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Trash-pop, guitar rock and melodic miscellany.
Not so much a band as a bloke with a guitar and a laptop, The Smivets deliver a genre-bending blend of pop, rock, punk, prog and many other monosyllables.
Song Info
Genre
Rock • Progressive Rock
Charts
Peak #46
Peak in subgenre #7
Author
Steve Smith
Rights
Steve Smith (2014)
Uploaded
August 02, 2017
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.9 MB • 128 kbps • 5:24
Story behind the song
Posted for the August '17 Clickers Club "Strange Days" challenge, this is a rather intense effort from 2014 album No Wrecollection. Largely inspired by my dad's battle with dementia, which eventually took him from us last year, and the terrifying world that memory loss creates. When everyday items and events, familiar faces and loved ones, become unknown strangers, it changes everything. One of my pet phrases, when I'm reminded about something obvious that I've forgotten, is "actually I have an excellent memory, it's just that it's full". But in reality I know that my memory, like everyone's, is gradually getting worse as the birthdays whistle by. So who knows? Sorry what was the question again?
Lyrics
Who can stand against the tide The cold, inexorable march of time? Thought perhaps I might be that one King Canute on his drowning throne. But now my recent events cease to exist Details lost in a dull grey mist. Words and faces refuse to come, Inner voices stricken dumb. And I hate this living without living I hate this dying without dying God damn this broken memory For taking my life away from me This rage is all that I have left That I have left that I have left This rage is all that I have left The only thing I've left I can't forget I was the brightest of my year A long illustrious future clear Now I'm trapped in this hooded cage Dissipated in silent rage Because all the things that I used to know Are now lost to stack overflow And the only thing that I remember Is a useless disconnected anger And I hate this living without living I hate this dying without dying God damn this broken memory For taking my life away from me
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Comments 17
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Michael Duran
Nov 03, 2017
Grand intro, powerful changes, and a message that cuts like a knife, lost a few of mine that way, sometimes it feels like I'm following along...
Finnski
Aug 15, 2017
Outstanding ones again!...great gift Steve!!....love it!
T Blue
Aug 15, 2017
Powerful outstanding production and lyrics fit the overtone of the music. Well done bow down to you Bravo Tim
Sounds by Ramolly
Aug 13, 2017
Very powerful production, very hard times, my mom had it, excellent work!!!
Oddger
Aug 12, 2017
Fantastic story in this dramatic piece, Steve! I love the reference to the Danish king, though it is about going down and losing everything... Memory loss is heard to deal with, but when my mother of 87 says, that she forgets things, I usually say that I am no better. The odd thing is that it's true... A wonderful gift you have, transferring your life experiences into highly crafted songs. Amazing vocals and superb playing and production.
spinaceto
Aug 12, 2017
Brillant work Steve!! I understand the meaning of the lyrics ( have relative suffering with dementia too ). The title is superbly explaining the matter of dementia. Perfect choice of arrangement and style ( rap vocals ) to describe the situation, excellent production with that dark heavy synth works that reminded me of early Genesis in the 70´s ( at about 2:50). I am positive impressed from your energy and vitality singing/ performing this tune, imho, it is the best I´ve heard until now from your great works. My compliment Steve, outstanding work!!
BIG SLEEP
Aug 09, 2017
Oh boy, where to start. Such powerful and personal lyrics. This is pretty raw, passionate and angry. I really don't know how you could have recorded this without breaking down. I admire your courage in baring your soul here in this powerful song. Ok, now the music... well, the music and the lyrics cannot or should not be separated; all of this song is powerful and uncompromising. Production, arrangement and execution are first class. I can't recall hearing anything, so charged with emotional ever before. This is well beyond anything that requires 5 red stars. A 'star system' isn't appropriate here. Blimey, I'd need a sit down if I wasn't already doing that.
Drumnjon
Aug 08, 2017
BRILLIANT SETH! A VERY EMOTIONAL PIECE !! INTENSE ROCKIN YELL IT OUT MAN!! WE ALL HEAR YAH! BRAVO!! GIANT HUGGS MAN! :):):):):):):)
Alan L Cole
Aug 08, 2017
No error here, it all adds up Steve. Spot on guitar work within a symphonic swirl. The lyrics are driven home with your powerful vocal delivery. So sorry to hear about your Dad.
Michael Bennett
Aug 07, 2017
Great synth intro and guitars are spot on but the song writing is what makes this one a top shelf winner. Excellent job mate and glad you're feeling better.
VMP (USA)
Aug 07, 2017
So poignantly emotional Steve, dementia has touched my family as well, these words appear a bit streaky through teardrops. You've accurately captured the rawness, the deep pain and frustration a growing number of our loved ones AND families experience, nailed it. Oozes pure class, so much more than just a song. Perhaps the most touching tune I've ever heard, I'm so sorry about your Dad. Taking this home to keep forever, thank you.
Dollar Bill and the Unmentionables
Aug 07, 2017
Powerful, meaningful, intelligent, intense. When I grow up I want to have the strength to write music like Steve. My first listen I lost myself in the sound which is immense and beautiful, but now I'm hearing the message and the pain behind the emotion of the music.
Musan Dera
Aug 07, 2017
Very strong in music and lyrics, pointing at the problem of loosing memory and the emotions of anger and fear when you have to deal with it. You really went into the head and thoughts of the person and expressed it in such a strong way. Very well done!
Bob Forbes
Aug 06, 2017
I wish I could write lyrics like this... Fantastic rocker filled with strangely great ideas in the arrangement. You are a talented songwriter Steve ;)
Carlo D'Anna
Aug 06, 2017
Wow! Powerful as all get out! Outstanding composition in all aspects.
Ken Sacco
Aug 05, 2017
just brilliant as usual-great song
Rodrica Rudge
Aug 05, 2017
A tragic story which I can relate to having seen this happen to people who were very close. The song is superbly written, both dramatic and emotional which depicts the turmoil of it all. Brilliantly produced and performed, you've captured the story perfectly.