Both Sides Are Even

Album: The Cold Still (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a track from the international indie alternative rock band The Boxer Rebellion's third studio album, Cold Still. The record was produced and mixed by Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams, Paolo Nutini). The band told Clash Magazine: "This was the first song written for the album and the song that really made us want to work with Ethan Johns. We'd recorded a demo for the this song the same way we'd worked on Union and it felt like we were rehashing old ground. We needed a second opinion."
  • The band explained the song's meaning to Clash Magazine: "The song is about a relationship tug-of-war - about two people at loggerheads and unable to move forward. It's the age old idea that in a relationship there always needs to be a bit of give and take or each person will end up waving their flag alone. 'Both sides are even, they are even and alone. It's the same thing right or wrong.'"
  • The song was featured on the February 3, 2011 episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy and was used to open the season premier episode of the HBO series 24/7 Pacquiao Margartio.

Comments: 1

  • Justin from Roseville, CaEthereal.... I think the song relates on a larger scale, too. Take any disagreement between two people, or two parties of government or organizations... I think it works there, too. Am I wrong, or is that a mellotron used throughout? I love that!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.