submissions
| 311 – Simple True Lyrics
| 11 years ago
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In general, I believe this song is about managing creativity and the lack there of. The meaning of this song might not seem completely obvious during the first verse and the chorus. It becomes apparent to me during SA's entire verse. "Countless outtakes" and "Got a working title somewhere and I know one day I'll get there, I'm gasping here." 311 has dug up old outtakes from the Don't Tread on Me days with different working titles to add new ideas and lyrics for this album. SA's verse is a dead give away that this song is about the struggle to come up with ideas for songs the whole band can agree on. On the surface the title and chorus might be thought to be about a relationship. After SA gives it away it's apparent that the band is looking out for songs that are a "simple kind of true" to them. Nick's verses are much more complex and deep. In the first chorus he claims to feel happy wondering how that could be. He then says "Don't tell me I just gotta leave the broken pieces or it will be the death of me." It's like the others told him they won't use some of his ideas which makes him jealous. It's dawned on me that Nick is happy that the writing process has become more of a collaborative combined effort from all band members. He feels jealous because other band members have contributed much more recently and some of his ideas are the broken pieces that he must let go of or it will be the death of him. Ive gathered that in past albums other band mates weren't happy with Nick making most of the decisions about the creative path of songs. That first verse describes how he is grateful for everyone's contributions but has ideas that were left out. He isn't used to this but that's why he now has a side project. As for Nick's last verse, he basically says he would give props to his band mates and give them the credit. He then thanks them for getting through to him on the ideas when maybe at first he wasn't on board with it. This song reveals a lot of the struggle within the band. It's good to see that they are working together better then ever. |
submissions
| 311 – Made in the Shade Lyrics
| 11 years ago
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This song is a good example how 311 talks about a problem and follows it up with a solution. I really love how the verse describes the problem by being stuck in a rut. The pre-chorus explains how he is starting to realize it and needs to do something about it and the chorus is all about what action needs to be taken in order to rise above. The second verse then repeats this pattern. The verses describe being stuck in a spiraling rut that isn't working and hoping things will somehow change despite this ongoing passive and destructive behavior. The second verse reminds me of The Doors song "People are Strange." "Faces in the sunshine they never look at mine people just walk by and keep their eyes low." He is feeling so low and alone while people are living their happy lives. Everyone can relate to that at some point in their lives. I found the slang defintion of "Made in the shade" means to have succeeded or to be set for life. So the chorus is full of metaphors on how to succeed. Ex. "You gotta keep on climbing the hill. Cause if you think you'll make it you will. Keep swimming quick just like a fish and every wish will be fulfilled" Nick writes about getting out of a rut or a low time in life quite often through out 311's catalog. I think fans really connect to this topic. |
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