Their music features a rare contribution to the genre, incorporating the use of a violin. Formed in 1997, the final line up consisted of Ryan Key (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ryan Mendez (lead guitar, vocals), Sean Mackin (violin, vocals), Nathan Young on drums, and Josh Portman on bass.
Yellowcard was formed in 1997 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA after meeting at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. The band was made up of six members back then:
Ben Dobson (1997 - 2000) : vocals, Todd Clarry (1997 - 2001) : guitar, vocals, Sean Mackin (1997 - 2017) : violin, vocals, Warren Cooke (1997 - 2002) : bass, Ben Harper (not the same as Ben Harper) (1997 - 2005) : guitar, Longineu W. Parsons III (1997 - 2014) : drums.
Former members: Ben Dobson (1997 - 2000) : vocals, Todd Clarry (1997 - 2001) : guitar, vocals, Warren Cooke (1997 - 2002) : bass, Alex Lewis (2003 - 2004) : bass, backing vocals, Ben Harper (1997 - 2005) : lead guitar, Peter Mosely (2002 - 2003, 2004 - 2007) : bass, vocals, Sean O'Donnell of Reeve Oliver(2010–2012) : bass guitar, backing vocals
The band released their first album, Midget Tossing, in 1997 but with not much success.
Around that time their lead singer was replaced by Ryan Key who convinced the band that they couldn't be successful in Florida, so they decided to move to Southern California.
The new group released their debut album, One for the Kids (Lobster Records), in 2001, and followed up with The Underdog EP (Fueled by Ramen Records) in 2002.
Yellowcard signed with Capitol Records in 2003 and released Ocean Avenue, which is their most successful album to date.
Soon after, bassist Alex Lewis was let go by the band. Pete Mosely who had produced and played bass on most of the songs on Ocean Avenue took over on bass.
The Yellowcard popularity "skyrocketed" after this period, with a song from Ocean Avenue, Breathing appearing in the game Burnout 3: Takedown.
Lights and Sounds was released in January 2006. The title track, Lights and Sounds, was the first single released off the album. It is also featured on the game Burnout Revenge. How I Go features Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks.
In 2005 the guitarist Ben Harper left the band. He chose to work with his record label TAKEOVER RECORDS and has signed bands since his departure. He was replaced by Ryan Mendez (formerly of Staring Back) shortly before the Lights & Sounds tour began.
Paper Walls released on July 17th, 2007. Light Up the Sky was the first single released off this album. The album debuted at No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard 200 selling about 40,000 copies in its first week. After their tour for Paper Walls in 2008, the band went on hiatus for almost 2 years.
While touring for Paper Walls, Peter Mosely announced in a MySpace blog message that he would be leaving Yellowcard. . Josh Portman took over on bass until the reformation of Yellowcard in 2010, upon which Sean O'Donnell became the bass player.
Yellowcard's official Facebook page announced on August 1, 2010, that the band has reformed and will be working on a new record. When You're Through With Thinking, Say Yes released on March 22, 2011. On October 24, 2011, the band released an acoustic version of the album.
Sean O'Donnell left the band in early 2012, replaced by Josh Portman.
Southern Air was released on August 14, 2012. It debuted at 10 on the US Billboard top 200, making this their second album to debut in the top 10 and their second-highest debut. The album's first single, Always Summer, was released May 22, 2012. Here I Am Alive was released July 31 as the second single.
An acoustic version of Ocean Avenue was recorded for the album's tenth anniversary. The album was released on August 13, 2013.
On March 13, 2014, the band announced that drummer and founding member Longineu Parsons III had left the band. Parson's departure left Sean Mackin as the only remaining original member of the band.
On August 4, 2014, Yellowcard announced that the next album would be titled Lift a Sail. On August 19, 2014, the band released the first single, One Bedroom. Lift a Sail released October 7, 2014. The album is a notable change of sound for the band, moving away from pop-punk.
On June 7, 2016, the band announced on Facebook that its next album would be a self-titled album. Yellowcard was released on September 30, 2016. On June 24, 2016, the band released the lead single titled Rest in Peace.
On June 25, 2016, the band announced on via its website that the group would be breaking up after a final tour, stating: "Please come and join us on our last trip around the globe. We hope to share this final record and tour with each and every one of you." The band's final show was on March 25, 2017 in Anaheim, CA.
In 2019, it was reported that they were suing American rapper Juice WRLD over his hit song 'Lucid Dreams'.
American't
Yellowcard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The home, the deprived
For years just sat back
While others were asleep
But now the times are changing
Are you gonna stay the same?
We change the point of view
While you point the blame on me
On me
On me
You're nothing
Nothing
Nothing without your lies
You're nothing
Nothing
Nothing without your lies
You're nothing
You're nothing
You're nothing without your lies
You're nothing
You're nothing
You're nothing without your lies
Without your lies
Without your lies
Without your lies
We take responsibility for things that you say
Away you push it off
Push it off on someone like me
Someone who cares just a little
Too much
You're using
Just another fucking crutch like me
Like me
Like me
Like me
You're nothing
Nothing
Nothing without your lies
You're nothing
Nothing
Nothing without your lies
You're nothing
You're nothing
You're nothing without your lies
You're nothing
You're nothing
You're nothing without your lies
Without your lies
Without your lies
Your lies, your lies, your lies, your lies
Without your lies...
Lies!
Yellowcard's song "American't" is a commentary on the shortcomings of the United States as a country that prides itself on freedom and democracy. The opening line, "The land of the free, the home, the deprived," sets the tone for the song's message that while America may be the land of the free, many of its citizens still face poverty and inequality. The lyrics go on to point out that while change is happening in the country, many people are resistant to it and instead choose to blame others for their problems.
The chorus, which repeats the phrase "You're nothing without your lies" multiple times, speaks to the idea that some people in power rely on deception and manipulation to maintain their power and privilege. The song suggests that these lies are what keep them afloat and that without them, they are nothing. The verses are a call to action for those who care about the country's future and want to see progress, rather than just blaming others for their problems.
Overall, "American't" is a scathing critique of the state of the United States and a plea for change and accountability. It highlights the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on others, rather than relying on scapegoats and deceit to maintain their power.
Line by Line Meaning
The land of the free
Referring to America, the country that claims to provide its citizens with freedom and opportunities.
The home, the deprived
Ironically, the country also houses many people who are deprived of basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.
For years just sat back
The citizens of America have been passive in making things happen and bringing about positive change.
While others were asleep
In contrast, other nations have been proactive in their actions to achieve progress and prosperity.
But now the times are changing
The current situation is different as the world is evolving and progressing at a faster pace than before.
Are you gonna stay the same?
The song challenges Americans to escape their apathy and bring about change.
We change the point of view
The song highlights that it is crucial to change perspectives and consider other viewpoints to promote growth and development.
While you point the blame on me
The people in power tend to blame those below them instead of taking responsibility for their actions.
On me
The song emphasizes that the blame game is ineffective and counterproductive in achieving progress.
You're nothing
The song criticizes the authorities for their lack of action and inability to bring about changes.
Nothing without your lies
The authorities depend on lies and deception to maintain their power and status.
We take responsibility for things that you say
The song highlights that common people are left to bear the brunt of the authorities' irresponsible actions.
Away you push it off
The authorities are guilty of pushing the blame onto others instead of taking responsibility for their actions.
Push it off on someone like me
The song emphasizes that the authorities oppress the common people instead of helping them.
Someone who cares just a little
The song highlights that even people who care just a little are still oppressed and blamed for things beyond their control.
Too much
The authorities do not accept even the slightest of criticism and oppose those who question their actions.
You're using
The authorities are guilty of exploiting the common people and using them as mere pawns.
Just another fucking crutch like me
The song emphasizes that the common people and the authorities are both helpless and dependent on each other.
Without your lies
The authorities are nothing without their lies and deceitful actions.
Your lies, your lies, your lies, your lies
The song highlights the importance of honesty and transparency instead of deceit and deception.
Lies!
The song criticizes the authorities for their lies and calls for honesty and accountability in public affairs.
Contributed by Grayson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.