The first home-made tapes were recorded and copied in 1994. Lupe was the last to join the band in October scratching his way to create a new version of Thumb. Record companies began to show an interest and EMI signed a deal in March 1995. Six months later on 14th September Thumb’s debut was in the shops. A new star had entered the crossover arena. Genre-related bands Bad Religion, Dog Eat Dog, Henry Rollins and Foo Fighters kept the band company in the next two years at live gigs in Germany. Then it was time for the five to set to work in January 1997 and write the songs of their second album Exposure.
The album duly appeared on 5th May that year and proved to be a great surprise, because Thumb had changed direction. Thumb’s new sound is sharp-edged and at the same time so earthy that the critics are not the only ones to stand there open-mouthed. They have effortlessly succeeded in escaping the crossover stereotypes. The fans appreciate this move and the ensuing live shows lift Thumb above routine into a success story. Their path even leads them to America where they play in front of nearly 180,000 during the 1998 Vans Warped Tour. They played alongside greats like the Deftones, Bad Religion, NOFX and many more at thirteen shows in three weeks. Needing to recharge their batteries, they take a long break - and very nearly don't return from it.
Preparations for the third album slowly got underway at the start of 2000 but were abruptly interrupted when guitarist Axel Hilgenstöhler left the band half way through the year, the shock was compounded by the band's creative crisis. The band was on the brink of disintegrating, however, they were saved when new guitarist Axel Praiat along with the new blood coursing through the band's veins took things upwards again. Everything written and recorded up to that point was axed. Claus looks back on this phase: "It wasn't just a question of finding a new guitarist who could fill the gap. We wanted to be writing proper songs as an ensemble. In the past three years we have kept trying to do just that, but we never really came up to our own expectations." Their new-found strength virtually gave them wings. Anyone who thought that Thumb had reached the apogee of their creative career with Exposure soon had to think again. Whereas their old crossover companions had by now almost all retreated from the scene the Gütersloh crew were back with a heavyweight crossover/hardcore/alternative steam hammer unequalled in its genre and in its home country.
The new album showed progress. Thumb were coming in through the front door and they hadn't bothered to unlock it either. Beefy, powerful, with plenty of groove, intelligent arrangements and blazing anger in their belly they are forcing their way into the limelight. The sound was very dense. There are many ways to approach it and many small discoveries to be made about it. "Thumb's idea was never basic rock," explains Claus. "We always aimed to go deeper. Of course, we needed the sound to back that up. The first release from the third album, 'Down Like Me', is a typical example which shows that Thumb songs are more than just music to stomp to." 'Down Like Me' literally drives its way through the loudspeakers. PHAT! Steffen pushes the song forward with stoic, primal force, Axel's guitar work is mean and insidious, Jan Hendrik offers a nice soft pillow to cry on, Claus joins in with furious polyphonic arguments, and Lupe strings together chains of nuances to fuse the sound together. All this is crowned with psychedelic sounds within sounds and electronic elements reminiscent of Portishead. This single is a tailor-made opener, but the rest of the songs - this much we can guarantee - are in no way inferior."
Confidence
Thumb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because one thing you've never had and that is confidence in you!
You went out thinking you're so weak
You couldn't stand up on your feet, you didn't think your voice was heard by anyone
At anytime
These words sound stupid now, you've heard em all before
But you don´t understand ('em ) so I'll make sure, you'll hear 'em once more
"I know that I can make it
I'll make it if I try
I know that I can make it, if I have the guts to really try!
I know that I can take it
I'll take it if I try
I know that I can take it, if I have the guts to really try!"
You think it's easier said than done, you need no clues from anyone, nobody knows
The way you sometimes feel inside.
Sometimes I'm negative myself, why this shit happens, I can't tell, I told you all
About it, many times, in so many songs
Just love yourself, and you will be loved
If you just loved yourself, it would help so much
('cause) you would understand, what it means to you
You'd have some confidence, that would pull you through!
And you will be heard, and I won't have to say these words forever
I know that I can make it
The lyrics to Thumb's song Confidence convey the message of self-belief and confidence. The opening phrase "you failed so many times it's sad" evokes a feeling of disappointment and low self-esteem. The lyrics suggest the person lacks the confidence within themselves to rise above their failures and are insecure about their abilities. The line "You went out thinking you're so weak, You couldn't stand up on your feet" highlights the lack of conviction in oneself. The person doubts their capabilities and thinks their voice is unheard, and their efforts go unnoticed.
The chorus of the song, "I know that I can make it, If I have the guts to really try," signifies that it is important to take risks, believe in oneself, and have the courage to pursue one's goals. The lyrics encourage the person to trust themselves and their instincts. The words "Just love yourself, and you will be loved" reiterate the importance of self-love and acceptance. Self-confidence is key to success, and it requires a positive outlook on one's capabilities.
Overall, Confidence by Thumb is a motivational song that aims to inspire people who are struggling with their self-worth. It conveys the message of self-belief and the importance of self-confidence in one's life. It is a reminder that we all have the potential to achieve our goals, but it requires dedication, determination, and most importantly, belief in oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
You failed so many times it's sad
You've experienced a lot of setbacks and it's disheartening
Because one thing you've never had and that is confidence in you!
You lack confidence in yourself
You went out thinking you're so weak
You approached situations believing you were powerless
You couldn't stand up on your feet, you didn't think your voice was heard by anyone
You struggled to assert yourself and felt like your opinions didn't matter
At anytime
This feeling persisted in different situations
These words sound stupid now, you've heard em all before
You're no stranger to pep talks
But you don´t understand ('em ) so I'll make sure, you'll hear 'em once more
You're having a hard time internalizing these encouragements, so here they are again
"I know that I can make it
I'll make it if I try
I know that I can make it, if I have the guts to really try!
I know that I can take it
I'll take it if I try
I know that I can take it, if I have the guts to really try!"
You have the ability to succeed if you put in effort and muster up the courage to try
You think it's easier said than done, you need no clues from anyone, nobody knows
You're skeptical and don't want to rely on others for guidance
The way you sometimes feel inside.
Your inner struggles
Sometimes I'm negative myself, why this shit happens, I can't tell, I told you all
Even the singer experiences negativity and struggles to explain why
About it, many times, in so many songs
The artist has touched on this topic in multiple pieces of work
Just love yourself, and you will be loved
If you show yourself compassion, others will be more likely to show you the same
If you just loved yourself, it would help so much
Self-love can make a big difference
('cause) you would understand, what it means to you
This love would allow you to grasp the importance of self-esteem
You'd have some confidence, that would pull you through!
The resulting confidence would help you overcome obstacles
And you will be heard, and I won't have to say these words forever
Eventually, you'll be able to internalize this message and won't need external reminders
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AXEL HILGENSTOEHLER, CLAUS GRABKE, JAN HENDRIK MEYER, STEFFEN WILMKING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind