"Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" by Sea Girls – A Song Feature

 

     The lyrics intelligently reveal the protagonist's inner thoughts and insecurities, yet they offer flexibility in the interpretation, allowing listeners to easily find common ground. As a result, "Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" encourages listeners to relate and find comfort in shared anxiety. Then, the “band vocals” arrive with the chorus, expanding the sense of camaraderie and broadening the message into “we are a community.” The song from Sea Girls is strong throughout, but it is the chorus that’s powerful:

Sometimes we're just, we're just holding on

To deep space and bad dreams and miracles

When we smile, it's like, it's like there's nothing wrong

Does only God know that we're lonely?

 
      “Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" immediately diverges from the norm – shunning the standard instrumental intro and instead uttering “Stop” with a tone that is as much a plea as it is a command. The outro also breaks the rules, as the voice struggles with maintaining the notes. Earlier (just prior to the two-minute mark), the instruments step back to allow an increased intimacy for a verse suggesting a one-on-one meeting within a dream. Clearly, Sea Girls put significant time and thought into maximizing the impact to their song. 
 
     Sea Girls are a UK band comprising Henry Camamile (vocals, guitar), Rory Young (lead guitar), Andrew Dawson (bass), and Oli Khan (drums). “Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" is one of 12 tracks on the album “Midnight Butterflies,” which was released on June 14, 2024, via Alt. Records. The Spotify stream of the album is embedded at the bottom of this post. While talking about the album, Camamile said:
  “It feels and sounds like a fledgling band making their energetic untainted debut record. It's super optimistic and euphoric. There was a huge freedom in making this record. It’s an exciting time for music across genres, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

 
     "Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" by Sea Girls

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/
Website: https://www.seagirls.net/

Lyrics of "Does Only God Know That We're Lonely?" by Sea Girls
Stop
I am everything you think that I'm not
Between loving you and giving you up
Tried to put it in a song, but it sucked
 
Here we go
Sliding backwards to letting her go
Eating Sherbet as we walk to the show
Singing, screaming, ripped shirts on new clothes
Do you know?
 
Sometimes we're just, we're just holding on
To deep space and bad dreams and miracles
When we smile, it's like, it's like there's nothing wrong
Does only God know that we're lonely?
Does only God know that we're lonely?
 
Stop
I wish somebody could stop all the clocks
Tell me why I'm here, how long have I got?
Is it cool to be something I'm not?
 
Well, I guess that I'll become what I'm gonna become
And I can't move faster than the pace that I run
And everything that shines is gonna get dull
It's just a feeling
 
Sometimes we're just, we're just holding on
To deep space and bad dreams and miracles
When we smile, it's like, it's like there's nothing wrong
Does only God know that we're lonely?
Does only God know that we're lonely?
 
When you dream
Do you dream the same place as me?
Let's meet up in each other's sleep
Just you and just me
Just me
 
Sometimes we're just, we're just holding on
To deep space and bad dreams and miracles
When we smile, it's like, it's like there's nothing wrong
Does only God know that we're lonely?
 
Sometimes we're just, we're just holding on
To deep space and bad dreams and miracles
When we smile, it's like, it's like there's nothing wrong
Does only God know that we're lonely?
Does only God know that we're lonely?

“Heaven To Me” by lotusbliss – A Song Feature

      With the release of their seven-track LP, “Deafening And Silent,” lotusbliss unveil “Heaven To Me,” their best showcase of the combination of vocal prowess and percussion proficiency. Early in her career, Joni Mitchell was renowned for utilizing her impressive vocal range and creative songwriting skills to craft songs featuring vocal patterns with unconventional leaps up and down the scale (for example, “Both Sides Now”). The three brothers who comprise lotusbliss have no reason to remain humble when compared to Mitchell.
 
     The skillfulness of the drumming is most apparent during the initial 20 seconds and the final 10 seconds. Those times are bookends for equitably sharing the spotlight with the other instruments. Most noteworthy, the bridge that begins around 2:10 features strong guitar.
 
