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.
On the Sneak
Thrush Hermit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of this ugly situation
My hands are tied
But I have on my side
This mean and precious information
The inside joke is all about you
You'll realize when it comes true
From now until the end
Of your sound demands I will always be a fan
But a fan before a friend
The inside joke is all about you
You keep on parade the pain it proves
And though these nights I leave you clues
The inside joke is all about you
Behind your back I laugh with all my might
With all my might
And you took all my night
The opening lines of the song, "I've conspired, now I'm twice as tired, of this ugly situation," indicate a sense of weariness and exhaustion in dealing with a difficult situation. The following line, "My hands are tied, but I have on my side, this mean and precious information," suggests that the singer is in possession of some sort of secret or knowledge that gives them a sense of power or advantage, even though they might not be able to act on it directly.
The chorus of the song centers around an "inside joke" that the singer has with the person they are addressing. The lines "You'll realize when it comes true, in my heart of hearts I know the static will start" suggest that this joke is some sort of prediction or prophecy that the singer believes will come true, leading to conflict or tension between them and the other person. The final lines of the chorus, "But a fan before a friend, the inside joke is all about you," indicate that the relationship between the two people is somewhat one-sided, with the singer being more of a fan or admirer than an equal friend or partner.
The final verse adds another layer to the singer's feelings towards the other person: "Behind your back I laugh with all my might, and you took all my night." Here we see a sense of betrayal or frustration with the other person's behavior, perhaps suggesting that they have done something to hurt or disappoint the singer. Despite this, the chorus repeats that the "inside joke" is all about the other person, indicating that their actions or personality traits are an ongoing source of amusement or fascination for the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
I've conspired, now I'm twice as tired
I planned and schemed, but now I am exhausted from it
Of this ugly situation
This situation is unpleasant or undesirable in some way
My hands are tied
I am powerless or unable to act in this scenario
But I have on my side
I possess something helpful or favorable in this situation
This mean and precious information
I have important and valuable information, even though it may not be pleasant
The inside joke is all about you
There is a secret joke or irony that only concerns you
You'll realize when it comes true
Eventually, you will understand the joke
In my heart of hearts I know the static will start
I believe conflict or tension will grow because of this situation
From now until the end
This conflict will continue indefinitely
Of your sound demands I will always be a fan
I will admire your music, regardless of our personal relationship
But a fan before a friend
I prioritize my appreciation for your music over our friendship
You keep on parade the pain it proves
You continually display and exhibit the evidence of your pain or suffering
And though these nights I leave you clues
I drop hints or signals about the secret joke, even though you may not catch them
Behind your back I laugh with all my might
I find humor in the irony of the situation when you are not around
With all my might
I am laughing loudly and heartily
And you took all my night
This situation kept me up all night, perhaps due to stress or anxiety
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: I. MCGETTIGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Seven Nines & Tens Band
what a great band! this album is strange, but very endearing
fujjeee
Oh man!!!! I periodically just check to see if anyone has posted anything new from Thrush Hermit and I was delighted when I saw this. THANK YOU for the upload!!!!
catch22punk
These guys were an oddly unique band. Very underrated, and wrote really good songs - and I'm not even really a fan of this genre of music! Surprising that they never really took off in the States or anything - probably because they were from Canada. I bet if they were from California or Washington State or something they would have had a bigger impact.
Uncool Dispatch
love this
Brett Mullins
In the US..he's not big over here..I discovered him kinda recently..love his music!!
Zippod Beebilbroxen
Someone NEEDS to cover this song.
tdottim
I'm sure they will...but does McGettigan still have those moves is the big question!
tdottim
Fucking awesome! Reunion tour!!!
Mike_to_the_di
I hope they play this song!!!
Scott M
Still a great song.