Tigers Jaw are an American indie rock band from Scranton, Pennsylvania that… Read Full Bio ↴Tigers Jaw are an American indie rock band from Scranton, Pennsylvania that formed in 2005. The band is currently comprised of vocalist/guitarist Ben Walsh and vocalist/keyboardist Brianna Collins. The band's name is a reference to a song by lo-fi band The Microphones. Tigers Jaw originally consisted of Walsh, Collins, drummer Mike May, vocalist/guitarist Adam McIlwee and bassist Dennis Mishko. May stayed with the band for only a few months, never recording any material with them; and was replaced by Pat Brier the same year.

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.

Danielson
Tigers Jaw Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got a city where all of my friends can go.
This summer, I bought a new notebook.
Take notes.
I can understand if you're not going home.
But at least come and visit me once before you don't.
But I don't know.
I'll go.

This summer's not for everyone,
But you swear that it's for me and I'm having so much fun.
And I'm getting nervous about tomorrow cause,
Well, I'll see you with your friends
And I'll hate myself.

But I don't know.
I'll go.
Write to me.
It's easier.
Danielson.

What have you done?
Danielson.
All of my friends.
You've changed some.
But now you're better.
Danielson.
All of my friends.
But I don't know.

I'll go.
Danielson.

Overall Meaning

The song "Danielson" by Tigers Jaw tells the story of a summer spent with friends in a city. The singer mentions that he bought a new notebook and encourages his friends to come visit him. However, he also expresses uncertainty about whether or not he should go home. The singer is having a great time, but he becomes nervous at the thought of seeing his friends with their own groups and feels like he might hate himself for it. The refrain of "Danielson" appears at the end of each verse, suggesting perhaps a friend or a nickname for someone in the group.

The lyrics seem to convey a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time when summers were filled with carefree moments spent with friends. The singer expresses a desire for connection and relationship with his friends while highlighting the fear of being left out or forgotten. The reference to the notebook could symbolize a way of capturing memories, documenting moments and preserving a sense of belonging. In the end, the repeated refrain of "Danielson" almost sounds like a plea for someone to stay or return, or perhaps a tribute to a friend who has impacted the group in some way.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got a city where all of my friends can go.
I have a place where all my friends can come and hang out with me.

This summer, I bought a new notebook.
I recently acquired a new notebook for myself.

Take notes.
I am trying to remind myself to jot down important things.

I can understand if you're not going home.
I get it if you don't want to go back home.

But at least come and visit me once before you don't.
Please do visit me at least once before you stop.

But I don't know.
Not sure about something but willing to go along anyway.

I'll go.
I will come along.

This summer's not for everyone,
Not everyone can handle this summer's activities.

But you swear that it's for me and I'm having so much fun.
You think this is exactly what I wanted and I'm having an amazing time.

And I'm getting nervous about tomorrow cause,
I'm starting to feel anxious about what's going to happen tomorrow.

Well, I'll see you with your friends
I'll come across you and your friends.