“Far Behind” by Candlebox came out in 1993, on their first album. Though it started off less noticed than “You,” it soon became very popular. It hit No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 and stayed on the charts for 23 weeks. Many think it’s about lost love, but it’s actually more personal and sad.
The song was written by Kevin Martin for his friend, Andy Wood. Andy was a gifted musician who sadly died from heroin in 1990. “Far Behind” shows Martin’s pain and regret about losing Andy. It also highlights Candlebox’s unique way of writing songs that make people feel deeply.
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Key Takeaways
- “Far Behind” is one of Candlebox’s most popular songs and reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- The song was inspired by Kevin Martin’s personal experience with the tragic loss of his friend, Andy Wood, to heroin addiction.
- The original lyrics of the song were altered shortly before the final recording session.
- Despite years of performing “Far Behind,” it remains one of the songs Kevin Martin enjoys playing the most.
- The track has resonated deeply with listeners, exploring themes of longing, nostalgia, and personal struggle.
Introduction to Candlebox and Their Hit Song “Far Behind”
Candlebox joined the Seattle music scene in 1993 with their debut album. They quickly became known for their deep and moving songs. Their hit “Far Behind” climbed the Billboard charts in 1994.
The song is more than a tale of heartbreak. It’s a tribute to Andy Wood, the lead singer of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone. Kevin Martin, Candlebox’s lead singer, says Wood’s life deeply influenced “Far Behind.”
In a Candlebox deep dive, Martin explains how the song captures the essence of loss. It speaks to a generation coping with grief and change.
A music review notes how “Far Behind” remains powerful after 25 years. Candlebox connects with listeners by addressing universal themes in their songs.
Candlebox plans a special show in Seattle to mark their debut album’s 25th anniversary. The concert will mix their classic songs with fresh releases. Kevin Martin, at 55, looks back on a career of making meaningful music.
Looking ahead, Candlebox will release a live version of “A Little Longer Goodbye: Tour Edition.” This aligns with their tour with Bush. It marks a highlight in their long career and shows their lasting impact on rock music and their fans.
The Inspiration and Emotional Background
The emotion behind “Far Behind” by Candlebox is a tribute from Kevin Martin to Andy Wood. Wood was the lead singer of Mother Love Bone. His death by heroin overdose in 1990 deeply moved Martin. This loss moved Martin to write lyrics that reached out to Wood and expressed the pain of losing a friend.
Andy Wood: The Driving Force
Andy Wood’s death had a huge impact on his friends, fans, and Candlebox’s music. “Far Behind” was meant to speak to Wood. The original lyrics mentioned his name. But, they changed “Now Andy, I didn’t mean to treat you bad” to “Now maybe.” This made the song reach more people. Yet, it still honors Andy Wood and reflects the pain of losing him.
Personal Struggles and Friendship
“Far Behind” shows the personal struggles and strong friendship in Kevin Martin’s life. Martin’s bond with Wood was deep, filled with personal fights and experiences in the grunge scene. The pain of losing this friendship is clear in the song’s words and how it’s sung. The song’s themes like loss, regret, and addiction’s effects touch many listeners. This has made “Far Behind” a significant rock history piece.
The “Far Behind” video was directed by Nick Egan. It was shot at Elliott Farm in Renton, Washington. The video reflects the song’s themes of inner struggle and regret. It played a lot on MTV. “Far Behind” by Candlebox’s deep and personal roots continue to affect many.
Analyzing the Lyrics
“Far Behind” by Candlebox stands timeless. It’s marked by powerful lyrics and emotional depth. The song talks about addiction, loss, and heartache, rooted in personal experience.
The Original Lyrics
The original lyrics portray pain and the challenge of accepting loss. Kevin Martin’s words strike a chord, tapping into universal feelings. Released in 1994, the song’s impact hasn’t faded, making Candlebox lyrical analysis more relevant over time.
Symbolism and Hidden Meanings
Exploring Far Behind by Candlebox message, we find rich symbolism and hidden meanings. Martin’s reflections on addiction and loss connect with many. The song’s references to heroin show the dark side of the muse, Andy Wood.
