"We're a touring act, and we've been on the road pretty much non-stop over the last decade," explains Doughty, offering that the more recent creation of the band's own local recording studio and rehearsal clubhouse (within the warehouse district of Mission Valley just inland of Ocean Beach) certainly aided and influenced their last release Top of the World, and has inspired their latest sessions, which the band anticipates could stretch into a few different recording projects.
"Over the last 3 years we started our own studio and within the last 9 months, anticipating the window for new album sessions, the band has invested into innovations and equipment upgrades for the studio in a quest to capture and progress our signature sound forward. Having our own studio really enables us to make records at our own pace and to make the right records, hopefully (with a grin) at various stages of our career,” Doughty continues. “What's nice about having our own environment to record in and analyze the music is it really lets you keep an organic feel. For us, I feel like it's a step into the next level, as far as understanding the process of recording, understanding the process of songwriting. We took everything that we've learned over the years and really put it into this place and into our music.” The property also houses the creative loft space that has become the official offices of the band’s own label Stoopid Records, which issued the band’s second album in 1999 Acoustic Roots, and has continued to be their preferred method of distributing the band’s recorded material.
Another key ingredient to what makes Slightly Stoopid extraordinarily special is the inclusion of several musical guests, both live and in the studio. "It really keeps that 'family atmosphere' for us,” says Doughty. “I think it really shows in the music — we live for the spirit of collaboration and on Top of The World we had G. Love, Angelo Moore from Fishbone, Don Carlos, Barrington Levy, Ian Neville from Dumpstaphunk, Tory Ruffin from Morris Day and the Time and Fishbone, and singer/songwriter Angela Hunte. Angelo Moore to me is one of the greatest front-men to ever step foot on a stage. As a fan and out of respect, I try to do something with Angelo every time we have a record, really. If you listen to his lyrics, his vocal performance—I don't know who could keep up with Angelo on stage. Don Carlos from Black Uhuru is one of the legendary reggae singers of all time and we've had the pleasure of working with him the last few years. We've been friends with G. Love for over 15 years, and we've been able to work together quite a few different times in the studio. It seems like second nature. Whenever you're recording with G., it's almost like you're really just hanging out with your bro and you happen to hit record. We've done so many shows together and so many studio sessions, it becomes second nature.“
Closer To The Sun
Slightly Stoopid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give a little loving, but I still gonna need some more, rob it
Stealing from the rich and then give it to the poor
Telling everybody it don't matter anymore, she said
All I really needed was a friend like you
Help me through and together we can change, but
If I was to stay it wasn't for too long
People sing the same song everywhere I'm going
Closer to the sun and far from the moon
People screaming out they gonna see me real soon
They say ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
If I think she beautiful, well, that's for sure
Give a little loving, but I still gonna need some more, rob it
Stealing from the rich and then give it to the poor
Telling everybody it don't matter anymore, said
All I really needed was a friend like you
Help me through and together we can change, but
If I was to stay it wasn't for too long
People sing the same song everywhere I'm going
Closer to the sun and far from the moon
People screaming out they gonna see me real soon
They say ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
In Slightly Stoopid's "Closer to the Sun," the singer is expressing his desire for more love, despite already receiving some. He compares himself to Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, and believes that material possessions no longer matter. He acknowledges his need for a friend like the person he is singing to, and believes that together they can make a difference. However, the singer also recognizes that their time together is limited, as he will be leaving soon. Everywhere he goes, people are singing the same song, but he is continuing on his path, getting closer to the sun and farther from the moon, with people eagerly awaiting his arrival.
The lyrics suggest a desire for more love and a life dedicated to helping others, rather than accumulating wealth. The reference to Robin Hood emphasizes rebellion against the established order and a desire for change. The image of getting closer to the sun and farther from the moon suggests an idealistic pursuit of something that may be unattainable or beyond reach.
Line by Line Meaning
If I think she beautiful, well, that's for sure
I am confident in my attraction to her.
Give a little loving, but I still gonna need some more, rob it
I am willing to give affection but I never feel truly satisfied, so I may take more than I give.
Stealing from the rich and then give it to the poor
I take from those who have more than they need and give to those who have less.
Telling everybody it don't matter anymore, she said
She believes in living life without worrying about insignificant things.
All I really needed was a friend like you
You have been a great source of support and companionship.
Help me through and together we can change, but
If we work together, we can make a positive difference in the world.
If I was to stay it wasn't for too long
I won't be in one place for too long because I desire change and new experiences.
People sing the same song everywhere I'm going
Everywhere I travel, people have the same hopes, dreams, and struggles.
Closer to the sun and far from the moon
Moving towards greater enlightenment and happiness, leaving behind negativity and sadness.
People screaming out they gonna see me real soon
Others are eagerly waiting to meet me and share experiences with me.
They say ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The excitement and anticipation of meeting each other is in the air.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: KYLE J MCDONALD, MILES MASON DOUGHTY, OGUER OCON, RYAN C MORAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Macy Nelson
on 2 AM
Is this song about the 27 club?