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.
Guardian
Tigers Jaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a blackened memory
The wrap of the old wound
Like a figure was drawn
Keeping your ghost from the garden
But is it red rot or deadened skin?
Spiraling further in
Spiraling further in
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
I am the moment in time
When your eyes start to wander
And your head starts to spin
In the simplest task
Decided what you would wear
Found your faults in a straight line
Had to remember to stop
Wringing out the same cloth
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
The song "Guardian" by Tigers Jaw revolves around the theme of losing oneself while trying to be a savior or a guide for someone else, and coming to the realization that they cannot continue to be that safety net. The spiraled stairway represents the downward spiral that arises from constant worry and obsession over helping someone, to the point that memories of that person become distorted and the wounds of that person blur with one's own. The line, "keeping your ghost from the garden," implies wanting to save someone from their own demons, but at the same time feeling trapped in their toxic energy. The reference to "red rot or deadened skin" can be interpreted as the deterioration and damage inflicted upon oneself by trying to provide constant support, as though it has left one with a deep wound corroding the flesh.
The singer of the song acknowledges that they have been the "guardian" or "medicine" for the person, but no longer can. They plead to "burn a candle to [their] skin," as if the pain and suffering of trying to be a savior has become physical, and they need to be released. The singer is trying to escape the suffocation of being the caretaker and being subjected to emotional baggage without any return. The repetition of "anymore" in the chorus highlights the realization of the singer that they cannot continue to be the savior.
Possible interpretations of the song could be the struggle of codependency in relationships, caretaker fatigue in healthcare professions, or simply the exhaustion that can arise from trying to save someone from their own issues without any reciprocation.
Line by Line Meaning
Down a spiraled stairway
Descending a spiral staircase, possibly representing a descent into a negative state of mind or memory.
Like a blackened memory
The staircase represents a dark and painful memory.
The wrap of the old wound
Referring to an old emotional wound that has not fully healed.
Like a figure was drawn
The wound is depicted metaphorically as a figurative drawing.
Keeping your ghost from the garden
Trying to avoid facing the painful memory by keeping oneself distracted or distant.
But is it red rot or deadened skin?
Wondering if the pain is a fresh or old wound.
Spiraling further in
Feeling trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions.
Burn a candle to my skin
Asking for some form of pain, perhaps to replace or distract from emotional pain.
Turn the handle, let me in
Asking for someone to let them into their life, possibly seeking emotional support or comfort.
I can not be your guardian anymore
Admitting that they can no longer or do not want to be responsible for someone else's well-being.
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
Admitting that they cannot fix or heal another's emotional wounds, or possibly that they cannot rely on drugs or other coping mechanisms.
I am the moment in time
Referring to the present moment and the fleeting nature of time.
When your eyes start to wander
When one begins to lose focus or become distracted by something else.
And your head starts to spin
Feeling dizzy or disoriented, possibly due to anxiety or stress.
In the simplest task
Even in easy or mundane activities, one can feel overwhelmed or lost.
Decided what you would wear
Choosing what to wear can feel like an insurmountable decision when one is anxious or depressed.
Found your faults in a straight line
Being overly critical of oneself and seeing one's flaws as a linear progression of negative traits or events.
Had to remember to stop
One has to actively make an effort to stop negative thought patterns.
Wringing out the same cloth
Repetitively going over the same negative thoughts and emotions without making progress forward.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Songtrust Ave
Written by: BENJAMIN FRANCIS WALSH, BRIANNA MARIE COLLINS, WILLIAM YIP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
azkzlv
Down a spiral stairway
Like a blackout memory
You prop up your work
Like a figure of straw
Keeping your ghosts from the garden
But is it red ripe or deadened skin?
Spiraling further in
Spiraling further in
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
I am a moment in time
When your eyes start to wander
And your head starts to spin
From the simplest task
Deciding what you will wear
Finding faults in a straight line
I have to remember to stop
Wringing out the same cloth
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
sunbreather
Lyrics: (comment for suggested corrections)
Down a spiraled stairway
Like a blackened memory
The wrap of the old wound
Like a figure was drawn
Keeping your ghost from the garden
But is it red rot or deadened skin?
Spiraling further in
Spiraling further in
[Chorus]
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
turn the handle let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
I am the moment in time
When your eyes start to wander
And your head starts to spin
In the simplest task
Deciding what you would wear
Found your faults in a straight line
Had to remember to stop
Wringing out the same cloth
[Chorus] x2
L4ZRH4WK
Incredibly underrated song by an incredibly underrated band
Josh Morgan
The sincerity and passion Tigers Jaw have for making their songs shines through. I love the progression they have made over the years, They are a band that I grow with. Tigers Jaw is and always will be my favourite bands. Just wanted to say thanks for being such an awesome band. I'm look forward to Spin with baited breath.
JENNER
This is still my favorite song of all time.
nicksmizzle
thank you for continuing to make music, i'm so excited to hear the full record.
SilentBobVG
The production on this track is incredible, well fucking done guys!
J LaV
I truly don't understand why this band isn't more popular. This is all so well put together and they are consistently putting out solid material. It's unfortunate because they deserve more recognition. But in the meantime I'll enjoy them
nrgraff
This song is ridiculously good, very uplifting in their live performance
azkzlv
Down a spiral stairway
Like a blackout memory
You prop up your work
Like a figure of straw
Keeping your ghosts from the garden
But is it red ripe or deadened skin?
Spiraling further in
Spiraling further in
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
I am a moment in time
When your eyes start to wander
And your head starts to spin
From the simplest task
Deciding what you will wear
Finding faults in a straight line
I have to remember to stop
Wringing out the same cloth
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your guardian anymore
Burn a candle to my skin
Turn the handle, let me in
I can not be your medicine anymore, anymore
dack janiels
Suddenly, I feel 15 again, (i'll be 21 in like 4 months, wtf?). Thanks for being one of the bands I grew up with who's still makin' wonderful music. :)
IllegallyStealsBeats Man
super different from any other Tigers Jaw song ive heard but its amazing <3 good to see you guys progressing