This mix of personal struggle and broader themes crafts a poetic story. It mourns the past while hoping for a brighter future. Thus, Candlebox lyrical analysis becomes a personal journey for many.
| Thematic Elements | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss | “Far Behind”‘s main theme is the deep grief of losing someone to addiction. |
| Addiction | It openly discusses the battles with heroin, showing the harsh reality of substance abuse. |
| Hope | Yet, it carries a message of hope, hinting at overcoming the struggles of the past. |
Candlebox Far Behind Meaning
Exploring the Candlebox Far Behind song meaning shows a deep mix of feelings, life stories, and creative work. It was first made to honor Kevin Martin’s friend Andy Wood. It talks about the pain of losing someone, battling addiction, and the deep value of friendship.
Andy Wood was the loved lead singer of Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone. His overdose in 1990 was a sad loss. It deeply touched Martin and inspired the main feelings in the song. While it was first about Wood, Martin changed the lyrics to connect with more people.
These sudden changes made the Candlebox Far Behind song meaning wide-reaching. It lets people see the lyrics in light of their own loss and longing. The song talks about wishing for more, feeling out of place, and the heavy feeling of being “far behind.”
It stayed on the Billboard charts for 23 weeks, hitting No. 18 in 1994. Its raw emotional power, with Martin’s moving lyrics, reached many. It talks about feeling lost and wanting to go back to missed moments and people we’ve lost.
“Far Behind”‘s lasting impact shows Martin’s skill in capturing deep human feelings in his words. Even after nearly 30 years, the song is a key part of Candlebox’s music. It keeps remembering Andy Wood and shows the Candlebox Far Behind song meaning to all who hear it.
The Song’s Reception and Legacy
The Candlebox Far Behind legacy shows how loved and timeless the song is. After its release, “Far Behind” quickly went up the charts. It reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks. These achievements helped Candlebox make a lasting mark in the 90s music world.
“Far Behind” is important in the Candlebox Far Behind legacy, especially as a tribute to Andy Wood. This theme of loss touched many fans. It shows the song’s deep grunge roots, setting it apart from other songs of that time.
Many people love “Far Behind” for its chart success and its inclusion in hit song collections. Its ongoing popularity and emotional impact are clear. People still listen to it a lot and feel connected to it.
The table below shows just how well “Far Behind” did compared to other big alternative rock songs from 1994:
| Artist | Album | Hit Song | Chart Performance | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candlebox | Candlebox | Far Behind | No. 18 on Billboard Hot 100 | Enduring grunge classic |
| Stone Temple Pilots | Purple | Big Empty | No. 3 | Grunge staple |
| Live | Throwing Copper | I Alone | Top 10 | Modern rock success |
| Bush | Sixteen Stone | Comedown | Top 40 | Debut breakthrough |
| The Cranberries | No Need to Argue | Zombies | Multiplatinum | Global success |
The success of “Far Behind” truly captured the 90s alternative rock spirit. It shows how Candlebox connected with their fans. Through analyzing hits, it’s clear why this song remains important in the 90s music scene. The Candlebox Far Behind legacy is still strong among rock fans.
Music Video Insights
The music video for “Far Behind” by Candlebox, directed by Nick Egan, captures the song’s themes deeply. It uses scenes like a rundown farmhouse and red paint splashes to show emotional chaos. This adds greatly to the song’s fame.
The band’s essence in the video connected well with fans, placing them firmly in the grunge scene. It was often played on MTV, making it iconic of that time. The Far Behind music video analysis shows how its elements match the song’s feelings and story.
Nick Egan told a story in the video that highlights the band’s background and challenges. This Candlebox music video review notes the video’s key role in defining the band’s image and boosting the song’s influence.
