It has been a while since I have had the time to sit down and write...though my lack of free time to devote to this hasn't been a bad thing. I've spent the last month or so writing more music, focusing on time with family, getting acquainted with my roomie, and making up for lost time. Today, my son requested a very special song that is near and dear to me: "Breakfast in America" by Supertramp.
I get heckled when most people hear that I am a big fan of Supertramp. "Are you serious?"
I am so glad you asked.
Most people listen to music. They bob their heads along thinking about what lies in the day ahead...paying little to no mind about what the artist is actually trying to convey. Then there are those that listen. One of the most amazing things about music is decoding what message lies within. Not only decoding the message, as it applies to its author, but as it applies to each listener...all the while with the understanding that the message translated by one, will not necessarily be the same message translated by the next.
The thing that amazes me about Supertramp is the fact that many of their melodies aren't theoretically supportive of their lyrics. In addition to the fact that they wrote about history, philosophy, and real-world topics that most pop bands at the time wouldn't touch.
Goodbye Stranger: Basically about not being ready to settle, but having fun settling in for just one night. Who could sing a song in which it's basis is surrounding the beauty of the one night stand?? Supertramp.
Take the Long Way Home: A man taking the long way home because he can't stand his marriage anymore. A position 75% of us have likely experienced at one point or another...yet this song sounds so magical and uplifting.
I get heckled when most people hear that I am a big fan of Supertramp. "Are you serious?"
Yes. Yes I am. Very much.
"Why?"I am so glad you asked.
Let us first distinguish the listeners from the listeners.
Most people listen to music. They bob their heads along thinking about what lies in the day ahead...paying little to no mind about what the artist is actually trying to convey. Then there are those that listen. One of the most amazing things about music is decoding what message lies within. Not only decoding the message, as it applies to its author, but as it applies to each listener...all the while with the understanding that the message translated by one, will not necessarily be the same message translated by the next.
The thing that amazes me about Supertramp is the fact that many of their melodies aren't theoretically supportive of their lyrics. In addition to the fact that they wrote about history, philosophy, and real-world topics that most pop bands at the time wouldn't touch.
Goodbye Stranger: Basically about not being ready to settle, but having fun settling in for just one night. Who could sing a song in which it's basis is surrounding the beauty of the one night stand?? Supertramp.
It was an early morning yesterday
I was up before the dawn
And I really have enjoyed my stay
But I must be moving on
Like a king without a castle
Like a queen without a throne
I'm an early morning lover
And I must be moving on
Now I believe in what you say
Is the undisputed truth
But I have to have things my own way
To keep me in my youth
Like a ship without an anchor
Like a slave without a chain
Just the thought of those sweet ladies
Sends a shiver through my veins
And I will go on shining
Shining like brand new
I'll never look behind me
My troubles will be few
Goodbye stranger it's been nice
Hope you find your paradise
Tried to see your point of view
Hope your dreams will all come true
Goodbye Mary, Goodbye Jane
Will we ever meet again
Feel no sorrow, feel no shame
Come tomorrow, feel no pain
Now some they do and some they don't
And some you just can't tell
And some they will and some they won't
With some it's just as well
You can laugh at my behavior
That'll never bother me
Say the devil is my savior
But I don't pay no heed
And I will go on shining
Shining like brand new
I'll never look behind me
My troubles will be few
Goodbye stranger it's been nice etc...
Casual Conversations: A dead-end relationship, barely hanging on...the melody of this tune sounds like a perfect song for a stroll in the park on a Sunday.It doesn't matter what I say
You never listen anyway
Just don't know what you're looking for
Imagination's all I have
But ever then you say it's bad
Just can't see why we disagree
Casual conversations how they bore me
They go on and on endlessly
But no matter what I say
You ignore me anyway
I might as well talk in my sleep (I could weep)
You try to make me feel so small
Until there's nothing left at all
Why go on? Just hoping that we'll get along
There's no communication left between us
But is it me or you who's to blame?
There's nothing I can do, yes you're fading out of view
Don't know if I feel joy or pain
And now it's all been said
If you must leave then go ahead
Should feel sad
But I really believe that I'm glad
Yes I really believe that I'm glad
Take the Long Way Home: A man taking the long way home because he can't stand his marriage anymore. A position 75% of us have likely experienced at one point or another...yet this song sounds so magical and uplifting.
So you think you're a Romeo
playing a part in a picture-show
Take the long way home
Take the long way home
Cos you're the joke of the neighborhood
Why should you care if you're feeling good
Take the long way home
Take the long way home
But there are times that you feel you're part of the scenery
all the greenery is comin' down, boy
And then your wife seems to think you're part of the
furniture oh, it's peculiar, she used to be so nice.
When lonely days turn to lonely nights
you take a trip to the city lights
And take the long way home
Take the long way home
You never see what you want to see
Forever playing to the gallery
You take the long way home
Take the long way home
And when you're up on the stage, it's so unbelievable,
unforgettable, how they adore you,
But then your wife seems to think you're losing your sanity,
oh, calamity, is there no way out?
Does it feel that you life's become a catastrophe?
Oh, it has to be for you to grow, boy.
When you look through the years and see what you could
have been oh, what might have been,
if you'd had more time.
So, when the day comes to settle down,
Who's to blame if you're not around?
You took the long way home
You took the long way home...........
I wanted a better understanding of the group and their roots. Apparently, the band chose their name after a book that was published in 1908 by William Henry Davies called "Autobiography of a Supertramp." A 'tramp' is a person who travels on foot from place to place, especially a vagabond living on occasional Jobs or gifts of money or food. Given the frequent rotation of band members, I'd say the title was much appropriate. I ordered the book, and it was a great depiction of early life in the United States just before the railway industry lit up.
Though many of the songs suggest reality; the melody and Davies'/Hodgson's soprano-esque vocals start any day like no other. They casually remind us that life isn't perfect, however living any life at all is reason enough to relish in the upbeat of the opportunity in which it brings.
I Heart Supertramp.