The band's debut album was entitled Belongs to the Dead; and was released on Summersteps Records in 2006. The website AbsolutePunk gave their debut record a generally positive review, noting that "Tigers Jaw is fueled by emotionally-driven lyrics brought to life by vocalist Adam McIlwee, whose voice is one of those that reveal passion while at the same time giving the impression that he's barely trying." A self-titled album followed in 2008; which was released through Prison Jazz Records. Between their second and third albums, the band released an EP, Spirit Desire, via Tiny Engines; as well as a split seven-inch with Balance and Composure. Their third album, Two Worlds, was released on Run For Cover Records in 2010.
From 2010 to 2013, the band partook in several split releases and EPs. This included two acoustic releases for the Run For Cover Acoustic Series (both 2010), a split with The Sidekicks (2011), a seven-inch with two new songs, "Gypsy" and "Jimmy Piersall" (2011); a split with Tiny Empires (2011) and a four-way split release with Code Orange Kids, The World is a Beautiful Place and I am No Longer Afraid to Die and Self Defense Family. A seven-inch with two new songs, "Hum" and "Cool," was released in 2013.
On March 21, 2013, Collins made an announcement on the band's Tumblr: "After our show in Scranton two weeks ago, Adam, Pat, and Dennis let Ben and I know that for personal reasons they are unable to do Tigers Jaw anymore." Members of Basement filled in for former members of Tigers Jaw during their 2013 UK tour. The band released their fourth studio album, Charmer, in May 2014, though they are not broken up, it is the final album to feature McIlwee, Mishko and Brier.
Since McIlwee's departure from the band he has lead onto solo-recording act Wicca Phase Springs Eternal joining Gothboiclique in 2012, he has also released music with his group Misery Club started in 2018.
Arms Across America
Tigers Jaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i have my friends there and they like it
i've been away for some time
it's so warm outside
i'd better wait
i'm on standby
i spent my life on this
it keeps me nervous but i like it
he worked 2005
i worked last july
the room is silent
i'm on standby
americanized, it's time i live my life
i recognize the time we waste is the time i die
it's bright outside, the sun is shining on my life
american eyes, i'm so happy yr alive
In Tigers Jaw's song "Arms Across America," the lyrics paint a picture of the singer's connection to their body and the world around them. The singer puts their body into everything they do because that is where they live, and they have their friends there who enjoy it. However, the singer has been away for some time and is waiting on standby, unsure of what's next. The next verse seems to highlight the importance and value the singer places on their work and time. They spend their life and time on it, which makes them nervous, but they still like it. The mention of "he worked 2005" and "i worked last july" seems to emphasize how personal and subjective our experiences are. The song ends on a note of appreciation for life, recognizing that it may be fleeting, but it is still something to be grateful for.
Line by Line Meaning
i put my body in it because that's where i live
I commit myself fully to this project because it's a reflection of who I am
i have my friends there and they like it
My close friends support and enjoy what I'm doing
i've been away for some time
I've taken a break from this project
it's so warm outside
The weather is beautiful
i'd better wait
I need to be patient and not rush things
i'm on standby
I'm waiting for something to happen before moving forward with this project
i spent my life on this
This project has been a major part of my life
i spend my time on this
I devote a lot of my time to this project
it keeps me nervous but i like it
The project makes me anxious, but I enjoy the challenge
he worked 2005
Someone else put a lot of effort into this project in the past
i worked last july
I recently put a lot of work into this project
the room is silent
There is a sense of anticipation or tension in the air
i'm on standby
I'm still waiting for something to happen with this project
americanized, it's time i live my life
I am ready to embrace my American identity and live my life to the fullest
i recognize the time we waste is the time i die
I understand that the time I spend idling is time I can never get back
it's bright outside, the sun is shining on my life
The world seems full of possibilities and opportunities
american eyes, i'm so happy yr alive
I'm grateful to be alive and experiencing America
Contributed by Madelyn T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hanging out with Corpses
Totally underrated song. Sad that all the comments are from 9yrs ago :/
Elodie Peloquin
Hey , 2022 I discover
aLgaeikPond
am Here
angel boy
we will always be here
generic username 420
@_self_absorbed_ vv
_self_absorbed_
i am here
rayman121212
I can't get over how good this band is.
LOL-!st
i remember when i first found this album i was so happy cuz every song was gold and i was going through a rut with music
Caleb Waslewski
good stuff! found these guys just now and I love them all ready!
Jesse
by far the best band I have stumbeld across this year.