     The members of lotusbliss are brothers Seth, Josh, and Adam, who hail from Canterbury, UK. The credits for “Heaven To Me” identify Seth Gauton as the drummer, Adam Gauton as contributing piano and synth, and Josh Gauton as bassist and guitarist. The band’s sound is described as a fusion of their small-town Canterbury roots with an ambitious cinematic soundscape. The content relating to the debut mini-LP is interesting and insightful:
  “Love is a lot like the solar system. Planets moving round a central point, sometimes spinning at the same time, sometimes getting out of sync. Whether it’s romantic, platonic or familial, it’s a delicate thing. And on ‘Deafening And Silent,’ lotusbliss consider the orbital nature of love; ever spinning and ever changing. Taking everything they’ve done before and skyrocketing it, this new era is as future-thinking and adventurous as the space race that inspired it, incorporating more eighties synth details and high octane climaxes for a sounAdamd that soars about the current indie scene.”
 
     “Heaven To Me” is the lead track from the LP. The LP is available for purchase or streaming via the Bandcamp site of lotusbliss – CLICK HERE. 
 
     “Heaven To Me” by lotusbliss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lotusblissband
Website: https://www.lotusbliss.co.uk/
Bandcamp: https://lotusbliss.bandcamp.com/album/deafening-and-silent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotusblissband/

“I See Red” by Jim Rafferty – A Song Feature

 

      It is a song that’s been with us for more than 40 years. Now, the writer is getting performance credit. Jim Rafferty recently released a 7’’ single having his song “I See Red.” ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad’s (aka “Frida”) 1982 solo album included the song, as did a 1983 album from the Irish band Clannad. Jim’s brother, Gerry Rafferty of “Baker Street” fame, covered the song in 1992.
 
     The Jim Rafferty release of “I See Red” features megaphone-like vocals and appealing guitar plucking. No disrespect to his brother’s and other artists’ versions of the track, but this latest release is superior.
 
     “I See Red” by Jim Rafferty

Lyrics of “I See Red” by Jim Rafferty
Back in my schooldays, acting the fool days
One and one and one makes three
And a man said: "Boy, come and cut yourself a piece of the big time."
 
Armour-clad horses, riding Trojan horses
Never made sense to me
I didn't want to be a part of the great debate on moonshine
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
 
When the sly man stumbles, twists, and hе tumbles
He always lands on his feet
And he sets his face towards the far horizon
Won't you come this way, can't you go that way?
But his rhythm don't miss a beat
'Cause he's doing everything he can to keep surviving
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice, “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
[Repeat]
 
So who wants a riot? People should be quiet
Don't we give them good T.V.?
You can learn to love your lifetime of distraction
 
Nothing on the inside, nothing on the outside
All the way from A to Z
I can live without that kind of satisfaction
 
"Stop, pay the price," they said to me
Take this advice “You're out of your head”
I said: "Stop, hold the phone, this has to be
Cut to the bone. Too bad I see red”
I see red, I see red, I see rеd
[Repeat]

“I Am A Force Field” by Cloud Cult – A Song Feature

 

     We experienced a revelation because of Cloud Cult. Namely, if you find a lyricist with the ability to capture and put to music thoughts and convictions with which you are aligned, merely telling others to listen to the artist is not the best approach to spreading the word. Instead, recommend individual songs to friends based upon the current situations of the friends. A young child, then listen to “You Were Born;” an older child leaving for college, play “Back Into My Arms;” need perspective on a long-term relationship, put “What Would You Do?” on repeat…
 
      The most recent release from Cloud Cult is “I Am A Force Field.” The lyrics are included in this post. For us, the most powerful verse is:

Wrote a letter to my future self

What the hell

I think you're gonna get better

With a little self esteem

And there's a little kid inside me

Tryin' to remind me

That I am a forcefield

 
     Cloud Cult is a Minnesota-based band, but they tend to record at Cloud Cult's Alchemy Creek Studio in Wisconsin. The current alignment of members is:
Shannon Frid-Rubin: Violin
Jeremy Harvey: Drums
Craig Minowa: Singer/songwriter, guitar
Shawn Neary: Bass, Banjo, Trombone
Sarah Perbix: Keyboard, French horn, Trumpet
Scott West: Live Painter
Daniel Zamzow: Cello, Mandola
 
