Speed Of Sound
I'm watching the tables turning over
And taking its toll
I'm telling the neighbors that everything's over
But it's under control
I'm watching your children come alive
When they see your eyes
But would you distance them tonight?
Or would you hide?
When you're living your life at the speed of sound
And facing every day
Fed to the lions but leading the crowds
But he just can't take the pain underground
Because it's racing through his veins
At the speed of sound
Are you feeling disabled or feeling older?
You need something to hold
Remember you're changing
Remember your boarders
Will help out in the cold
Remember your children will come alive
When they see you smile
So just don't distance them tonight
Or burn your pride
When you're living your life at the speed of sound
And facing every day
Fed to the lions but leading the crowds
But he just can't take the pain underground
Because it's racing through his veins
At the speed of sound
Now he’s no longer around
Speed Of Sound relates to the epidemic of male suicide, written shortly after the Football Manager Gary Speed died, and reflecting on many other talented and prolific men whose lives were tragically cut short - not least from the world of music. The song is a compassionate yet confused narrative, calling for further research and support as to understand how seemingly successful people can be convinced that the world will be a better place without them, or they will be better off without the world.
The epidemic affects men and women, young and old, affluent and poor, yet prevails in a society that aims to be progressive and diverse. This is a true failing of our modern culture, where tragedies are reported as cold statistics and the economies of corporate power occupy mainstream political attention.
The song reflects that success is a relative quantity, and contemporary judgments of the term are blinkered towards evidence of status and wealth, ignorant to the fact that all humans are fallible and deserving of love, support and security.
Caught In A Fire uses a visual metaphor to explore the complexity of depression from the perspective of a friend, carer or loved one. Reflecting on a feeling of helplessness while observing something precious burn away, and being powerless to intervene despite offering love, patience and understanding for those involved. The confusion and frustration of watching mental instability on a daily basis and potentially absorbing the symptoms without actually experiencing the illness.
The song is vividly about being caught trapped in a fire too, initiated by an irrational childhood fear. Looking back on the days when farming communities would dangerously burn trails of wheat stalks after the harvest had finished, and the need for respect and awareness of the power of fire. Mourning tragedies reported in the media, and the sense of powerlessness of those involved, and of the panic, pain and suffering caused.
Caught In A Fire was written many years before the Grenfell tragedy, but stands as a homage to those impacted by the events and a reminder for those in positions of influence to act in favor of the less fortunate, and to provide all humans with the same consideration of safety and support.
Common Denominator
I didn't know what to do
I didn't know what to keep or chose
I didn't have nothing to lose, but for you
I didn't know what to say
I didn't know if I should call it a day
I didn't have nothing to prove, but to you
I've been searching for answers
But solutions weren't coming my way
I found a common denominator
But I still wasn't able to change
You didn't make no demands
You said you'd love me the way I am
You said you'd make me your man, and you do
I've been searching for answers
But solutions weren't coming my way
I found a common denominator
But I still wasn't able to change
​
We've been talking for hours
And my thoughts start to rearrange
I found a common denominator
And now I’m inspired by your ways
I looked and saw what was ours
And the view just blows me away
I found a common denominator
And now I know I don't need to change
Caught In A Fire
I live with an irrational fear of getting caught in a fire
I should remember her name
I used to share the stress and the strain
And take her into a state of mind to extinguish the flames
But this pain I've been feeling for all of this time
I know, I know it's all in my mind
And the scars they've been healing but they're taking their time
I know, I know, I know
You didn't see me smile when you got carried away
But did you hear the old man cry when they said he should stay
Outside the first story fire, until it's taken under control
He suffocating by her desire to take the feeling away
Take the feeling away
A critical time for you, a different point of view, a different refrain
You didn't want to complain about all the panic I caused
About the troubles that came and went
About the time overawed
But this pain I've been feeling for all of this time
I know, I know it's all in my mind
And the scars they've been healing but they're wasting their time
I know, I know, I know
You didn't see me smile when you got carried away
But did you hear the old man cry when they said he should stay
Outside the first story fire, until it's taken under control
He suffocating by her desire to take the feeling away
Take the feeling away
Common Denominator is a personal exploration and individual quest for self and societal acceptance. Modern culture has made it more challenging to maintain unique personalities, owing to heightened expectations that are promoted through media and social platforms.
As developing individuals, it can be unclear what is acceptable to a surrounding crowd and what actions are required to fit in. It is easy to identify a sense of self-failure as a result of unsuccessful interactions, but hindsight and lifelong experiences provide the answers we need and the confidence to grown and accept the skin we are born into.
The common denominator is an acknowledgement that through all success and failure, we are fundamentally unable to change our own mind or soul, and finding the ability to embrace our imperfections is possibly the strongest characteristic we could ever aim to exhibit.
Thinking Of You is a song about obsession and addiction of all forms including lust, drugs and digital interaction. Misunderstanding and confusion persist with unacknowledged side effects, false personalities and hidden truths, fueled by anxiety, fear and expectation. Trust, distrust and mistrust occupy the mind leaving an unbalanced perception of mystery, intrigue and passion.
The song is narrated by a lead guitar line which represents the internal dialogue of a person suffering with an obsessive personality, and the personal struggle to rationalise an escalating issue or addictive illness.
Butterfly
You turned the pages in my mind
When you said my name
And you changed my darkness into light
When you said my name
You’re just a butterfly that's bursting into flight
And you’re such a gentle flower that's blooming into life
And my thoughts truncated into line
When you said my name
So did you see me staring at you through the glass
And do you recollect I dared myself to ask
Sarah, won't you come with me and take this final dance
And let me hold you through the night
And search the light that everlasts
Because you filled the corners of my life
When you said my name
And you brought my dreams all into sight
When you said my name
You’re just an ember spark that's bursting into flame
And you’re such a gleaming star that's destined into fame
But you turned my water into wine
When you said my name
Thinking Of You
You said maybe we'll go out sometime
And you said baby it'll be just fine
But I'm watching and waiting for you
Just to call me up
I'm sat here anticipating the news
That you're gone
​
And then you say I'm cold but you're wrong
And then you say I'll fold but you're wrong
Because I'm always thinking of you
But it's just another heartache for me
And I'm always scared and confused
But it's just another heartache
Were you thinking of me?
Were you thinking of me?
Were you thinking of me?
I was thinking of you all the time
All the time
Butterfly is a song reflecting on love and companionship, embracing the power of shared inspiration and collaboration, partnership and connection. Celebrating beauty, naivety, growth and experience, and welcoming counter perspectives and debate. Identifying the importance and unique benefits enabled by combining art, colour and light with strength, kindness and logic.
In a world of disingenuous hook ups through online platforms, the abundance of digital pornography and biased, media frenzied views of love and relationships - everyone deserves to find their true butterfly.