In 2007, the band released their sophomore album, Lose All Time, which received even greater critical acclaim and topped the Earshot charts for an extended period. The band's relentless touring and positive reviews helped establish them as one of the leading acts in Vancouver's burgeoning indie music scene, alongside other notable bands such as Ladyhawk, Black Mountain, and The New Pornographers.
However, the band's constant touring would take its toll, leading to a public dustup between band members and eventually causing the band to go on hiatus in 2010. Despite this, the band's music has continued to be celebrated by fans and critics alike and their influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary indie and dance-punk bands.
Stockholm Syndrome
You Say Party! We Say Die! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh I, I will follow the day
My heart my heart and soul,
Oh oh oh!
__
And the girls they take out to the city,
Well they shake it, shake it, shake it,
Cry, cry, cry,
__
Take out! (x8)
I keep my eyes on the day,
I will follow the day,
Will follow, will follow, will follow,
I will follow the day
My heart my heart and soul,
Oh oh oh.
The lyrics of You Say Party! We Say Die!'s song Stockholm Syndrome seem to be reflective of the singer's inner conflicts and struggles as they navigate life in the city. The singer expresses a desire to stay focused and keep their eyes fixed on the present, represented by the phrase "I keep my eyes on the day." Despite the chaos and distractions of the city, the singer asserts that they will remain steadfast and true, following their heart and soul. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the singer's determination and sense of purpose.
In contrast, the second verse seems to be more cynical and disenchanted, focusing on the girls of the city who are depicted as shallow and cruel. The repetition of "shake it, shake it, shake it" and "break ya, break ya, break ya" suggests a sense of objectification and exploitation, with the girls being used and discarded. The final line "Cry, cry, cry" adds a note of pathos and sadness, highlighting the emotional toll of this lifestyle.
Overall, "Stockholm Syndrome" seems to be a complex exploration of the highs and lows of life in the city, with the singer's conflicting emotions and experiences conveyed through the use of repetition and evocative imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep my eyes on the day (x3)
I am focused on the present and not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Oh I, I will follow the day
I am determined to live in the moment and embrace whatever comes my way.
My heart my heart and soul,
My emotions and innermost self are fully invested in living for the moment and following my desires.
And the girls they take out to the city,
The women who venture forth into the bustling metropolis,
Well they shake it, shake it, shake it,
They dance and move with an uninhibited freedom and joy,
And break ya, break ya, break ya,
They force you to confront your vulnerabilities and limitations,
Cry, cry, cry,
Making you confront the harsh realities of life and all its emotions, both positive and negative.
Take out! (x8)
An exclamation urging the listener to venture forth into the world and embrace all it has to offer.
Will follow, will follow, will follow,
A repeated mantra emphasizing the commitment to living in the moment and following one's instincts.
Oh oh oh
An exclamation of joy and freedom, celebrating the liberation that comes from living fully in the present.
Contributed by Luke T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.