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.
Surrender
theSTART Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For all you within tune
I took a fast train
And I watched my bridges burn
You were on the other side
I got a white flag
And I need to wave it
Surrender, baby, please
Surrender, surrender
Surrender, baby, please
Don't let me
Baby, please
Don't let me
Surrender
I picked a fine time
To open up my eyes
I found a demon
A demon in disguise
With a pocket full of fire
Stop before I have to
Surrender, surrender
Surrender, baby, please
Surrender, surrender
Surrender, baby, please
Don't let me, don't let me
Don't let me leave
Surrender, surrender
I watched my bridges burn
The lyrics to theSTART's song "Surrender" describe a moment of emotional turmoil and vulnerability. The singer is addressing an unspecified person or group, imploring them not to let them "surrender." The first verse sets the scene with the singer referencing a "dark day" and taking a "fast train" while watching "bridges burn." These lines create a sense of desperation and finality, as if the singer has made a decision they can't undo. The second verse introduces a "demon in disguise" with a "pocket full of fire," suggesting that the singer is facing an internal struggle of some kind. Despite this, the chorus remains a plea for the other person not to let them surrender.
Overall, the lyrics of "Surrender" convey a feeling of vulnerability and desperation. The singer seems to be at a turning point, facing a difficult choice or situation. They are reaching out to someone else for help, hoping that they won't have to give up or give in. The imagery used throughout the song - including the burning bridges and the demon in disguise - add to this sense of conflict and tension.
Line by Line Meaning
It was a dark day
The situation was not favorable.
For all you within tune
Everyone experiencing the same feeling of despair.
I took a fast train
I made a hasty decision.
And I watched my bridges burn
I turned my back on my past and there's no going back.
You were on the other side
You were not with me.
I got a white flag
I have acknowledged defeat.
And I need to wave it
I need to let go and move on.
Surrender, surrender
I am resigning myself to the inevitable.
Surrender, baby, please
I am pleading for someone's help.
Don't let me
Don't abandon me.
Baby, please
I am begging for mercy.
I picked a fine time
I made a poor choice of when to act.
To open up my eyes
To become aware of the harsh reality.
I found a demon
I discovered something malevolent.
A demon in disguise
Something that appeared good but was actually harmful.
With a pocket full of fire
With the ability to cause severe destruction.
Stop before I have to
I am warning before things get worse.
Don't let me leave
I don't want to be alone in this situation.
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.