VHS's three core members have played music together for most of their lives. James Bohannon and Conor Cook went to middle school together in New York City, while James went to high school with Nils Vanderlip where they started their first band.
In 2015 VHS formed, based initially around home recordings which the band posted on Soundcloud. VHS began performing around NYC's lower east side rock clubs, eventually selling out several shows at the Mercury Lounge that year. In 2015, they released their debut EP whose lead single "Lean" rose to #8 on the Spotify Viral charts. In 2016, VHS released Stereo Hype, which included the indie hit “Waiting on the Summer." VHS performed at major festivals that year including Lollapalooza and ACL. The band continued to release singles and tour leading up to the release of their debut LP Retrofuturism in November 2018. VHS's songs have also been featured in Shameless, Sunday Night Football, Love, You, and dozens of other TV shows.
Anyway
Vhs Collection Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tried to get away from it all
Should pull the trigger 'fore I change my mind
I turned, I turned around
And we say we're all grown up, we're out of love
And we say we've had enough
All the secrets I could never say
Of all the people I could love, you walked away
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I know I shouldn't do it, but I think I might
I'm going with the feeling when it don't feel right
But you know, you know, you know
I'm gonna do it tonight
I broke a bottle with a piece of my mind
Building on the courage I found
Paid no attention to the warning sign
I burned, I burned it down
And we say we're all grown up, we're out of love
And we say we've had enough
All the secrets I could never say
Of all the people I could love, you walked away
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey (oh-oh-oh)
I know I shouldn't do it, but I think I might
I'm going with the feeling when it don't feel right
But you know, you know, you know
I'm gonna do it tonight (oooh)
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I'm gonna live my lifeAnyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I'm gonna live my life
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I'm gonna live my life
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I'm gonna live my life anyway
The lyrics of VHS Collection's song "Anyway" delve into the complexities of self-discovery, making tough decisions, and embracing the uncertainty of life. The opening lines, "I found my courage in a box of wine, tried to get away from it all," suggest a sense of escapism and seeking refuge in temporary solutions. The singer contemplates making a drastic decision but hesitates, highlighting the internal conflict and wavering resolve.
The chorus, "And we say we're all grown up, we're out of love, and we say we've had enough," reflects on reaching a point of maturity where relationships have soured and emotional exhaustion has set in. The mention of secrets unspoken and a lost love walking away conveys a sense of regret and longing for what could have been. The repetition of "anyway" emphasizes a sense of resignation and acceptance of fate, despite lingering doubts and misgivings.
The lyrics further delve into a rebellious and impulsive spirit with lines like "I broke a bottle with a piece of my mind, paid no attention to the warning sign, I burned, I burned it down." This showcases a desire to break free from constraints and societal norms, even if it leads to destructive consequences. The imagery of burning down barriers suggests a willingness to take risks and face the consequences head-on.
The outro, "I'm gonna live my life anyway," signifies a resolve to push forward and embrace life's challenges and uncertainties. It speaks to a sense of resilience and determination to carve out one's path, regardless of past mistakes or lingering doubts. Overall, "Anyway" paints a picture of a protagonist grappling with inner turmoil, seeking courage amidst chaos, and ultimately choosing to embrace the unpredictability of life with a defiant yet hopeful attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
I found my courage in a box of wine
I discovered a sense of bravery while indulging in wine, possibly indicating that I sought comfort and strength in escapism.
Tried to get away from it all
I attempted to escape my troubles and responsibilities, yearning for a break from life's pressures.
Should pull the trigger 'fore I change my mind
I should make a decisive action before I hesitate or rethink my choices, indicating a struggle with commitment.
I turned, I turned around
I changed my direction or mindset, signifying a moment of reflection or reconsideration of my previous decisions.
And we say we’re all grown up, we’re out of love
We proclaim maturity and a lack of romantic attachment, perhaps as a defense mechanism against vulnerability.
And we say we’ve had enough
We declare our limit has been reached, indicating fatigue and dissatisfaction with relationships or experiences.
