After 1½ years of touring Thornley made some changes. After Ken and Sekou both left Thornley, the band added from "Big Sugar," Eric Paul on drums and Cale Gontier on bass, from the "Three Days Grace" camp. Cale was discovered when Thornley toured extensively with Three Days Grace in the summer of 2004.
Ian also contributed to the "Song For Africa" project which started in August 2006.
Thornley released their new single called "Make Believe" on December 16th 2008 on iTunes. Their sophomore album called "Tiny Pictures" will be released on February 10th 2009.
Thornley have since gone on hiatus since the reunion of Big Wreck in 2011
Make Believe
Thornley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm rolling down my window
Then I stick my hand out
And fly with it as it flows
If I started thinking
Instead of looking back
You wouldn't see me sinking
This is what it feels like, coming down
We're all in the movie, can't turn it off or shut it down
This is what it feels like, if that's so
Then where is the director to tell us where the hell to go?
I've got this film in my head
It's scripted all that I've said
Let's make it of real before we're dead
Because we're
Close enough, we're diamonds in the rough
Today's the day we finally say
Can't turn this movie off
And if we're told, we might as well
Just blow this all to hell
It's not a film or a fantasy
We're not just make believe
This is what it feels like
This is what it feels like
So this is what it feels like
Running through my lines
I'm never the pretender
I find it's just a waste of time
This is what it feels like
When the hero dies
On to the next one
Funny how time flies
I've got this film in my head
It's scripted all that I've said
Let's make it real before we're dead
Because we're
Close enough, we're diamonds in the rough
Today's the day we finally say
Can't turn this movie off
And if we're told, we might as well
Just blow this all to hell
It's not a film or a fantasy
And we're not just make believe
It's not a film or a fantasy
We're not just make believe
As long as I play me
And as long as you play you
God, I love this scene
I gotta thank the cast and crew
Don't let the credits roll
Don't let the credits roll
Because we're close enough
We're diamonds in the rough
Today's the day we finally say
Can't turn this movie off
And if we're told, we might as well
Just blow this all to hell
It's not a film or a fantasy
And we're not just make believe
It's not a film or a fantasy
And we're not just make believe
It's not a film or a fantasy
We're not just make believe
The song "Make Believe" by Thornley can be interpreted in several ways, but the main theme seems to be the idea of life being like a movie. The singer talks about how he feels like he's in a film all the time, and how he has a story in his head that could be turned into a real-life movie. He sings about the idea of not letting the credits roll, which could mean that he doesn't want his life to end, or it could mean that he wants to keep achieving and living life to the fullest.
The lyrics "We're rolling down the highway, I'm rolling down my window, then I stick my hand out, and fly with it as it flows" create a beautiful visual image of traveling and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The part that talks about sinking before they covered up the cracks could be interpreted as the singer feeling like he's losing control of his life or that he's not able to keep up with the changes that are happening around him.
The chorus encourages the listener to make their lives count, to be present in the moment, and not to let life pass them by. The repeated line "It's not a film or a fantasy, and we're not just make believe" emphasizes the idea that life is real, and we have to make the most of it.
Line by Line Meaning
We're rolling down the highway
We're headed towards the future and experiencing life's journey.
I'm rolling down my window
I'm opening myself to new experiences.
Then I stick my hand out
I'm taking chances and letting life lead the way.
And fly with it as it flows
I'm enjoying life's journey as it unfolds.
If I started thinking
If I start overthinking or dwelling on the past.
Instead of looking back
Instead of living in the past.
You wouldn't see me sinking
I wouldn't spiral downward.
Before they covered up the cracks
Before the problems were hidden or ignored.
This is what it feels like, coming down
This is the feeling of a life-changing moment.
We're all in the movie, can't turn it off or shut it down
We are all players in the game of life, and we can't control what happens.
This is what it feels like, if that's so
This is what it feels like to experience life's ups and downs.
Then where is the director to tell us where the hell to go?
Who is directing our life?
I've got this film in my head
I have a vision of what I want out of life.
It's scripted all that I've said
My life story is already written.
Let's make it of real before we're dead
Let's live out our dreams before it's too late.
Because we're close enough, we're diamonds in the rough
We are almost there and have the potential to shine.
Today's the day we finally say
Today we make a bold decision to change.
Can't turn this movie off
We can't control our life's journey.
And if we're told, we might as well
If we're being dictated to, we should take control.
Just blow this all to hell
We should blow up our controlled lives.
It's not a film or a fantasy
This is our reality and not just a dream.
We're not just make believe
We're not just pretending; it's not just a story we're living.
Running through my lines
Acting out my life story.
I'm never the pretender
I am always real and true to myself.
I find it's just a waste of time
I don't see the point in pretending.
When the hero dies
When things don't work out.
On to the next one
Move on to the next chapter of life.
Funny how time flies
It's amazing how quickly life goes by.
As long as I play me
As long as I am true to myself.
And as long as you play you
And you are true to yourself.
God, I love this scene
I'm enjoying my life.
I gotta thank the cast and crew
I am thankful for the people in my life.
Don't let the credits roll
Don't let life slip away.
It's not a film or a fantasy
This is our reality.
We're not just make believe
We aren't just pretending.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE GENN, IAN THORNLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Since I Left
2020 still rockin it
Julien Vallieres
Glad to see I'm not the only one who appreciates talent these days.
Amethyst Mermaid
Great all around talent.The entire band sizzles. Thornley can put a song together really well. The whole concept holds up, makes you think, and reaches deep without shame. Ian can play guitar like he was born playing. On top of that the guy can sing. Good grief , where's he been hidin? Cant wait to hear the rest of the album. Thanks guys for the great song! Whatever you're doing don't let up.
ShreddedASMR
This is a great song, Ian is a phenomenal writer.
LEENOZ ATC 125M
One of the best lyrical tracks of this generation no question. Hear these words hard folks. .. interpret
Horse On The Lone Prairie
Went to see them in 2016. Amazing show and Ian Thornley is such a nice guy.
Boss Muzik
this is an awesome song, my favorite thou from Thornley has to be Easy Comes, Such a quality track
hartleracing
heard this song on the radio back when the album came out and i have been addicted to the band ever since
Ethan John
AWESOME!! I like this song! Glad you are still doing music after the BW. I was a fan of that band too "Pleasure and the greed" was a kick ass album. Great hooks
D
I seriously think the only reason these guys didn't see much commercial success in the US was because of bad representation/marketing -- cripes they had a major label and were on the charts in the US and Canada - he's amazing and there is no reason he shouldn't skyrocket. I'm really glad though that he's come back to Canada :)