Known for honest, self-reflective songs as well as captivating lyrical works of fiction and an intimate live show, Shauf is considered one of the most intriguing emerging songwriters around.
His release, The Bearer of Bad News, explores themes of uncertainty, curiosity and spirituality. “I think spirituality is a part of life whether you are religious or not, even if you’re just superstitious. You can’t really get away from the fact that we don’t know everything.” The unsettling stories told on The Bearer of Bad News came as Shauf wrote both at home and on the road. Musically, the record took shape in a modest home studio in his parents’ basement in Regina, Canada, where Shauf spent 4 years recording and producing each song himself. “Spending all this time allowed me a lot of freedom in the ways I arranged the songs. I could work on a drum part for a whole day, or play piano for 2 hours without figuring anything out and be okay with that.”
Bearer is 11 songs built from the sounds of a weathered piano, the warm tone of his guitar’s aged strings, and a clarinet. Shauf is one-of-a-kind voice and dark, literate storytelling.
Clove cigarette
Andy Shauf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it takes me back to your summer dress
And that green plastic table with those green plastic chairs
And you'd touch my summer skin and you'd toss your golden hair
It takes some steps forward and some steps back
Oh it just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
And I hold the door as she tiptoes through it
And I'm getting foggy but I don't really care
'Cause I've no reason to be anywhere
It takes some steps forward and some steps back
Oh it just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
Is this my family? Are these my friends?
Oh it's not a problem, I just had other plans
That green plastic table with those green plastic chairs
And you'd touch my summer skin and you'd toss your golden hair
It takes some steps forward and some steps back
Oh it just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
Just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
It just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
It just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
In "Clove Cigarette," Andy Shauf paints a nostalgic picture of a past relationship and the accompanying memories that come rushing back with the simple act of seeing someone smoke a clove cigarette. The clove cigarette becomes a trigger for the singer's reminiscence, transporting him back to a specific moment in the past where he was with his former lover. He mentions her summer dress and the green plastic table with matching chairs, which suggests a sense of simplicity and innocence in their relationship. The vivid description of her touching his summer skin and tossing her golden hair indicates moments of affection and intimacy that are still etched in his mind.
The singer acknowledges that life has its ups and downs, represented metaphorically as "steps forward and some steps back." However, he asserts that it doesn't matter because he feels like he's on the right path. This could imply that he has found some sense of contentment or personal direction despite the ups and downs of life. The repetition of this sentiment throughout the song emphasizes a sense of self-assurance and acceptance.
The lyrics also touch upon the singer's relationships with his family and friends. While it's not explicitly stated, he seems to question whether the people around him truly belong in his life. He mentions having "other plans," suggesting a sense of detachment or divergence from the path expected by others. Despite this, he still holds onto the memories of his past love and the moments they shared at the green plastic table.
Overall, "Clove Cigarette" captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, the tinge of longing for a lost connection, and the acknowledgment of personal growth and contentment. The song elicits a sense of wistfulness and reflection, encapsulating the emotional journey of moving on while cherishing the memories that shaped one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Rose is smoking a clove cigarette
Smelling the scent of a clove cigarette being smoked by Rose reminds me of the time when you wore a beautiful summer dress
And it takes me back to your summer dress
The reminiscence of the clove cigarette brings vivid memories of the moments when you used to wear that lovely summer dress
And that green plastic table with those green plastic chairs
Those green plastic furniture pieces, a table and chairs, were the setting where we spent time together
And you'd touch my summer skin and you'd toss your golden hair
In those cherished moments, you would gently touch my sun-kissed skin and playfully flick your beautiful golden hair
It takes some steps forward and some steps back
Life sometimes moves in unexpected directions, including both progress and setbacks
Oh it just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
Regardless of the ups and downs, I remain focused and confident in the path I'm following
On the sidewalk she turns her foot
As I walk alongside Rose, I notice her gracefully shifting her foot on the pavement
And I hold the door as she tiptoes through it
I courteously hold the door open for her as she delicately steps through it
And I'm getting foggy but I don't really care
Despite feeling a bit disoriented or confused, I don't pay much attention to it
'Cause I've no reason to be anywhere
There's no particular obligation or urgency for me to be present somewhere else
Is this my family? Are these my friends?
I question whether the people around me truly constitute my family and friends
Oh it's not a problem, I just had other plans
Although it may not appear problematic, I simply have different intentions or commitments
Just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
The specific circumstances or doubts hold no significant weight as my confidence in my chosen path remains unwavering
It just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
The current situation or uncertainties have no impact on my overall direction and purpose
It just doesn't matter 'cause I'm on track
Regardless of external factors, I maintain a steadfast determination in pursuing my chosen path
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Andy Shauf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Julius Krebs
It´s always the same with Andy: When I listen to his songs the first time, I perceive them as nothing special. Then I give them another listen, three weeks later, and they reveal to me their incomprehensible magic. I don´t understand it but I love it...
Nick Martyn
Spot on
Louelok
Yes, even more so after you listen to him perform them live 😍
Julius Krebs
@Louelok I once saw him live at a festival but I was too drunk and I don´t remember :I
Louelok
@Julius Krebs It happens. Do not miss it next time 😋 He has been doing live stream shows that were very good too.
hello.123.123
Ah that's where you and me differ, I hear the magic every single first time listening 🎉
Livvy
You're a genius, seriously. I selfishly want to keep you my secret, but also feel the obligation to share this fucking magic. You're getting me through my masters degree. Thank's for keeping me sane.
Jesse
Wow, the interior of the bar looks EXACTLY like what I pictured from the music alone. He doesn't even describe it in detail, that's just how good he is at painting a picture with lyrics. That's crazy!
CronoXpono
Love this so very, very much! The visuals completely compliment the sound, not easy to do and especially harder with this abstract form. Impressed and delighted!!
And goddamn, can we PLEASE have something done for “Changer”? Pretty please?! 😂 🙏
William Burgdorff Jensen
Can't wait to see this man in Copenhagen. I introduced a bunch of people at my college to Shauf, and we've been waiting almost a year to get to travel to the capital and listen to him. His solo music, as well as his work with his friends on Foxwarren has been a huge influence on me musically. God this shit is good