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.
Chemicals
Tigers Jaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but what holds us together is much more than that
you are strong
so much stronger than me
all along, you are everything
and i am nothing
of how we'd never make it on our own
but here we are
and i surrender
i'm running thin
you were right, because you are everything
and i am nothing
The song "Chemicals" by Tigers Jaw is a beautiful portrayal of the fragility of human existence. The lyrics emphasize how we are all made of chemicals, but what bonds us together is something more profound and unexplainable. The first two lines portray the physical reality of human beings, and the following lines delve deeper into the emotional and spiritual aspect of relationships. The phrase "what holds us together is much more than that" tells us about the inexplicable connection between human beings.
The song then describes how the singer perceives their partner as stronger than them. "You are strong, so much stronger than me, all along, you are everything, and I am nothing." This could be seen as a lover's perception or even a comparison to a friend's talent. The following lines talk about writing songs during summers and how the idea of not being able to make it on their own permeates their thoughts. The song then takes a beautiful turn, as it seems like the singer surrenders to their partner, admitting their weakness. "And I surrender, I'm running thin, you were right, because you are everything, and I am nothing." This line can be seen as a beautiful self-awareness, and it could even be seen as a homage to the partner's strength.
Overall, Tiger's Jaw's Chemicals is an insightful perspective on human nature and existence. It highlights the idea of the intangible bond between humans that is more than just physical, and the beauty of recognizing someone's strength.
Line by Line Meaning
we are made from chemicals
Despite being mostly composed of biological elements, humans are more than just the sum of their physical parts.
but what holds us together is much more than that
The intangible qualities that make humans social beings are what truly connect us.
you are strong
The person being addressed possesses admirable qualities of resilience and fortitude.
so much stronger than me
In comparison to the addressee, the artist feels inadequate and weak.
all along, you are everything
The addressee is the most important thing in the artist's world.
and i am nothing
The singer perceives themselves as insignificant in the eyes of the addressee.
we spend our summers writing songs
During their freer months, the singer and others create music.
of how we'd never make it on our own
The artist and co-writers express their doubts about succeeding without each other.
but here we are
Despite those doubts, the group has managed to persevere and attain some level of success.
and i surrender
The artist relinquishes their power or control to the addressee.
i'm running thin
The singer is reaching their limit or running low on resources (emotional or physical).
you were right, because you are everything
The addressee's earlier advice or guidance has proven to be valid and vital to the artist, because they are the most important thing to the artist.
and i am nothing
The singer reiterates their perceived insignificance in relation to the addressee.
Contributed by Annabelle L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Flippy Floopster
We are made from chemicals
But what holds us together is much more than that
You are strong, so much stronger than me
All along, because you are everything and I am nothing
We spend our summers writing songs
Of how we never make it on our own
But here we are
And I surrender
I'm running thin
You were right, because you are everything and I am nothing
We are made from chemicals
You are strong, so much stronger than me
All along, because you are everything and I am nothing
lia scrivani
i can listen to this on repeat for hours i love it so much
Flippy Floopster
We are made from chemicals
But what holds us together is much more than that
You are strong, so much stronger than me
All along, because you are everything and I am nothing
We spend our summers writing songs
Of how we never make it on our own
But here we are
And I surrender
I'm running thin
You were right, because you are everything and I am nothing
We are made from chemicals
You are strong, so much stronger than me
All along, because you are everything and I am nothing
Angry Avocado Assassin
In the desc tho...?
jem 666
There's a reason why Tiger Jaw is my favorite band
Shawn Cicalese
I got to see them live,recently,I'm so glad and I purchased ticket,and I hardly do that I win contests or get comps,I DO give bands care packages!!
Fear CreativeYT
Those 14 dislikes must be unhappy peoples because this is beautifull and always makes me happy. 😌💗
Jessica Lizbeth
wow!! cante esta canción hace 8 años con mi novio del colegio para un concurso 😅🤩🥰
metalisbeast13
I absolutely love this.
Distant vibezz
I just started to listen to this band and I lob it, the singer sounds pretty chill too c:
Fear CreativeYT
Memories never fade