Taking Back Sunday

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino]
I'm under the assumption that
I'm gonna be the one that's leaving you
Tonight, oh, tonight
Well, I flipped every switch that
I could find on my way out just to upset you more
Just to keep you busy, just to make you angry
Just because you were right, Just because you were

[Chorus: Adam Lazzara]
All tired— scream— safe haven
"Let's get this out and on the table"

[Verse 2: Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino]
Fast forward to, say, four o' clock
I'm keeping time, I'm holdin', We're always holdin'
We always holdin'
We're always holdin', holding out
And that's what got us here in the first place
You should have never come here alone
You should have never bothered at all, bothered at all

[Chorus: Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino]
Scream— older and wiser
Still, filled with resentment
We get it, we get it, ah
I haven't been happier since
Older and wiser
Still, filled with resentment
We get it, we get it, ah yeah
I haven't been happier since
I haven't been happy, not since
[Verse 3: Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino]
Well, five o' clock, the floor caught fire with footsteps, my footsteps
And spread like a disease to the door
I'm stuttering through it, but I hear it
Well, I-I I hear it's good t-t-to stick to what you know
And you know the whole lot of this
It all could have been avoided when
You were court side for this nightmare
Well, since then I got myself— come and listen

[Chorus: Adam Lazzara, Fred Mascherino, Adam Lazzara & Fred Mascherino]
Older and wiser
Still, filled with resentment
We get it, we get it, ah
(I haven't been happier since)
Older and wiser
Still, filled with resentment
We get it, we get it, ah
I haven't been happier since
I haven't been happier since, Bree Ann
I haven't been happier since,Bree Ann
I haven't been happier since, Bree Ann
I haven't been happier, not since, ah

[Outro: Adam Lazzara, Adam Lazzara & Fred Mascherino]
Well, we used to get so much more
I used to, I used to, too
It used to take so much more
I used to, I used to, I used to too
And I used to, I used to, tooEmbed

Coming out of the American rock scene in the early 2000s, Taking Back Sunday made waves with their unique blend of post-hardcore and emo. Their third album, Louder Now, was released in 2006 to critical acclaim and became their breakout success. One of the standout tracks on the album is "I Am Fred Astaire," a song with introspective and metaphorical lyrics that delve into self-doubt and personal growth.

About I Am Fred Astaire

The song starts with a guitar riff that sets the mood for a contemplative track. Singer Adam Lazzara starts off with the line "I could throw up in the parking lot and they would ask for an encore," which seems to reference the pressures that come with fame and the constant need to please an audience. The song's title, "I Am Fred Astaire," is a reference to the famous Hollywood actor and dancer, known for his smooth moves and suave persona, which seems to contrast with the insecurity and vulnerability that Lazzara expresses in the lyrics.

The chorus of the song features the repetition of the line "I'm starting to feel like I am, indeed, Fred Astaire," which suggests a growing feeling of self-assurance and confidence, as if the protagonist is finally finding his own rhythm despite feeling like an imposter before. The song's bridge adds a layer of complexity to the lyrics, with Lazzara confessing "And I feel like everyone is passing me by, in fast forward." This line could be interpreted as a fear of getting left behind or feeling like time is moving too quickly to catch up, further adding to the song's themes of self-doubt and existential crisis.

While the lyrics of "I Am Fred Astaire" might be seen as abstract or metaphorical, they still resonate with many fans of Taking Back Sunday. The song's message of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity is universal and relatable, especially to those who feel like they don't quite fit in or struggle with their own sense of identity. The band's unique blend of emo and post-hardcore is also on full display in this song, with intricate guitar work and powerful vocals that add to the emotional depth of the lyrics.

It's also worth noting that "I Am Fred Astaire" is a popular song among Taking Back Sunday fans and has become a staple of their live shows. The energy and emotion of the track translate well live, with fans often singing along to the lyrics and jumping along to the music.

Perplexity and Burstiness of I Am Fred Astaire

While "I Am Fred Astaire" may not have been a commercial hit on the level of some of the band's other songs, it still stands out as an important track in their discography. The lyrics are intricate and poetic, with multiple layers of meaning that can be interpreted in different ways. The song's themes of self-discovery and acceptance are particularly resonant, especially for those who feel like they are struggling to find their own footing in a chaotic world.

The song's burstiness comes from the raw emotional power of the music and the lyrics. The opening guitar riff immediately sets the tone for a contemplative and introspective track, while Lazzara's vocals add a sense of urgency and intensity to the song. The chorus is particularly explosive, with the repetition of the line "I am, indeed, Fred Astaire" building to a cathartic release. The song's lyrics are also bursty, with poetic and abstract phrases that evoke a sense of uncertainty and raw emotion.

In terms of perplexity, "I Am Fred Astaire" is a song that rewards close listening and interpretation. The lyrics are layered and metaphorical, with references to Hollywood cinema and pop culture that add complexity to the song's themes. The bridge of the song is particularly perplexing, with Lazzara's confession about feeling like time is passing too quickly adding an existential twist to the song's introspective lyrics.

Bottom Line

Taking Back Sunday's "I Am Fred Astaire" is a song with a lot of depth and meaning. The lyrics explore themes of identity, self-acceptance, and personal growth, while the music adds a sense of urgency and emotional power to the song. Fans of the band will appreciate the intricate guitar work and powerful vocals, as well as the song's universal message of resilience in the face of adversity. For those who are new to Taking Back Sunday, "I Am Fred Astaire" is a great introduction to the band's unique blend of emo and post-hardcore.

• Release Date: July 27, 2004
• Artist: Taking Back Sunday