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.

Meals on Wheels
Tigers Jaw Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

i hung at 7/11 just to feel sedate
and got on the bus at 7:35
we got where we were going to but we were late
everyone agreed you looked great

i'm feeling fucking lazy, i don't like this place
i've got my hood up to here and you can see my face
i hope that this week goes well, i won't get my grades

it's nothing like that, it's just yr not in my place

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tigers Jaw's song Meals On Wheels describe a feeling of disconnection from one's surroundings and an inability to feel motivated to engage with them. The opening lines describe a desire for sedation, seeking refuge at a convenience store before boarding a bus. The singer arrives at their destination late and feels disconnected from the people around them, unable to connect with their enthusiasm for the occasion. The chorus underscores the singer's sense of detachment and powerlessness, as they express a disinterest in their current situation and a lack of investment in achieving success or meeting expectations.

The second verse reinforces this sense of detachment, describing the singer's physical appearance as a reflection of their inner state. They are hiding behind a hood, unwilling or unable to engage with the world around them. The final line of the verse is a simple statement that the singer's lack of motivation is not related to their grades or academic success, but rather a result of feeling like they don't belong.

Overall, the song is a meditation on the feeling of disconnection and disassociation. It speaks to the ways in which we can feel powerless to change our circumstances, and the ways in which that powerlessness can manifest itself in our actions and interactions with others.

Line by Line Meaning

i hung at 7/11 just to feel sedate
I spent time at 7/11 to achieve relaxation

and got on the bus at 7:35
I boarded the bus at 7:35

we got where we were going to but we were late
We arrived at our destination but we were tardy

everyone agreed you looked great
Everyone concurred that you looked outstanding

i'm feeling fucking lazy, i don't like this place
I am experiencing complete lethargy, and I do not appreciate this locale

i've got my hood up to here and you can see my face
I have my hood pulled up high enough to conceal my identity, but my face is still visible

i hope that this week goes well, i won't get my grades
I aspire for a successful week, but I do not anticipate earning good grades

it's nothing like that, it's just yr not in my place
It is not what you imagine it to be; it is simply because you are not in my position

Contributed by Mackenzie K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS