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'.
Telescope
Yellowcard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Staring at this screen wondering what I'll write
Things I can't explain
But should've tried to say when I had the time
You were inspiration
When no one else believed
You showed me strength in my skin
Let's just keep driving on
All the stars jumping in through the windows
Let's go where we belong
Headed fast as we can for the unknown
I remember how
Like a telescope you could always find
(You could always find)
Something worth a wish
You said every day's a gift and we'll be alright
(We'll be alright)
And something took you from me
I can't understand why
But wherever you're resting (I'm carrying)
I'm carrying your line
Let's just keep driving on
All the stars jumping in through the windows
Let's go where we belong
Headed fast as we can for the unknown
You can stay there
And it's not fair
Those were the days when we laughed all the while
When the fireflies
Lit up our skies
Those were the nights when the world made us smile
My only hope
You're my telescope
My only hope
You're my telescope
My only hope
You're my telescope
My only hope
You're my telescope
(Let's just keep driving on)
(Let's go where we belong)
Let's just keep driving on
All the stars jumping in through the windows
Let's go where we belong
Headed fast as we can for the unknown
You can stay there
And it's not fair
Those were the days when we laughed all the while
When the fireflies
Lit up our skies
Those were the nights when the world made us smile
My only hope
You're my telescope
(My only hope)
(You're my telescope)
My only hope
You're my telescope
(My only hope)
My only hope
You're my telescope
The song "Telescope" by Yellowcard is a beautiful tribute to a departed loved one who was a source of inspiration and positivity in life. The song begins with the singer contemplating about what to write and expressing regret for not saying the things he should have, while he had the chance. This leads to his thoughts of the person who was his source of inspiration and strength, someone who believed in him when no one else did, and saw things in him that no one else could.
The person and their words of hope and encouragement were like a telescope that enabled the singer to see the beauty in the world and the possibilities in life, providing direction and perspective. The loss of this person, whose death is mentioned but not explained, has left the singer struggling to understand why and feeling empty, but still holding on to their memory and the impact they had. The song ends with a plea to keep going forward, to keep driving towards the unknown, with the hope that the departed person is still acting as a guiding force.
Overall, the song is a touching reminder of the power that people can have in each other's lives, and the importance of appreciating and connecting with those who inspire and uplift us.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been here a while
It has been a long time since I started thinking about what to write.
Staring at this screen wondering what I'll write
I am looking at the computer screen, trying to come up with something to say.
Things I can't explain
There are certain things that I cannot understand or describe.
But should've tried to say when I had the time
I wish I had taken the opportunity to express myself when I had the chance.
You were inspiration
You were a source of inspiration.
When no one else believed
Other people did not have faith in me, but you did.
You showed me strength in my skin
You helped me recognize my own inner strength.
That no one else could see
Other people were not able to perceive the same strength that you did.
Let's just keep driving on
We should continue moving forward despite any obstacles in our path.
All the stars jumping in through the windows
The night sky is visible through the car windows, and it is beautiful and inspiring.
Let's go where we belong
We should go to the place where we feel most at home.
Headed fast as we can for the unknown
We are moving quickly towards an uncertain future.
I remember how
I recall fondly.
Like a telescope you could always find
You had a way of seeing things that were hidden from others.
(You could always find)
Something worth a wish
You could always find something that was worth wishing for.
You said every day's a gift and we'll be alright
You believed that every day was precious, and that everything would be okay.
(We'll be alright)
And something took you from me
Something happened that caused us to be separated.
I can't understand why
I do not know the reason why we were separated.
But wherever you're resting (I'm carrying)
You may be gone, but I am still carrying your memory with me.
I'm carrying your line
I am continuing your legacy.
You can stay there
You may choose to remain where you are.
And it's not fair
It is unjust or inequitable.
Those were the days when we laughed all the while
We used to laugh all the time in the past.
When the fireflies
Back when the fireflies were around.
Lit up our skies
They illuminated the sky and brought us happiness.
Those were the nights when the world made us smile
Those were the evenings when we were truly happy.
My only hope
You are my greatest optimism.
You're my telescope
You help me see things clearly and navigate through life.
(Let's just keep driving on)
(Let's go where we belong)
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Longineu Warren Parsons, Ryan Michael Mendez, Ryan William Key, Sean Michael Wellman-Mackin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Frathememorygirl
between 2004 and 2007 yellowcard was my absolute favorite band, they had a song for every one of my teenage moods and feelings. then i got "older" and i moved on to other bands and musicians, but listening to their music, even the newer one, still feels like coming home. like i'm meeting my old friend from school who still knows me better than anyone else. thank you for everything guys
@pilgrimgirl3182
Love this! Yes! i love the way you describe it. That’s perfect! That’s how they make me feel too. Fell in love when Ocean Avenue came out, and they’re still my favorite band. i’ll spend a month or two obsessing over some new found music, but every time i come back to Yellowcard i feel like i’m reconnecting to my baseline. <3
@leezt4
Forever a Yellowcard fan!
@asslam182
Yeah me too. Can I be your fan?
@ldvlover
@@asslam182 maybe :3
@roxettejorolan7609
After all these years this is still my favorite song.
@Megan-thee-megan
RIP my dad, he was my inspiration when no one else believed. he showed me strength in my skin that no one else could see.
@stendertbaars4118
3:20 Seldom have I heard such a perfect blend of instruments, voices and pure emotion displayed in a song. The moment it hits you it feels like an adrenaline rush to the deepest of your soul.
@davidpeters2625
Yellowcard is definitely, probably my go-to band whenever I have a bad day, and this is probably my favorite Yellowcard record, bc of songs like this, “Southern Air” title track, A vicious kind, you get the drill, meaning boom, boom, boom, boom, one good song after another ... oh and the fact that Cassadee Pope is a guest vocalist, makes a criminally underrated song like this, into a beautiful masterpiece painting #RIPYellowcard #ThanksForTheRide
@jurianvanvliet3271
I just soooo agree with you there