     “I Am A Force Field” by Cloud Cult

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloudCultMusic
Website: https://www.cloudcult.com/
Bandcamp: https://cloudcult.bandcamp.com/
 
Lyrics of “I Am A Force Field” by Cloud Cult
Call me Christopher Robin
Gonna solve all of my problems
With imaginary friends
Who are there when I need ‘em
 
And I've been seeing backsons
And I've been hearing demons
And they say that they are here
Because I've been pushing down my feelings
 
Wrote a letter to my future self
What the hell
I think you're gonna get better
With a little self esteem
 
And there's a little kid inside me
Tryin' to remind me
That I am a forcefield
I am a forcefield
And I
And I
 
And I can only cry
When I'm alone
I guess it's something
That I accidentally learned
From my dad
 
So I'm hiding in the woods
With a shovel and some photos
Digging up feelings
I never knew I had
 
And they're building me a tree fort
With a trap door
I'm the only one I ever catch
 
And there's a little kid inside me
Tryin' to remind me
That I am a forcefield
I am a forcefield
And I
And I
And I
And I (I- I- I- I-)
 
Call me Christopher Robin
Gonna solve all of my problems
With imaginary friends
Who are there when I need ‘em
 
And I've been seeing backsons
And I've been hearing demons
And they say that they are here
Because I've been pushing down my feelings
 
Wrote a letter to my future self
What the hell
I think you're gonna get better
With a little self esteem
 
And there's a little kid inside me
Tryin' to remind me
That I am a forcefield
I am a forcefield
I am a forcefield
I am a forcefield
And I
And I
 
And I've been seeing backsons
And I've been hearing demons
And they say that they are here
Because I've been pushing down my feelings
And I
 

“Wish Me Away” and “Going In Circles” by GIFT – Song Features

     GIFT followed “Wish Me Away” with an even stronger “Going In Circles.” Is this the year of GIFT? All indications are that it is. The two songs are from an upcoming album, “Illuminator,” which is scheduled for release on August 23, 2024. The band is based in New York, but has connections to Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Brazil, and Boston.
 
     The members of GIFT are vocalist/guitarist TJ Freda, multi-instrumentalists Jessica Gurewitz and Justin Hrabovsky, drummer Gabe Camarano, and bassist Kallan Campbell. They describe “Wish Me Away” as “earworm guitar lines, propulsive rhythms, riveting vocals and mind-expanding aural flourishes.” In comparison, “To be sure, the relentless, often painful dance of love has never sounded as exhilarating as on “Going in Circles.”

 
     “Wish Me Away” by GIFT

Website: https://www.gift-music.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giftbandnyc
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/gift_nyc

Lyrics of “Wish Me Away” by GIFT
It steals my breath
Times lost I pretend
It dawns on me
This life I can’t repeat
Like sinking sand
Its gone way to fast
Will they remember me
Just in time to bury me
 
Can’t hold onto
The ones I love
 
Wish me away
Wish me away
Wish me away
With me away
 
It starts with one
Pull me back when I start to run
It seems that way
I forgot what to say
I hold on tight
Your eyes have lost their light
Will they remember me
A life incomplete
 
Can’t hold onto
Can’t hold onto
The ones I love
The ones I love
 
All alone seems right
I can’t hold tight
All alone feels right
I can’t feel love
All alone seems right
I can’t see light
All alone feels right
I can’t leave it
 
All alone
Always
All day
This place
I can’t
Tell if I’m wrong or
 
Wish me away
[Repeating]

      “Going In Circles” by GIFT

Lyrics of “Going In Circles”
I cannot sleep at night
I cannot sleep at night
I cannot wash away the days
 
I couldn't feel last night
I couldn't feel last night
When all my thoughts creeped in
 