All the secrets I could never say
I harbor unspoken truths and feelings that I’m unable to express, reflecting my emotional struggles.
Of all the people I could love, you walked away
Out of many potential relationships, the one I held dear chose to leave, signifying loss and abandonment.
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
Regardless of the circumstances, I embrace a carefree attitude, suggesting a resolve to move forward despite challenges.
I know I shouldn’t do it, but I think I might
I recognize the potential consequences of my actions, yet I feel compelled to follow my instincts.
I’m going with the feeling when it don’t feel right
I’m choosing to trust my emotions even when they clash with reason, revealing an inner battle.
But you know, you know, you know
You are aware of my struggles and desires, highlighting a deeper connection or understanding between us.
I’m gonna do it tonight
I have made a definitive choice to act on my feelings this very night, indicating urgency and determination.
I broke a bottle with a piece of my mind
I shattered a bottle, symbolizing releasing my pent-up thoughts and emotions, perhaps as an act of catharsis.
Building on the courage I found
I am using the bravery I discovered earlier to face my challenges, suggesting growth and empowerment.
Paid no attention to the warning sign
I ignored the possible repercussions of my actions, reflecting recklessness or desperation.
I burned, I burned it down
I metaphorically destroyed obstacles or past ties, signifying a fresh start through radical change.
And we say we’re all grown up, we’re out of love
We continue to assert our independence and emotional detachment, potentially masking deeper feelings.
And we say we’ve had enough
We repeat our proclamation of being overwhelmed, emphasizing a collective fatigue from emotional burdens.
All the secrets I could never say
I once again highlight the truths I hold inside, suggesting an ongoing struggle for self-expression.
Of all the people I could love, you walked away
I reiterate the painful experience of rejection from someone I deeply cared for, emphasizing a sense of loss.
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey (oh-oh-oh)
I maintain a reckless, carefree spirit despite my struggles, showing a determination to keep moving forward.
I know I shouldn’t do it, but I think I might
I am aware of the potential mistakes, yet I feel drawn to make a choice that might not be wise.
I’m going with the feeling when it don’t feel right
I choose to act impulsively based on instinct rather than rational thought, highlighting emotional conflict.
But you know, you know, you know
There’s an understanding between us about my struggles, creating a bond amidst turmoil.
I’m gonna do it tonight (oooh)
I am resolute in acting on my feelings this evening, indicating a sense of urgency and readiness.
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I repeat my vow to embrace life unapologetically, signaling a commitment to authenticity.
I’m gonna live my life
I choose to take charge of my destiny, emphasizing a desire for freedom and self-realization.
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
I persist in declaring my independent spirit, despite adversities faced along the way.
I’m gonna live my life
I affirm my resolve to focus on personal happiness and fulfillment, rejecting limitations.
Anyway, anyway, anyway-hey
Once again, I affirm my commitment to living boldly, portraying resilience in the face of life's challenges.
I’m gonna live my life anyway
No matter the circumstances, I resolve to pursue my life with honesty, embracing whatever comes.
Writer(s): Conor Cook, James Bohannon, Mark Sanderlin, Nils Vanderlip, Tony Hoffer
Contributed by Elizabeth P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JaviEnNz
This song should definitely have more than 11k views
@onday2
❤You guys are on my list of all time favs
@Relegated
I wasn’t a good man to her. But, I was coming around until she had it and walked away. The chorus just hits different when I’m driving alone underneath the resourceful highway lights at night singing along with a proper smile. Dankeschon VHS collection.
@KO0LAIDBROTHA
absolute banger
@JESUSTHEGREATIAM
❤❤❤
@CoachKen10
Great song!
@PauloValzacchi
fantastic
@davidhidayat2392
Debuted in my weekly personal indie charts on February 27, 2022 edition :)
@Sirrincai
Why are the lyrics in the description on the official channel wrong lol?
Example: "We're gonna do it tonight" is clearly actually "I'm gonna do it tonight."
@hisdarkestfear
My guess is they took some liberties when performing it and just stuck with it without changing the written lyrics