Here's To Us

Album: The Strange Case Of... (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the closing track of Pennsylvania alternative metal band Halestorm's sophomore album, The Strange Case Of... The group premiered this song on December 31, 2011 when they performed it at Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
  • Speaking with About.com, vocalist Lzzy Hale explained that the recording of the album was a "rush job." She said: "We had a handful of songs we had written on the road. Then we got off the road, had 24 hours to pack, then went right into the studio the next day. It was, 'Oh my God, what do we do?' But honestly, with the songwriting this time we weren't thinking too much about it. Last record we were thinking things like if it would have mass appeal, would the label like it, would radio like it? This time we didn't do any of that. We just let the song be whatever it was going to be. That's why it's so eclectic. There's the human element to it, which I enjoy."
  • Arejay Hale laid down his drums for the album in around two days. He told About.com: "I had to do five or six tracks a day onto two inch tape. So I had to get it right the first time. There's no editing, no Pro Tools. And it was the day after Lzzy's birthday, so I was hung over. So I just chugged some water and laid down the angriest drum tracks I possibly could."
  • This song was performed on the 'On My Way' episode of the Fox comedy drama Glee on February 21, 2012. The show's Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) took the lead with a cleaned up version of the tune. Lzzy Hale told About.com: Apparently the song got around. Somebody at our label let it slip, and they (the show) ended up calling. I thought to myself, there are three words in this song that can absolutely not go on Glee. So I ended up recording a clean version for them."
  • Halestorm recorded a new 'guest version' in 2013 featuring appearances by a number of well-known hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Slash, Brent Smith of Shinedown, Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge and The Conspirators, James Michael of Sixx: A.M, Tyler Connolly of Theory Of A Deadman, David Draiman of Disturbed and Device and Maria Brink of In This Moment all joined the band on this song.
  • Halestorm's Lzzy Hale explained the song's meaning to Rolling Stone: "We wrote this song literally as our personal anthem," she said. "We've been through a lot together as a band, and we've learned to celebrate the low times as well as the highs. It's about toughin' out and respecting the journey for us, and that's how we have kept it together as a foursome for 10 years! Here's to us!"

Comments: 1

  • Tc from UsaThis is my wife's ringtone and will be played when one of us passes. After being together for 40 plus years, we certainly have Fd up but we are still here and still together. This song speaks to both of us and reminds us of what really loving someone is all about.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.