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Debut Album Release | Candlebox releases their first album, reaching over four million copies sold. |
| 2006 | Reunion | The band reunites under the leadership of Kevin Martin. |
| 2021 | Documentary Production | Production begins for “Far Behind: The Candlebox Story”. |
| 2021 | New Album | Release of the seventh studio album, “Wolves”. |
| 2023 | Tour | Candlebox tours with 3 Doors Down celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album. |
The Far Behind music video analysis highlights its crucial role in Candlebox’s journey. From their start in Seattle to a lasting legacy. The Candlebox music video review shows the video wasn’t just about the band. It became an important part of grunge music history.
Live Performances and Cultural Impact
“Far Behind” has become iconic in Candlebox’s live shows. It’s electrifying on big stages and in small clubs alike. Its emotional power and the band’s strong delivery connect deeply with fans, proving their lasting popularity.
Iconic Live Performances
Candlebox’s live shows bring “Far Behind” to wider audiences. Their unforgettable Late Show with David Letterman appearance is a prime example. The band’s energy and sincere performance made a big impact. It helped gain them more fans, charmed by the authenticity of their live music.
Appearances in Media
“Far Behind” made a big impact beyond live shows, appearing in media across the world. It’s been on TV shows like “Eastbound & Down.” It even appeared in Chilean soap operas. These moments highlight the song’s wide-reaching influence and its universal appeal.
Below is a brief table highlighting some of the key appearances of “Far Behind” in media:
| Platform | Show/Medium | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Television | Eastbound & Down | 2009 |
| Soap Opera | Vuelve Temprano (Chile) | 2014 |
| Retail | Various Retail Stores Soundtracks | Ongoing |
Kevin Martin’s Reflections on the Song
“Far Behind” remains a key part of Candlebox’s legacy, even decades later. Kevin Martin finds deep connections with the song still. He often talks about the strong emotions and personal growth from when he wrote it. Martin believes his late friend Andy Wood helped shape the song. Their friendship and Wood’s mentorship greatly influenced his life and music.
Kevin Martin says “Far Behind” is special because it’s so open and emotional. Performing it live is something he treasures. Each performance brings back powerful memories and feelings. Fans find their own stories in the song’s lyrics. Martin feels honored by this deep connection with his audience.
Candlebox is hitting a 30-year mark with their last album, “The Long Goodbye.” “Far Behind” shows the song’s deep impact over the years. This anniversary celebrates their music history and the personal stories that helped shape their songs. Kevin Martin’s thoughts on the song show a mix of sincerity and deep feeling. They keep inspiring fans and pay homage to those who influenced him.
FAQ
What inspired Candlebox to write “Far Behind”?
“Far Behind” was inspired by lead vocalist Kevin Martin’s friendship with Andy Wood. Wood was the frontman of Mother Love Bone. He died from a heroin overdose. This song is a tribute to him. It talks about his addiction and its tragic end.
How did “Far Behind” perform on the charts?
“Far Behind” became very popular, hitting top spots on Billboard charts in 1994. It turned into the song Candlebox is best known for.
What themes are explored in the lyrics of “Far Behind”?
The song’s lyrics deal with regret, loss, and addiction’s consequences. Though it started as a tribute to Andy Wood, people can take it in many ways.
Who directed the music video for “Far Behind” and what is its significance?
Nick Egan directed the “Far Behind” music video. It has symbolic visuals that match the song’s sad tones. It was played a lot on MTV. This helped cement its place in the grunge era.
How has “Far Behind” influenced Candlebox’s career?
Thanks to “Far Behind,” Candlebox made a big mark in the 90s grunge world. The song helped them get spots at big shows. It’s a key part of their legacy.
What are some iconic live performances of “Far Behind” by Candlebox?
Candlebox’s performances of “Far Behind” on the Late Show with David Letterman are unforgettable. These shows brought out the song’s emotional strength. They connected deeply with fans.
How has “Far Behind” been portrayed in media?
“Far Behind” has been on TV shows like Eastbound & Down and even soap operas in Chile. This shows its broad appeal and lasting impact.
What does Kevin Martin reflect on regarding “Far Behind” today?
Today, Kevin Martin still feels a strong connection to “Far Behind.” He sees it as a major part of his growth and a tribute to Andy Wood. Its raw emotion makes it timeless to him.
