They signed with Murderecords, the label of fellow Haligonians Sloan, in 1994 in time to release their Smart Bomb EP, which featured songs such as Benvie's "French Inhale" and Plaskett's "Hated It". The former would get some rotation on MuchMusic, which then held a reputation for more "alternative" programming, while the latter would end up in the Kevin Smith film Mallrats.
Following the release of the band's second EP, The Great Pacific Ocean, in 1996 the group signed with Elektra Entertainment which released their first full-length album in 1997, Sweet Homewrecker. The Memphis recorded album features many great tracks showcasing the maturing songwriting talents of Plaskett, Benvie and McGettigan. The album proved a disappointment from Elektra's standpoint however, and Thrush Hermit were bought out of their contract.
After their foray into the United States market, Thrush Hermit returned north to release their final album Clayton Park on Sonic Unyon Records in 1999. While indisputably the band's best record, Thrush Hermit amicably disbanded in 1999. Plaskett is now a solo artist. Benvie released a solo record under the moniker "Tigre Benvie", and McGettigan began producing records by such acts as his old band mate Plaskett, and other Canadian rock acts such as The Flashing Lights. Benvie and McGettigan are now the main members of Camouflage Nights, which features a revolving door cast of musicians.
From the Back of the Film
Thrush Hermit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said, "Shut up or I'll shoot you"
You look so good with a gun
But your hat doesn't suit you
If I were fearless, I'd take a bullet
And impress my friends
But who's impressed when I get so depressed?
I'm alone at the cinema again
When I was 17
I took a trip with my family
We drove around in a van
We spent some time in some cities
Went to Seattle, the Rocky Mountains
And the Potato State
But how do you feel when you're behind the wheel
And a swerve can control your fate?
Fate is all I've got
Someday I will get caught
I'm overcome with fear
I can no longer steer
Should you want to stick around
You know where I am found
From the back of the film
He said, "Shut up or I'll shoot you"
You look so good with a gun
But your hat doesn't suit you
If I were fearless, I'd take a bullet
And impress my friends
But who's impressed when I get so depressed?
I'm alone at the cinema again
"From the Back of the Film" by Thrush Hermit is a song that seems to be expressing a longing for an exciting life filled with adventure, danger and social prestige. The singer of the song is sitting alone at the cinema, feeling depressed and disconnected from the world around him. He observes a character on the screen, who appears to be a gun-wielding tough guy. He wishes he could be like him, impressing his friends and achieving some level of social status, but he is too afraid to even imagine himself in a dangerous situation like that. He reflects on a past road trip with his family, which seems like a distant memory to him now. He wonders about the fragility of his life and fate itself. The song ends with a plea for someone to stick around, as if he's looking for somebody to rescue him from his own loneliness.
The song is full of contrasts and contradictions. The singer wants to be fearless, but he's overcome with fear. He wants to impress his friends, but he's alone at the cinema. He admires the gun-slinging character on the screen, but he knows that the hat he's wearing is all wrong. The song seems to be about the desire to be somebody else, to escape the mundane and the ordinary, and to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It's a haunting and melancholic song that speaks to the universal human experience of isolation and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
From the back of the film
The singer is at the cinema, away from the screen.
He said, "Shut up or I'll shoot you"
Another cinema-goer threatens the singer with a gun.
You look so good with a gun
The singer acknowledges the violent appeal of weapons.
But your hat doesn't suit you
The artist finds the aggressor's fashion sense lacking.
If I were fearless, I'd take a bullet
The artist imagines a braver version of themselves, willing to risk their life for accolades.
And impress my friends
The singer's motivation for such risk-taking lies in social rewards.
But who's impressed when I get so depressed?
The singer sees their depression as a barrier to impressing their peers.
I'm alone at the cinema again
The artist is at the cinema by themself, unable to share in the experience with anyone else.
When I was 17
The artist recalls a past experience from their teenage years.
I took a trip with my family
The artist went on vacation with their relatives.
We drove around in a van
The family traveled in a large, enclosed vehicle.
We spent some time in some cities
The family visited urban areas on their trip.
Went to Seattle, the Rocky Mountains
The family visited these tourist destinations during their vacation.
And the Potato State
The family also visited Idaho, nicknamed the Potato State due to its potato production.
But how do you feel when you're behind the wheel
The singer wonders about the emotions and responsibility involved with driving a vehicle.
And a swerve can control your fate?
The artist reflects on the power of chance and sudden actions while driving.
Fate is all I've got
The artist feels that their future is determined by forces beyond their control.
Someday I will get caught
The singer anticipates punishment or consequence for their actions.
I'm overcome with fear
The singer is currently experiencing fear or anxiety.
I can no longer steer
The artist is unable to direct their path or make decisions.
Should you want to stick around
The artist invites someone to stay or accompany them.
You know where I am found
The artist provides a location for the potential companion to find them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOEL PLASKETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andy Houston
An incredible statement of Indie Cred. A fantastic band, with a cool vision. Thanks for posting this video.
Peter Daigle
Fantastic song. We love our nova scotian bands
Peter Daigle
Damn that's good. I have to play it a few times a year to remind me how great that era was.
sweiland75
A real shame these guys didn't have the success they deserved.
Joji-chan
Thank you Brian Lee O'Malley for introducing me to this genius
lorut
One of the best "friggin'" shows I've ever been lucky enough to see...
Kyle Malashewski
What kind of monster downvotes Thrush Hermit?
All my real friends
An evil savage that must repent for their sins!
mcclellandryan184
Best song ever!
Dianna Cassar
Just love this song.......Why is it not on Apple Music????