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".
Same Kids
Thomas Nicholas Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mix tapes
Sneak out
Weekdays
Street lights
Back late
That was always you and me
Same crowd
Same place
Break ups
First dates
School nights
Bad grades
It feels like yesterday
I know our lives have changed
Grown up with bills to pay
Things may be different
But we're still the same kids
cnd when we're old and grey
We'll look back on today
We might be different
But we're still the same kids
Fist fights
Hand shakes
Blue skies
Earthquakes
Tough times
Mistakes
It was always meant to be
Road trips
Memories
First cars
CDs
Those songs we always sang
They Never go away
I know our lives have changed
Grown up with bills to pay
Things may be different
But we're still the same kids
cnd when we're old and grey
We'll look back on today
We might be different
But we're still the same kids
cnd even though we had nothing
We made ours lives into something
No matter how many years since we were young ... we're the same
I know our lives have changed
Grown up with bills to pay
Things may be different
But we're still the same kids
cnd when we're old and grey
We'll look back on today
We might be different
But we're still the same kids
We'll never change
We're still the same
We're still the same kids
In "Same Kids," the Thomas Nicholas Band highlights the journey from childhood into adulthood, embedding nostalgia and reflection into the fabric of the lyrics. The song opens with a vivid reminiscence of youthful experiences, with references to communication through phone calls and mix tapes—symbols of simpler times when maintaining connections required more effort and creativity. The lyrics encapsulate a sense of adventure and rebellion, as gestures like sneaking out and staying out past curfew under the streetlights capture the thrill and thrill of youth. These initial lines set the mood for a wistful look at a shared past, emphasizing the bond between two individuals who navigated the trials and tribulations of adolescence together. Overall, it establishes a thematic contrast between the carefree days of youth and the complexities of adult life.
As the chorus unfolds, the singer acknowledges the inevitable changes that come with growing up, such as financial responsibilities and the burdens life brings. Despite these transformations, the lyrics underscore an essential truth—the essence of who they are has not changed. This indicates a deep-seated connection to their past selves that persists through the passage of time and shifting circumstances. The phrase “we’re still the same kids” resonates powerfully, suggesting that while external factors may alter their realities, the core identity shaped during those formative years remains intact. This juxtaposition of change versus continuity is central to the song's emotional core, revealing a longing for and appreciation of shared memories that define their relationship.
The imagery in this song also evokes a sense of adventure and camaraderie, intertwining shared experiences from road trips to fist fights, and first cars to enduring friendships. These moments speak to the stories that bind people together, encapsulating the thrill and anxiety of growing up while learnings lessons from mistakes along the way. References to elements like "blue skies" and "earthquakes" interject a sense of youthfulness and unpredictability, reflecting how life is both beautiful and chaotic in equal measure. Through these contrasting images, the lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has weathered various storms—highlighting how even during tough times, the bonds of friendship are strengthened by shared experiences and mutual growth.
In the concluding verses, the song reinforces its central theme that despite the passage of time, the fundamental connection between the singer and their companion endures. As they look ahead to a future where they might be "old and grey," there’s a reassuring sense that the memories they forged together will always remain a part of their identities. By reiterating the sentiment of being "the same kids," the lyrics celebrate the unchanging spirit of youth—a spirit that does not phase out with time but rather evolves. Ultimately, "Same Kids" serves as a heartfelt tribute to nostalgia, collaboration, and the enduring bonds of friendship that transcend life's inevitable changes, creating a blend of warmth and longing that resonates with listeners as they navigate their own journeys through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Phone calls
Conversations that keep us connected, echoing the simplicity of youth.
Mix tapes
Curated playlists that symbolize our shared moments and emotions.
Sneak out
Defying the rules to seek adventure together under the stars.
Weekdays
Even amidst the routine of daily life, we found joy in secret escapades.
Street lights
Symbols of the nightlife we embraced, marking our journeys home.
Back late
The thrill of returning home after curfew, a testament to our rebellious spirit.
That was always you and me
A reflection on the bond we shared, uniquely ours through every memory.
Same crowd
Those familiar faces that defined our social lives and shared experiences.
Same place
The locations that witnessed our joys and struggles, anchoring our youth.
Break ups
The heartaches that taught us about love and loss along the way.
First dates
The excitement and nervousness that marked significant milestones in our lives.
School nights
The structure of life as students, filled with late-night study sessions.
Bad grades
The struggles we faced academically, reflecting the challenges of growing up.
It feels like yesterday
The nostalgia that envelops us when we reminisce about those bygone days.
I know our lives have changed
Acknowledgment of the inevitable transformations that come with maturity.
Grown up with bills to pay
Confronting the responsibilities that adulthood demands from us.
Things may be different
Recognizing the shifts in life circumstances and priorities as we age.
But we're still the same kids
Despite life's changes, our core selves remain unchanged at heart.
And when we're old and grey
Imagining a future where we reflect on our past experiences together.
We'll look back on today
A promise to cherish the present and the memories being created.
We might be different
Acknowledging that we have evolved as individuals in various ways.
But we're still the same kids
Reaffirming that our inner essence remains unchanged regardless of life's course.
Fist fights
The physical altercations that symbolize our youthful bravado and conflicts.
Hand shakes
Representing peace and reconciliation, highlighting our capacity to forgive.
Blue skies
The optimistic moments of our youth that filled us with hope and joy.
Earthquakes
The upheavals in life that challenged our stability and shaped our resilience.
Tough times
The hardships we've endured together that fostered our growth and unity.
Mistakes
The lessons we've learned from our errors that contributed to our development.
It was always meant to be
The idea that our journey and experiences were destined to unfold as they did.
Road trips
Adventures on the open road that created lasting friendships and stories.
Memories
The collection of experiences that define our shared history and connection.
First cars
The freedom and responsibility that came with our first taste of independence.
CDs
Physical albums that marked our musical tastes and the soundtrack to our lives.
Those songs we always sang
The anthems of our youth that resonate with our shared experiences and emotions.
They Never go away
The enduring power of music and memories that remain with us always.
I know our lives have changed
Revisiting the acknowledgment of our evolving life circumstances.
Grown up with bills to pay
Again highlighting the responsibilities that loom as we embark on adulthood.
Things may be different
Recognizing the varied paths our lives have taken over the years.
But we're still the same kids
Reiterating that our fundamental essence and connection persist despite change.
And when we're old and grey
Visualizing our future selves, still sharing laughter and fond memories.
We'll look back on today
A commitment to cherish and reflect on the present moments side by side.
We might be different
Acknowledging the transformations we’ll face as life unfolds over time.
But we're still the same kids
Reinforcing the idea that despite external changes, our inner child remains alive.
We'll never change
The promise of maintaining our core identity and values throughout life.
We're still the same
A final affirmation of enduring connection, regardless of life's journey.
We're still the same kids
The essence of our youth resides within us eternally, unblemished by time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wyredalice3381
In 2012, I went to Chicago. When I rode past Wrigley on the Metra, I just about bounced out of my seat. I grew up watching "Rookie of the Year", "American Pie", "A Kid In King Arthur's Court" and more of your filmography. I can't tell you how giddy I am to hear your band and know that you're doing something so cool as sharing music with the world! I'm autistic (very late diagnosed) and now I get why music is so critical to me and to other autistic folks. Thank you for adding to my music carousel/database. Your music is phenomenal. <3 Sendding love and peace your way. Thanks for the memories!
@MrPhillipbraden
Love it!
@Meeshellemarie
This is so precious. Love this song!
@davehall7041
Great song fantastic video well done thom
@c956rubber
Wait wait wait...why isnt this in number one, wtf 😤 Bro you hit the spot with this one.
@raymongardner1885
Wonderful Video... Keep doing your thing!!
@megankessner2011
Amazing song <3
@Acidslappa
Sending love from Barry in Wales (UK) this song is fantastic and the nostalgic factor makes me think of simpler times in the 90s early noughties thank you 😎
@JoeyHubbard89
This is beyond Fantastic Thomas!! I love the video and the song! And you’re always welcome here in Chicago my friend. Look forward to the next time you’re in town.
@_mvmusic_
Amazing song, amazing video. Love it!