The Czars was an alternative rock band, formed in 1994 in Denver by John Grant and Chris Pearson. They released six studio albums, one EP, and three singles in the duration of their career. After the release of Goodbye in 2004, five of the six members of The Czars left the band over the span of nine months, leaving John Grant as the sole member of the band. After the exit of the other members, John Grant continued to tour under the name before deciding to pursue a solo career. Members Andy Monley and Roger Green, along with musician David Devine, appear on Sorry I Made You Cry as guitarists.
Following the band's breakup, Grant took some time off from the music business, and returned to recording and performing in 2010 with his debut solo album Queen of Denmark.
Originally going by the name Titanic, The Czars was formed by Grant, Pearson, and Linsenmaier after Grant came back from a long stay in Germany in 1994. Prior to forming the band, John Grant aspired to be a translator in Germany before realizing that his English skills were poor and he would be unable to have the job he desired. The band went through numerous personnel changes in its early stages. It took a few years before the official line-up was formed: John Grant on vocals and piano, Jeff Linsenmaier on drums, Andy Monley and Roger Green on guitar, and Chris Pearson on bass.
I use to sit in the shade of an old cedar tree
And I dream of the days, what they're holdin' for me
But all those should know who gaze at the sky
It's for those who are wise, only those who are wise
And the west winds would blow, they'd be singing to me
They'd say, "Look, you, out yonder, just as far as you can see"
But all those should know who gaze at the sky
It's for those who are wise, only those who are wise
And the years went their way as the good years will go
But my dreams linger on in the hills of my home
And young men should know who gaze at the sky
It is you who are wise, only you who are wise