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.
Never Saw It Coming
Tigers Jaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i learned a lot about being a friend when i was alone
i played with fire, i burned it all down
i made more mistakes than you can count
The lyrics to the song Never Saw It Coming by Tigers Jaw are a reflection on the lessons learned through the tumultuous process of falling in and out of love. The lines "i learned a lot about falling in love when i fell out of love" and "i learned a lot about being a friend when i was alone" describe how heartbreak can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. The first line suggests that the experience of falling out of love can be a painful but ultimately educational one, teaching the singer what it means to love and how to do it better in the future. The second line speaks to the loneliness and isolation that can accompany a breakup, but also acknowledges the opportunity for personal development that arises from it.
The next two lines, "i played with fire, i burned it all down/ i made more mistakes than you can count" shifts the focus from learning to acceptance of one's own faults. The singer admits that they have made mistakes and may have even caused the destruction of a relationship. The metaphor of playing with fire suggests that the singer knew their actions were dangerous and may have even enjoyed the risk, which ultimately led to their downfall. The repetition of "i made more mistakes than you can count" emphasizes the enormity of the singer's errors and underscores the significance of the learning that took place in the aftermath.
Overall, the song is a powerful reflection on the lessons learned through heartbreak and the personal growth that can result from it. It acknowledges the pain and mistakes that come with falling in and out of love, but ultimately suggests that these experiences can be transformative and offer valuable lessons for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
i learned a lot about falling in love when i fell out of love
Going through the pain of heartbreak taught me valuable lessons on how to love and be loved.
i learned a lot about being a friend when i was alone
Being lonely taught me how to be a good friend and appreciate the importance of those relationships.
i played with fire, i burned it all down
I took risks and made mistakes that led to the destruction of something important.
i made more mistakes than you can count
I have made many mistakes in my life, too many to keep track of.
Contributed by Makayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@owenobrien5603
These lads are the best of friends. They’re one of those bands who are open to each other about everything, and they’d never break up. Even though this entire song is about splitting up with that special somebody, the band lives. Even in year 2019, this song is still awesome. I ask for nothing more than for this song to be played at my funeral. I hope this never gets unstuck out of my head. Thank you, TG, your music is truly special.
@xerguy9
After 7 months, do you still want this?
@bellabrandreth2321
the first time i ever had my heart broken this song was all i listened to
@timmyr93
Used to not like tigers jaw. Girlfriend dumped me now they are my favorite band lol.
@whyeon0
+timmyr93 hah same
@sergiodaniel7344
timmyr93 lol, same
@tutukus9275
same here bro
@Smokeyboi97
My girlfriend loves me but I still love tigers jaw lol
@mitchellmclean7683
Looks like there's a pattern here... I too have just recently fell out of love
@ILOVETHEFNB
The one person who disliked this obviously hasn't fallen out of love or ever knew what it feels like to be alone.