The group was formed in 1988 in Winnipeg, Manitoba by vocalist Daniel Greaves, guitarist Joey Serlin, bassist Pete Loewen and drummer Sammy Kohn. Serlin was a comic fan and named the group after the DC comic. They released their debut album, McLaren Furnace Room, in 1992. (The album was named for one of the band's rehearsal spaces, the furnace room of the McLaren Hotel in Winnipeg.) The single "Cracked" garnered the band significant airplay on rock stations, but was quickly eclipsed by the anti-spousal abuse anthem "Run and Hide", which became the band's breakthrough hit.
Loewen left the band, and was replaced by Ken Tizzard. The band's 1994 album In the Trees confirmed their place in Canadian rock with the hit singles "Boneyard Tree", "All Uncovered" and "Lusitana".
Their 1996 album Brand New Day was not as well-received by critics or audiences -- "Zoom", "Incarnate" and "Shut Up" were moderately successful singles, but none achieved the kind of success that the band's earlier singles had. 1998's Silent Radar was the band's return to commercial success, with the hit singles "Stereo", "Any Day Now" and "Brighter Hell".
Their 2001 album Slomotion saw the exit of Sammy Kohn and the remaining members experimenting with more industrial textures. As if prepared for a bad reception, the band also packaged the album with a second greatest hits disc. The album was, indeed, poorly received by fans and critics, with only the single "Absolutely Anytime" gaining any radio airplay.
The band subsequently broke up. Greaves went on to form Doctor with Rob Higgins, Tizzard joined Thornley, and Serlin appeared on Ryan Malcolm's debut album before forming his own new band, Redline.
In 2009, the band reformed and started touring again.
Wiser
The Watchmen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've suffered long enough
Hell-bent, crazy, fucking lazy
Wishing I was young
Oh won't you take me from this sterile place
And travel me 'til I'm dead
Cause years ago I played this show
You're the wiser, you're the wiser one than me
You're the wiser, you're the wiser one than me
I'm at a home for shattered lives and I gather
Dust beyond my age
And I'm sitting years and trimming fears
Of life in the present day
You're the wiser, you're the wiser one than me
You're the wiser, you're the wiser one than me
When I was young and oh so full of it
Well people were talking I could hardly know
Time to bust your chains alright
We got too far ahead
The years I held so dear are over
And I'm living here instead
I'm the wiser, I'm the wiser one than me
I'm the wiser, I'm the wiser one than me
I'm the wiser
When I was young and oh so full of it
The Watchmen's song "Wiser" explores the themes of aging, regret, and the passing of time. The singer acknowledges that they have lived a long and difficult life, and are now stuck in a "sterile place" that is dull and unfulfilling. They long for adventure and excitement, wishing to be taken away from their current reality until they're "dead."
The chorus repeats the phrase "you're the wiser one than me," suggesting that the singer is recognizing the wisdom and knowledge of someone else. This could be interpreted as them acknowledging that they have made mistakes or acted foolishly in the past, while someone else has a better understanding of life. However, in the final verse, the perspective shifts and the singer claims the title of the wiser one. They reflect on their youthful arrogance and how people used to talk about them, but they have since gained maturity and wisdom through their experiences.
Overall, "Wiser" is a reflective and introspective song that explores the realities of aging and life experience. The lyrics are poignant and honest, showing a vulnerable side to the tough exterior often portrayed in rock music.
Line by Line Meaning
It's time to bust you free my friend
It's time to free you from whatever is holding you back, my friend.
You've suffered long enough
You have endured enough pain and struggles.
Hell-bent, crazy, fucking lazy
I am determined, unpredictable, and not motivated to take action.
Wishing I was young
I long for the days of my youth when things were simpler and easier.
Oh won't you take me from this sterile place
Please take me away from this lifeless and unproductive environment.
And travel me 'til I'm dead
Let's go on an adventure until the end of my days.
Cause years ago I played this show
Years ago, I performed a show that now consumes my thoughts.
That's all I think of in my head
This is the only thing that occupies my mind and thoughts.
You're the wiser, you're the wiser one than me
You are more knowledgeable and experienced than me.
I'm at a home for shattered lives and I gather
I reside in a place dedicated to those with broken spirits.
Dust beyond my age
I am forgotten and left to wither away beyond my years.
And I'm sitting years and trimming fears
I am spending my time contemplating and diminishing my fears.
Of life in the present day
I am afraid of the struggles of life in the current moment.
When I was young and oh so full of it
In my youth, I was full of confidence and arrogance.
Well people were talking I could hardly know
People were saying things about me that I couldn't comprehend or believe.
Time to bust your chains alright
It's time for you to break free from your limitations.
We got too far ahead
We have progressed too quickly or recklessly.
The years I held so dear are over
The good times or memories I cherished are now gone, never to return.
And I'm living here instead
I am now living in a completely different situation or environment than before.
I'm the wiser, I'm the wiser one than me
I have gained wisdom and knowledge over the years, even if I am not as wise as others.
Contributed by Vivian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Spinman Finn
forever love the way this band's vocals + guitar sits on killer grooves from the drums + bass
Randy Nooyen
Give it a listen in 2021! it's still epic! We shant forget The Watchmen!
Spinman Finn
@Randy Nooyen i'd call them Canada's most underappreciated.
Darce Vader
One of my favourites by an incredibly underrated band. "In The Trees" is a fantastic album.........Smiley the Psychotic Button (minus the crossbones) is a nice touch too! XD
Randy Nooyen
Extraordinarily Underrated Darce, Welcome Back!
Darce Vader
@Randy Nooyen Still in my nightly rotation, Randy. Thanks for the post!
fearlesssockpuppet
Surprised not more people have taken the time listen to this good ol' song!
Randy Nooyen
Me too, Welcome back in 2021, it's still great! Rock on!
Shannon
awesome song. I loved this album.
Randy Nooyen
Great for Road Trips! Great Band! Welcome Back Shannon!