Echo and Miller formed the band in the fall of 1998, citing a mutual love of old-school new wave, dance-punk energy and dark pop, with bassist Jeff Jaeger, drummer Scott Ellis (Mellowdrone, She Wants Revenge) and guitarist Mike Smith. The latter left during the recording of their debut album, Shakedown!, which was released on The Label, a sub-label of Geffen Records.
After returning from touring, the band found the label was closing its doors, and, after Scott Ellis' departure, released The 1234 EP independently. Following a 2002 summer tour supporting Scarling., the band gathered enough money to release theSTART EP on Smallstone Records. After a tour supporting AFI, the band was signed to Nitro Records. Stabilizing a new line-up with Erick Sanger and Billy Brimblecom, Jr., they recorded their next album, Initiation. In the meantime, theSTART EP was re-released on Nitro Records under the title Death Via Satellite. Unfortunately, on the day of Initiation's release, Brimblecom announced his departure. The band proceeded to tour with artists such as The Offspring, Auf Der Maur and Garbage with a number of fill-in drummers. Sanger was let go in 2006 for unclear reasons, paving the way for current rhythm section Lance Webber and Chelsea Davis. The band also parted ways with Nitro Records, and signed with Metropolis Records later that year, releasing Ciao, Baby in 2007.
A Thousand Years
theSTART Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I no longer see the sun, you have eclipsed it
When you left you reflected back the light
The glow of a million creatures with hope burning bright
I will wait for you a thousand years
You retrograde like planets slipping backwards
I will wait for you a thousand more
You were right, you were better than me
I've broken all my mirrors so you can't see what you've done to me
I am yours forevermore
I will wait for you a thousand years
A thousand promises, one thousand last goodbyes
I will wait for you a thousand more
You retrograde like planets slipping backwards, slipping backwards
You were right
You were right
You were right
You were right
I will wait for you a thousand years
You retrograde like planets slipping backwards
I will wait for you a thousand more
One thousand promises, one thousand last goodbyes
A thousand last goodbyes
You were right
You were right
TheSTART's song A Thousand Years is a mournful exploration of the aftermath of a breakup. Through the lyrics, the singer reflects on the relationship and the impact it had on them. The chorus, "I will wait for you a thousand years," illustrates the depth of their longing for the former partner. However, the line "You were right, you were bigger than me," suggests that the singer recognizes that the relationship may have been imbalanced in some way, and that their partner may have been more dominant or influential.
The verse "When you left you reflected back the light / The glow of a million creatures with hope burning bright" offers a sliver of hope and optimism, implying that through the breakup, the partner inspired others with their bravery or strength. Nevertheless, the sadness and longing in the singer's voice dominates the song. The final repetition of "You were right" is a resignation, an acknowledgement that the partner was justified in leaving.
The lyrics, along with the haunting melody and intricate instrumentation, create a powerful and emotional listening experience. The song speaks to the universal theme of heartbreak and loss, and it offers a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a failed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You were right, you were bigger than me
Acknowledging the superiority of the person whom the singer is addressing.
I no longer see the sun, you have eclipsed it
The person addressed has become significant enough to overshadow everything else in the singer's life.
When you left you reflected back the light
The person addressed was so radiant during their time together that they continue to shine now that they've left.
The glow of a million creatures with hope burning bright
The person addressed represents a source of hope, inspiration, and vitality to many.
I will wait for you a thousand years
The singer is willing to be patient and wait for the person addressed, no matter how long it takes.
You retrograde like planets slipping backwards
The person addressed is distant, elusive, and difficult to keep up with.
I will wait for you a thousand more
The singer will continue to wait for the person addressed, even after a thousand years.
One thousand promises, one thousand last goodbyes
Despite numerous promises and goodbyes in the past, the singer is still committed to this person.
I've broken all my mirrors so you can't see what you've done to me
The person addressed has hurt the singer so deeply that they cannot bear to see their own reflection.
I am yours forevermore
The singer has given themselves completely to the person addressed, without reservation.
You were right
Reiteration of the person addressed's previous correctness or superiority.
A thousand last goodbyes
The singer has said goodbye to the person addressed many times before, but still can't let go.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMIE MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind