One month after the formation of Welbilt, Washington, DC radio station DC 101 singled out them out as the most promising independent band in the region on the strength of a self-produced 2002 EP sometimes called "The Blue EP" (Blue) The basement recording was evidence of what DC 101 called a contagious brand of upbeat modern rock, and together with blistering live performances, Welbilt had hooked the radio station. Next: a string of high-profile shows and national awards, a year of touring before an expanding fan base, and recording sessions in Los Angeles with platinum-selling producer Mudrock (Godsmack, Chimaira).
The resulting full-length debut, A Beautiful Mess, was released in December 2003 to a big thumbs-up from fans and critics. "Impressive songwriting...convincing vocals...sonically vibrant" raved the Washington Post, saying "Welbilt delivers on its promise." Fans loved the new tunes, instantly accessible yet built to stand up over time.
Welbilt spent 2004 touring behind A Beautiful Mess with the support of Budweiser True Music and the fans who make it all possible.
In September 2005 the band released their second EP entitled Due To The Current State of Things, containing four brand new tracks including the ever-popular Oxygen. Welbilt continues to play the DC and Virginia areas, especially having become a local favorite and weekly fixture at the Fairfax, VA bar TT Reynolds where the band members originally met. The band has also extended its popularity up and down the east coast, also having become a favorite performer amongst students at the Quadrangle Club at Princeton University in New Jersey. In Spring 2007 they opened there for Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish. They played their last show at Quadrangle Club on January 15, 2008.
While the band has technically broken up, they still have a few shows planned for January 2008.
The band would like to send their love and gratitude and a heartfelt bear hug to each and every fan and supporter as they continue on their successful journey.
Oxygen
Welbilt Lyrics
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More than the blood in my veins
The scenery is changing so fast
I can't keep the face with the names
I've been having some trouble
Walking on water
And turning it into the wine
It's more than I bargained for
And all that I need
Is to learn how to breathe again
And all that I want
Is your taste on my lips, on my skin
'Cause I need you like oxygen
Look at us: I don't wanna fight
In a battle where nobody wins
I've been wrong
I don't understand why I leave you but I come back again
I've been having some trouble
Walking on water
And turning it into the wine
That got us here in bed
It's more than I bargained for
And all that I need
Is to learn how to breathe again
And all that I want
Is your taste on my lips, on my skin
'Cause I need you like oxygen
Woah, yeah, oh no no
I've been a fool before
I've been in bed with the Queen of the Angels
I've been a mess before
I haven't grown up, help
And you're asking me
All that I need
Is to learn how to breathe again
And all that I want
Is your taste on my lips, on my skin
'Cause I need you like oxygen
I need you like oxygen
Oh woah
I've been a fool before
And I'm having some trouble ...
The lyrics to Welbilt's song "Oxygen" can be interpreted as a confession of love and the need for emotional and physical connection with someone. The singer is vulnerable and admits to needing a miracle in their life, perhaps due to difficulties they have been experiencing lately. Here, the miracle they seek is the person they long for, the one who brings a sense of calm and belongingness to their life. They need this person more than the blood in their veins, emphasizing the intensity of their desire and longing.
The singer talks about walking on water and turning it into wine, a reference to the biblical miracle story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's desire to do something extraordinary or miraculous to prove their love. However, they seem to realize that the love and emotional connection they seek cannot be found through a miraculous act, but through the simple yet complex act of learning how to breathe again. Breathing is a natural and essential process that the singer feels they have lost touch with and need to relearn. They also crave the physical and sensual experiences of being with their lover, needing their taste on their lips and skin like oxygen.
The second verse talks about not wanting to fight in a losing battle, acknowledging the difficulties and conflicts that can arise in a relationship. The singer also confesses to being wrong and not understanding why they keep leaving and coming back to their lover. The lines "I've been a fool before / I've been in bed with the Queen of the Angels / I've been a mess before / I haven't grown up, help" reveal that the singer has made mistakes and needs help growing up and maturing emotionally. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the singer's need for their lover and comparing it to the necessity of oxygen for survival.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at me: I need a miracle
I am in desperate need of a miracle and attention.
More than the blood in my veins
This miracle is more important to me than the very blood inside me.
The scenery is changing so fast
My world is changing quickly, and I can't keep up with the people in it.
I can't keep the face with the names
I am struggling to remember and connect the faces with their respective names.
I've been having some trouble
I have been struggling with some issues.
Walking on water
Trying to accomplish impossible feats.
And turning it into the wine
Attempting to make something good out of difficult situations.
That got us here in bed
The end result of my efforts is me being in bed with my partner.
It's more than I bargained for
However, the outcome is not what I anticipated or desired.
And all that I need
What I truly desire is
Is to learn how to breathe again
To find comfort and to be able to relax.
And all that I want
My desire is simple.
Is your taste on my lips, on my skin
I want to be close and intimate with my partner.
'Cause I need you like oxygen
My partner is as essential to me as oxygen is to live.
Look at us: I don't wanna fight
I don't want to fight or be in conflict with my partner.
In a battle where nobody wins
Arguments are pointless and do not benefit either of us.
I've been wrong
I've made mistakes
I don't understand why I leave you but I come back again
I am confused by my own actions of leaving my partner but coming back to them repeatedly.
I've been a fool before
I have made foolish decisions in the past.
I've been in bed with the Queen of the Angels
I have been with someone who was not my partner.
I've been a mess before
I have been in a chaotic state before.
I haven't grown up, help
I need help maturing and becoming a better person.
Contributed by Kylie S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.