(You'll probably need to read the lyrics along as you listen - they're a bit incomprehensible in this recording)
The idea for this song was originally to depict an attitude of frivolity, but it became more about an individual being incapable of moving past the traumas of the past and the self-destructive behaviours that comes with. So in the end, things stayed kinda heavy.
Written with an Americana-style folk-country production in mind, but performed on piano because that's all I can play. Just imagine it in your mind.
I need to find the right volume balance so my low-range voice doesn't get lost in future recordings. Bear with.
When you’re standing in the middle of a crowd that doesn’t see you
It’s easy to believe that you’re the only one that needs you
When you’re asking all the questions but you never want the answers
Step to the line and flirt with disaster
When you’re moving in the footsteps of an unforgiving shadow
When you tell another stranger that there’s something you can’t let go
When you fill another glass that empties out the second bottle
Don’t need a Jesus to tell me I’m in trouble
Things have got too heavy, won’t you ease up
Need to get it steady, won’t you ease up
Tell you when I’m ready, won’t you ease up
I’m gonna need you to ease up
When you’re sleeping with a killer and you live to tell the story
Why don’t you pin another badge on me and wrap me in your glory
When you’re sleeping with a victim and you don’t care what they go through
Run from the risk of being responsible
Things have got too heavy, won’t you ease up
Need to get it steady, won’t you ease up
Tell you when I’m ready, won’t you ease up
I’m gonna need you to ease up
But I ain’t got the remedy I need to
Ease up
When you’re looking out to heaven and you only see horizon
When you breakaway from silence just to find the noise has all gone
When you're seeking out adventure in the bottom of a wishing well
Cut to Samara, drag me down to hell
Things have got too heavy, won’t you ease up
Need to get it steady, won’t you ease up
Tell you when I’m ready, won’t you ease up
I’m gonna need you
Things have got too heavy, won’t you ease up
Need to get it steady, won’t you ease up
Tell you when I’m ready, won’t you ease up
I’m gonna need you to ease up
@berni1954 Feb 2022
How have I never stumbled upon you before this FAWM?
I have only heard two of yours and loved both of them. I promise you I will return to hear the rest, if not in Feb then in March. I am off to put you on my Watch List.
@jlampson Feb 2022
A reminder I definitely needed. The imagery in the lyrics here is great, too. Thanks for sharing this, and keep rocking out more stuff!
@max Feb 2022
I can hear a full Josh Ritter band play this song. Really well crafted.
Dark yet uplifting for people who can relate.
@skylermf Feb 2022
WOW! I can already tell this one’s going to be stuck in my head all day - that hook is infectious. I love how much energy this has, great stuff