After their debut LP release, Highways, in 2012 the band started gaining national notoriety and laid the foundations of a loyal fan base. Reinforced by their most accomplished work to date, 2015’s Not A Chance EP, which was released through Panic State Records. The record’s single “Bridge Burner” quickly amassed over 1,000,000 plays on Spotify.
Based in Ottawa and collecting members from the far reaches of Eastern Canada, We Were Sharks continue to wield the full-force of Canadian alternative music. Through a penchant for blending melodic harmony with powerful dissonance they continue to produce infectious music. Even though these boys already have a lot of mileage under their belts, their book is far from written.
Not a Chance in Halifax
We Were Sharks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
17 hours away from home
From everything we know
A ship like this can make you lose a little bit of hope
but never let it show
Sometimes, I think if it wasn't for bad luck
We'll keep counting the cracks in the pavement as we move along
From coast to coast and state to state
We will keep singing our song
I think I left a piece of my heart on the east coast
All the memories made and friends were always so close
Sometimes, I think if it wasn't for bad luck
We have no luck at all
We'll keep counting the cracks in the pavement as we move along
From coast to coast and state to state
We will keep singing our song
We were just kids
What did we know?
So young and hopeless, but we never lost our soul
We were just kids
What did we know?
So young and hopeless, but we never lost our soul
We'll keep counting the cracks in the pavement as we move along
From coast to coast and state to state
We will keep singing our song
The lyrics to We Were Sharks's song Not a Chance in Halifax convey a sense of loneliness and isolation that the singer is experiencing while stranded far from home. He reflects on the fact that the hardships he is experiencing seem to be persistent, with bad luck following him wherever he goes. He also touches on the idea that the hardships he is experiencing are not unique, as he and the people he is traveling with are all counting cracks in the pavement as they move along.
Despite the struggles they face, the singer emphasizes the importance of staying true to themselves and not giving up hope. They keep singing their song as they travel from coast to coast and state to state, reminding themselves of the memories and friends they made on the East Coast. The repetition of "We were just kids, what did we know?" adds to the sense of nostalgia and innocence being lost as they grow older and become more jaded.
Overall, the song seems to be about the journey of growing up and the challenges that come with it. It highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and persevering through tough times, even when it seems like bad luck is following you everywhere.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm broken down and stranded
Feeling lost and helpless, possibly physically stranded without a way to get home.
17 hours away from home
Far from the comfort and familiarity of one's own home, likely feeling homesick.
From everything we know
Separated from the people, places and things that one is familiar with.
A ship like this can make you lose a little bit of hope
Being on this ship or going through this situation can be depressing and cause a loss of motivation.
but never let it show
Despite feeling down, one must remain strong and not show weakness.
Sometimes, I think if it wasn't for bad luck
Reflecting on how things have gone wrong and how it seems like nothing is going as planned.
We have no luck at all
Feeling that things never go the way they should or that luck is never on one's side.
We'll keep counting the cracks in the pavement as we move along
Continuing on despite the challenges, focusing on the small details to keep going.
From coast to coast and state to state
Traveling a lot, possibly chasing a dream or looking for something new.
We will keep singing our song
Despite everything, music is a source of comfort and a way to express oneself.
I think I left a piece of my heart on the east coast
Nostalgic feelings for a place that was once considered home.
All the memories made and friends were always so close
Thinking back to the people and experiences that were once such an important part of one's life.
We were just kids
Reflecting on a time where life seemed simpler and less complicated.
What did we know?
Acknowledging that despite thinking otherwise at the time, they were still learning and growing.
So young and hopeless, but we never lost our soul
Despite feeling lost and unsure of the future, maintaining a sense of self and staying true to oneself.
Contributed by Luke C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nate-.- Howard
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