DOWN THE LANE (2019)
In making this recording, we decided to prioritize trying to capture the energy we aim for when we play live. It is a studio recording, but the basic tracks of all the instrumental selections were done playing together in the same room, without separation, without headphones, just rolling the tape (or whatever the digital equivalent is) and playing. We generally did three or four takes of each set of tunes and then picked the best. Other instruments, such as bodhrán or pipes, were added to the mix after we did the base recording. Recording the songs is a somewhat different process, as the vocals need to be recorded separately from the instruments. Certain “bits of tarnish” were left for the sake of honesty, as that was the best take we could get. We think the result captures the energy of our group dynamic, and sounds like us on a good night. We hope you enjoy it!
Below, you’ll find short excerpts from each piece, along with credits and notes about the tunes and songs. For dancers, we have included the tempo (beats per minute) after each of the instrumental tracks.
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about
I wrote the first draft for this song in 2013. For years I’d been feeling the slow, rising creep of inequity and general unfairness in the USA. I came of age in the 60’s when, despite the turmoil of that era, there was a sense of optimism and promise of better times. Then came the 70’s, Nixon culminating in Reagan and the backlash against the liberalization of the 60’s. Greed became enshrined in legislation which has led us to the current state of affairs. There had been a time in the 1950’s and 60’s when times were better, not for everyone – we were never that fair of a country – but the differences weren’t so stark and there was a functioning middle class. This song is my homage to the working men and women of the world and a warning to our exploiters.
At first, I found it difficult to perform this song. The feelings I channeled left me feeling raw and vulnerable. I would pull it out sporadically at gigs and play it solo then put it away for months. At one of our favorite sessions at The Cobbler, Westport, Mayo in 2018 I allowed myself to really feel the writing and sing it full throttle, and was surprised and gratified at its reception. At one point I forgot part of the lyrics and Dan Delaney and Johnny Fadgin jumped in with the la la’s – at which point, all the session players and pub patrons joined in until I found my place. We decided to include the la, la’s in memory of that night.” (Rick)
lyrics
My name, it is John, like my father’s before me
Been a working man most of my life.
By my family I’ve stood with my toil and my strife,
And if you doubt me then just ask my wife.
I’m not generally loud yet I’ve always been proud
of my family, my country and friends.
I remember the smiles but it’s now mostly shrugs
Factories shuttered the good times did end.
I look around and just don’t understand
how our country fell into this state.
A few decades ago we all spoke about love
now it’s mostly just anger and hate.
Well I’m not one to envy, let a man have his due
If he earns a good living so what,
But to buy out a business just to steal all the funds
Now that’s something that I’ll never get.
There were families and children who’s need is so great
More than them with their houses and planes.
When their husbands and fathers came home in distress,
The joy turned to nothing but pain.
How much does it take just how much is enough,
Do the big walls and gates serve you well?
Did you smile as we scraped out the door the last time?
If you did, well then damn you to hell!
You take a man’s wages and leave him in shame
then offer his job overseas.
Then you tell him he’s selfish and stupid and wrong
That it’s business just business you see.
Its the way of the world to get kicked to the curb,
and be tossed like a cork in the sea,
Look up from your counting, you’ve blood on your hands
You’ll get your rewards wait and see.
There’s strength in numbers, let sleeping dogs lie
When they wake they may do more than growl.
For the chewing of bones helps to sharpen the teeth
When they clamp on your leg you will howl!
credits
from Down the Lane,
released July 1, 2019
Words and music by Rick Rubin; arrangement by Rick Rubin and Floating Crowbar
Floating Crowbar plays a high energy mix of Irish instrumental music and songs drawn from traditional and contemporary
sources. Coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and musical interests, they bring together their common passion for Irish music, good humor, mutual respect and friendship into a show that will be enjoyed by any Celtic music fan....more
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