Why I'm Here

Infobox Single
Name = Why I'm Here


Artist = Oleander
from Album = February Son
B-side =
Released = 1999
Format =
Recorded = 1998
Genre = Post-grunge
Length = 3:58
Label = Universal
Writer = Thomas Flowers and Oleander
Producer = Steven Haigler
Certification =
Chart position =
Last single =
This single = "Why I'm Here" (1999)
Next single = "I Walk Alone" (1999)

"Why I'm Here" is the the lead single from Oleander's major label debut album, "February Son". It was previously included on the band's eponymous EP in 1996 and their independent LP, "Shrinking the Blob", in 1997. Despite comparisons to Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box," [Christopher, Michael [http://www.popmatters.com/music/interviews/oleander-030505.shtml PopMatters Music Interview | Thomas Flowers of Oleander] PopMatters.com (May 5, 2003). Retrieved on August 5, 2008.] "Why I'm Here" would become Oleander's best known song, charting higher than any of their other singles.

The melancholy power ballad features various hallmarks of post-grunge. A simple, clean guitar pattern strikingly similar to "Heart-Shaped Box" begins the song; the first three notes of both songs are indeed identical and largely responsible for its criticism. An additional guitar melody and drums enter shortly after with lonesome singing. The pre-chorus introduces a bittersweet violin and eventually enters an aggressive, heavy chorus. Lyrically, "Why I'm Here" describes people's vague resentment toward the narrator as well his/her indifference toward a significant other, shouting "I can't love you anymore/I'm scared of the sound of it."

"Why I'm Here" has appeared on compilation albums such as "Now That's What I Call Music! 3" in 1999 and "Universal Smash Hits" in 2000.

Charts

References