In 1995, the band added keyboardist Jeff Pedersen as an official member and signed with MCA/Way Cool Music. After two albums with MCA/Way Cool Music, the band and label parted ways, after which the band independently released a live album and one final studio album before breaking up in mid-2000.
Since the breakup, the band has gotten back together several times to perform occasional "reunion" shows, but have no plans to regroup permanently.
Lead singer Chris Shaffer put together a new band for a few years, Shaffer Street, releasing two albums; he also toured as a solo artist, releasing two solo albums. Michael David Smith, Greg Gardner, & Charlie Bushor formed Lost In Lodi, playing shows around the midwest as well.
Since 2007, Chris has been touring with a new version of The Why Store which includes no other original members and in March 2009 rereleased his most recent solo album, VIM, as a Why Store album.
Their catalog consists of six studio albums and a double live album:
Welcome to the Why Store (1993)
Inside the Why Store (1994)
The Why Store (1996)
Two Beasts (1998)
Live at Midnight (1999)
Life on Planet Six Ball (2000)
VIM (2009)
Lies
The Why Store Lyrics
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Well it takes a nasty turn
A little puppet on a string
It doesn't matter what he sings
It's not the joker or the queen
It's not anything they see
Step inside come with me
I'll take you to where you want to be
Lies, you're tempting me with lies
You hurt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
Lies, you're hurting me with lies
You tempt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
So let yourself be me
Look inside what can you see
Can you let yourself be me?
Look inside what do you see
I'm not your puppet on a string
I'm not a master of anything
You can walk, walk on by
And you can dream in your eyes
Lies, you're tempting me with lies
You hurt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
Lies, you're hurting me with lies
You tempt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
You've left yourself out in the cold
What are you doing there my friend, again.
With nowhere left for you to roam.
Will you make it back, back to me my friend.
She sang?
Lies, you're tempting me with lies
You hurt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
Lies, you're hurting me with lies
You tempt me with these lies
And then you want to talk about it
The lyrics of The Why Store's song Lies explore themes of deception, temptation, and the search for identity. The opening lines, "Forever is the word, well it takes a nasty turn," suggest that while the idea of "forever" may seem appealing, it can have negative consequences. The next couple of lines introduce the metaphor of a puppet on a string, implying that the singer feels controlled and manipulated. The repetition of the phrase "it doesn't matter what he sings" suggests a sense of futility or powerlessness.
The chorus, which features the lines "Lies, you're tempting me with lies / You hurt me with these lies / And then you want to talk about it," highlights the theme of deception. The singer feels betrayed and frustrated by the lies they have been told, yet the person responsible seems to want to discuss the issue rather than address their deceitful behavior.
The middle section of the song turns introspective, with the lines "So let yourself be me / Look inside what can you see / Can you let yourself be me? / Look inside what do you see." Here, the singer is questioning their own identity and whether they are truly in control of their own life. The line "I'm not your puppet on a string" suggests a desire for agency and freedom.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics take on a more hopeful tone, with the lines "With nowhere left for you to roam / Will you make it back, back to me my friend." The song seems to offer the possibility of redemption and reconciliation, even in the face of lies and deception.
Line by Line Meaning
Forever is the word
The concept of an endless period of time sounds nice at first.
Well, it takes a nasty turn
However, the reality of it can be less than pleasant.
A little puppet on a string
Someone who is being manipulated or controlled, like a marionette.
It doesn't matter what he sings
No matter what this person does or says, it won't make a difference.
It's not the joker or the queen
This isn't a game or a power struggle.
It's not anything they see
The true situation is hidden from the outside world.
Step inside, come with me
Let me show you what's really going on.
I'll take you to where you want to be
I can guide you to your desired destination.
And she sang?
Here comes the chorus...
Lies, you're tempting me with lies
You're trying to lure me in with falsehoods.
You hurt me with these lies
These lies are causing me pain and anguish.
And then you want to talk about it
But you're not even willing to admit the truth.
So let yourself be me
Try to see things from my perspective.
Look inside, what can you see?
Examine your own thoughts and emotions.
Can you let yourself be me?
Can you empathize with my situation?
Look inside, what do you see?
Take a deeper dive into your own psyche.
I'm not your puppet on a string
I won't be controlled or manipulated by you.
I'm not master of anything
But I also don't have all the answers.
You can walk, walk on by
You have the option to ignore or disregard me.
And you can dream in your eyes
You can continue to hold onto your own ideals or falsehoods.
You've left yourself out in the cold
Your own choices have isolated you.
What are you doing there my friend, again.
Why are you repeatedly making these same mistakes?
With nowhere left for you to roam.
You've run out of options or avenues to pursue.
Will you make it back, back to me my friend.
Will you be able to find your way back to a supportive relationship?
And she sang?
Here comes the chorus once again...
Lies, you're tempting me with lies
You're still trying to lure me in with falsehoods.
You hurt me with these lies
These lies are continuing to cause me pain and anguish.
And then you want to talk about it
But you're still refusing to confront the truth.
Lies, you're hurting me with lies
These lies are a form of emotional abuse.
You tempt me with these lies
You're using lies to manipulate my feelings and behavior.
And then you want to talk about it
But you're not willing to make any real changes or amends.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DEAN VIVIAN CAMERON, SARAH LOUISA FOX, BENJAMIN JAMES LEE, ANDREW DANIEL MORTON, MILON DAVID WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind