Nicholas self-released his debut album, Without Warning, on January 15, 2008, and his follow-up album, "Without Warning Acoustic" on February 28, 2009. His third release was Heroes Are Human, put out on June 1, 2010. His fourth release is a self-titled EP, released March 20, 2012; the first single "My Generation" also appears as part of the American Reunion soundtrack album. His fifth release is the EP Security released on April 8, 2014.
In March 2015, Nicholas appeared on Blues Traveler's album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing the song "All the Way."
Nicholas (second from right) performing "1999" with Bowling for Soup on its release day
On July 9, 2022, Nicholas released "1999", a single that parodied the Bowling for Soup song "1985".
Flagpole Sitta
Thomas Nicholas Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was looking into the mirror
To see a little bit clearer
The rottenness and evil in me
Fingertips have memories
Mine can't forget the curves of your body
cnd when I feel a bit naughty
I run it up the flagpole and see who salutes(But no one ever does)
I'm not sick but I'm not well
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
Been around the world and found
That only stupid people are breeding
The cretins cloning and feeding
cnd I don't even own a TV
Put me in the hospital for nerves
cnd then they had to commit me
You told them all I was crazy
They cut off my legs, now I'm an amputee, ch damn you
I'm not sick but I'm not well
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
I'm not sick but I'm not well
cnd it's a sin to live so well
I wanna publish 'zines
cnd rage against machines
I wanna pierce my tongue
It doesn't hurt, it feels fine
The trivial sublime
I'd like to turn off time
cnd kill my mindYou kill my mind, mind
Paranoia, paranoia
Everybody's coming to get me
Just say you never met me
I'm running underground with the moles, digging holes
I hear the voices in my head
I swear to God it sounds like they're snoring
But if you're bored, then you're boring
The agony and the irony, they're killing me (whoa)
I'm not sick but I'm not well
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
I'm not sick but I'm not well
cnd it's a sin to live this well
(One, two, three, four)
"Flagpole Sitta," originally by Harvey Danger and covered by the Thomas Nicholas Band, encapsulates a range of modern anxieties, feelings of disillusionment, and a sense of rebellion against societal norms. The opening lines present a vivid introspection as the singer confronts their own inner demons, recognizing a darkness within that complicates their self-image. The mirror metaphor serves as a tool for self-reflection, revealing not just the superficial aspects of identity but also deeper psychological turmoil. The idea of “fingertips have memories” suggests that physical, tactile experiences linger long after they are over, illustrating how memories of intimate relationships shape one’s emotional landscape. The act of running “it up the flagpole and see who salutes” reflects a desire for validation—a feedback loop of testing boundaries and seeking acknowledgment, only to realize that such affirmations are rare and perhaps even hollow, contributing to feelings of isolation.
The subsequent verses develop a theme of pervasive discontent. The phrase "I'm not sick but I'm not well" captures a state of liminality, where the singer acknowledges an absence of fulfillment, caught between feeling mentally unstable and merely existing in a frustrating reality. The line “I’m so hot ’cause I’m in Hell” intriguingly juxtaposes physical discomfort with a metaphorical sense of damnation, illustrating how personal struggles can lead to a feeling of being trapped in one’s own life. The commentary on the “stupid people” who are “breeding” and “cretins cloning” highlights a feeling of societal regression, of being surrounded by individuals who seem to lack awareness or depth, exacerbating the singer's own sense of alienation. The mention of not owning a TV serves to signify a rejection of mass culture, further emphasizing a desire for authenticity and the resulting disconnect from mainstream society.
As the song continues, the singer expresses a desire for rebellion through personal expression, proclaiming aspirations to "publish 'zines" and "rage against machines." This desire for artistic and personal freedom contrasts sharply with their feelings of being constrained by societal expectations. The wish to "pierce my tongue" symbolizes a longing for self-expression that transcends conventional boundaries, embracing pain as a means of liberation. The lyrics explore a stark duality: wanting to escape the mundane, yet simultaneously yearning to halt the relentless passage of time and the accompanying pressures of existence. The "trivial sublime” reflects a tension between the banal aspects of everyday life and the profound moments that elicit wonder—indicating a searching spirit that feels stifled amidst the noise of modernity.
The closing lines plunge into anxiety and paranoia. Throughout the latter part of the song, a sense of impending doom settles in as the singer feels hunted, with their mental state spiraling into a comedic yet tragic absurdity. The recognition that everyone seems to have an agenda encapsulates a universal fear of judgment and misunderstanding, reinforcing the notion of feeling out of sync with the world. The phrase "the agony and the irony, they're killing me" illustrates the complex interplay between suffering and the absurdities of life; in acknowledging these contradictions, the singer grapples with existential dread while maintaining a critique of societal norms. In essence, "Flagpole Sitta" captures both a personal and collective sense of struggle against the absurd, the expectations, and the undeniable effects of living in a world that often feels indifferent or even hostile.
Line by Line Meaning
I had visions, I was in them
I experienced thoughts and fantasies that felt real and immersive.
I was looking into the mirror
I was reflecting on my true self, confronting my inner thoughts.
To see a little bit clearer
In my reflection, I sought to understand myself better.
The rottenness and evil in me
I confronted the darker aspects of my personality.
Fingertips have memories
My physical sensations and touch recall experiences from the past.
Mine can't forget the curves of your body
These memories are particularly vivid and tied to intimate moments with someone special.
cnd when I feel a bit naughty
Whenever I experience a surge of rebelliousness or mischief,
I run it up the flagpole and see who salutes
I express my defiance and test reactions to see who supports me.
(But no one ever does)
Unfortunately, I often find myself without allies in my defiance.
I'm not sick but I'm not well
I am not physically ill, but I don't feel mentally or emotionally healthy.
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
I feel overwhelmed and trapped in a distressing situation that feels unbearable.
Been around the world and found
After exploring various places and experiences,
That only stupid people are breeding
I observe that those who seem less intelligent are the ones who are procreating.
The cretins cloning and feeding
I see ignorant individuals replicating themselves without contributing to society.
cnd I don't even own a TV
I choose not to engage with mainstream media or consumer culture.
Put me in the hospital for nerves
I was so overwhelmed by stress and anxiety that I needed medical help.
cnd then they had to commit me
As my condition worsened, they decided to institutionalize me for my safety.
You told them all I was crazy
You portrayed me as mentally unstable to the professionals.
They cut off my legs, now I'm an amputee, ch damn you
As a result of my situation, I feel severely crippled or hindered in my life.
I'm not sick but I'm not well
I repeat that I am not ill by traditional standards, but my mental state is troubling.
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
The pressure and discomfort I feel are reminiscent of a torturous existence.
I'm not sick but I'm not well
Once again, I affirm my state of being caught between physical health and emotional distress.
cnd it's a sin to live so well
It feels morally wrong to thrive in a world that's so troubled.
I wanna publish 'zines
I have a desire to share my thoughts through self-published magazines.
cnd rage against machines
I want to fight against the oppressive structures of society that stifle creativity.
I wanna pierce my tongue
I have a yearning for self-expression through body modification.
It doesn't hurt, it feels fine
I find that the pain associated with this act is minor or even pleasurable.
The trivial sublime
I find beauty and significance in things that may seem insignificant.
I'd like to turn off time
I wish to pause life’s relentless progression to find peace.
cnd kill my mind
I long to escape the turmoil of my thoughts and find tranquility.
You kill my mind, mind
Your actions or presence overwhelm my thoughts and contribute to my mental struggle.
Paranoia, paranoia
I am overwhelmed by a constant sense of mistrust and fear.
Everybody's coming to get me
I feel as though everyone is out to harm or judge me.
Just say you never met me
I wish for you to deny any connection to me to avoid being associated with my struggles.
I'm running underground with the moles, digging holes
I retreat into hiding, feeling like an outcast from society, seeking refuge.
I hear the voices in my head
I experience intrusive thoughts that speak to me regularly.
I swear to God it sounds like they're snoring
Ironically, these voices seem disinterested or apathetic.
But if you're bored, then you're boring
Lack of excitement or engagement leads to a dull existence.
The agony and the irony, they're killing me (whoa)
The painful contradictions in my life are overwhelming and damaging.
I'm not sick but I'm not well
I reiterate my complex state of being—healthy yet troubled.
cnd I'm so hot 'cause I'm in Hell
All the stress and suffering I face create a feeling of burning discomfort.
I'm not sick but I'm not well
I continue to acknowledge my unique and troubling situation.
cnd it's a sin to live this well
I feel guilty about my ability to exist comfortably amid adversity.
(One, two, three, four)
A countdown, indicating a transition or build-up to an impending action.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@raztacos
The nostalgia i feel with this song! 🥰🎵🎶
@guitarugamuxa
American Pie - самый лучший фильм! Ностальгия
@TheNeovolf
Again the music from the movie. We are waiting for you in St. Petersburg.
@TheNeovolf
I always raise the glass with your character Kevin for the next step. Good luck Thomas!
@julienwolfensberger2244
I'm a really big fan of what you're doing. Come to switzerland once!! :)
@Rolecon-Servicios
good guys. keep it up
@ThemFuzzyMonsters
Well done!
@Monicasdestiny
Hi! Saw ya on WM1 Youtube video. 😀 it looked like you had a great show at the Whiskey a go go.
@coronelsuarez0109
I LOVE YOU 😍
@TrdefTheGamer
This needs to be used if there's another movie.