I wondered what you meant
You taught me to forget
When I watched my sky cave in
 
And I never told you why
And I never told you why
Always in love
And I
 
A familiar dream she said
Caught under waves of dread
I couldn't find a way to stay
A little closer now
A little closer now
A little closer now
 
And I never told you why
And I never told you why
Never said away from here is better
Never said away from here is bettеr
Always in love
With this everlasting touch
 
(Feel light) I cannot feel
(Feel light) Alrеady, dear
(Feel light) I'll be the last to fall away
I'll be the last to fall away
I'll be the last to fall away
I'll be the last to fall away
 
I never told you why
And I never told you why
Always in love
And I

“Berlin by Sakawa Boys – A Song Feature

 

     “Berlin” is about the migration of musicians from South Africa to Germany. Sakawa Boys joke that every artist in Cape Town eventually ends up moving to Berlin. The situation is reminiscent of the youth migration into California during the 60s and 70s, when the “establishment” quipped that the U.S. was tilting and everything loose was rolling toward the West Coast.
 
     The song is the third release from an album scheduled to drop on June 28 via The Good Times Co. “Out of the Dark” will be the second album from Sakawa Boys, but the first in 8 years. In addition to “Berlin,” we highly recommend the guitar-driven energy of the album’s title track.
 
     From the instrumental perspective, the highlight of “Berlin” arrives at 1:38, when a short bridge features engaging guitar riding atop a strong bass foundation. But there is a close second with each occurrence of the chorus that begins with the line “Caught in two minds,” as a chiming guitar floats into an appealing blend of instruments. Vocally, the single from Sakawa Boys is a combination of genres, with Punk standing out.
 
     In explaining “Berlin,” the band said:
  “It’s been a running joke amongst ourselves for a while that every artist in Cape Town eventually ends up moving to Berlin. The idea for the song came up as Keenan had moved to the Camp Street house and we were joking that all of his housemates had moved to Berlin. The idea stuck when we jammed it out and we built the song around that pre-chorus line. It also touches a bit on the idea of emigrating to try and “make it” as an artist. Berlin is “Berlin” because it is one of the last scenes outside of London that might sustain a working musician. It’s disappearing in front of us and it’s kind of sad that we can’t seem to sustain a scene practically anywhere else in the world. Hence ‘cut adrift and I can’t go back’.”
 
     Sakawa Boys are a four-piece band based in Cape Town, South Africa. The members are John Seth (vocals and guitar), Peter Scott (drums), Skye MacInnes (guitar) and Keenan Oakes (bass). Their sound is described as being a mix of Post-Punk, Shoegaze and Pop.
 
     “Berlin by Sakawa Boys

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sakawaboysband
Bandcamp: https://sakawaboysband.bandcamp.com/
Streaming options: https://orcd.co/_berlin
 
Lyrics of “Berlin by Sakawa Boys
You kick your shoes down the corridor
No more four on the floor
No more kick drums through the wall
This place is abandoned
Vacated for a crawl space in Kreuzberg
 
All of your housemates
Have moved to Berlin
All of your housemates
Have moved to Berlin
 
I’m off to sweat it out with some other guys
Three floors up the second window on the right
Excuse the mess I must have lost track of time
I’d introduce you but I’m way too high
 
All of your housemates
Have moved to Berlin
Some of your best mates
They moved to Berlin
(Yeah)
 
Caught in two minds
Still mesmerised
There are no stories left to tell
Collective sigh
No longer mine
Now you’re the only game in town
 
Well it’s a mutiny by any other name
You went to Paris but it’s just not the same
I’m getting tired of your constant attacks
I got the Schengen and I’m not looking back
 
All of your housemates
Have moved to Berlin
Some of your best mates
Have moved to Berlin
 
Caught in two minds
Still mesmerised
There are no stories left to tell
Collective sigh
No longer mine
Now you’re the only game in town
 
Cut adrift
Cut adrift
And I can’t
Go back
Go back
Go back
[Repeating]