sam, Debbie, Jim, William Reed, and Sean William Ryder. These figures have helped the artists through difficult times and lifted them from chaos. The last line mentions Henkan and Curtis, who show that it's worth it, while the sound of young Scotland always holds the artist's hand.
Overall, "Take no heroes" is a song that celebrates the people who have inspired and uplifted the artists. It's a reminder that success is not about idolizing others, but about finding inspiration in those who have succeeded before us.
Line by Line Meaning
Ice Cube
The artist is listing musicians who have made them feel empowered.
Brian, Jackie Wilson
Always make me feel strong
These specific musicians named are inspirations to the artist, and they feel empowered by their music.
Paul & Joe & Mick
CeCe, Kevin, Vic
Tim & Leroy Burgess
Always at my Service
Alton, Barry, Scott
They take me to the top
The artist has a group of people in their life who support them and help them achieve success.
Take no heroes
Only inspiration
The artist doesn't want to idolize or depend on anyone, but wants to find inspiration within themselves.
Biggie
Prince & Loleatta
Make it all seem better
These specific musicians named bring joy and positivity to the artist's life through their music.
Barrington & Buzzcocks
Lift me from the chaos
These specific musicians named help the artist escape from the chaos of the world through their music.
Richie, Sam & Debbie
When everything feels heavy
These specific musicians named provide comfort to the artist during difficult times.
Jim & William Reed
Sometimes it seems like all I'll ever need
These specific musicians named are so important to the artist that at times, they feel like everything they need in life.
Take no heroes
Only inspiration
The artist reinforces their desire to not idolize anyone, but to stay inspired from within.
Sean William Ryder!
The artist shouts out Sean William Ryder, likely another musician who inspires them.
Snoop Dogg
Henkan & Curtis
Show me that it's worth it
The sound of young Scotland
Always holds my hand
These specific musicians named provide the artist with motivation and support, and make them feel like pursuing their dreams is worthwhile.
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.