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.
Thirteen Hours
Andy Shauf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If we'd taken the train, I guess you would've got home
I was so tired of lugging those bags around
We hopped in a cab, you were so excited
To stretch out in bed, it was such a long flight
Thirteen hours of trying to fall asleep
She said, "What did you leave for the cabbie? That's such a bad tip"
She walked back to give him some more
I heard tires come screaming around the corner
Some drunk asshole saying he was so sorry
One broken hand, two bruised ribs, and one hospital gown
"If you weren't such a cheap bastard I'd be at home"
"Oh, I'm not made of money, you should have left it alone"
As soon as I say it, she looks at me so surprised
"Of course it's your fault that I never got home"
The lyrics of Andy Shauf's song "Thirteen Hours" tell a story of a couple's nightmarish journey home after a long trip. The song begins with the singer questioning whether it is his fault that his companion never made it home. He suggests that if they had taken the train instead of a cab, she would have arrived safely. The singer expresses his frustration with carrying heavy bags, implying that they were burdened by physical and emotional weight.
As they get into the cab, the companion is excited about finally being able to relax in bed after a long flight. However, the next verse reveals that they spent thirteen agonizing hours trying to fall asleep. Amidst this exhaustion, the narrative shifts to encounter a person named Judy, who comments on the small tip left for the cab driver. Judy then walks back to increase the tip, highlighting her generosity and consideration.
Suddenly, a drunk driver comes screeching around the corner, causing a collision. The singer sustains injuries, including a broken hand, bruised ribs, and finds himself in a hospital gown. In the midst of the chaos, an argument ensues between the singer and his companion. The companion blames him, insinuating that if he had been more generous with the tip, they might have avoided the accident and made it home safely. The singer defends himself by stating that he is not rich and that the blame should not solely rest on him. However, his companion is surprised by his response and asserts that it is indeed his fault that she never made it home.
The song captures the frustration, blame, and regret that can arise from unexpected and tragic circumstances. It explores themes of responsibility, communication, and the unpredictable nature of life's events. Through vivid storytelling and emotive lyrics, Andy Shauf captures the complex dynamics within relationships and the lingering question of who should bear the weight of the consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it my fault that you never got home?
Am I responsible for the fact that you never made it home?
If we'd taken the train, I guess you would've got home
If we had chosen to travel by train, you probably would have reached home
I was so tired of lugging those bags around
I was exhausted from carrying those bags everywhere
We hopped in a cab, you were so excited
We quickly got into a taxi, and you were filled with enthusiasm
To stretch out in bed, it was such a long flight
The anticipation of lying down in bed after such a lengthy flight was overwhelming
Thirteen hours of trying to fall asleep
I spent thirteen hours struggling to fall asleep
Judy and me crossing the street
Judy and I were walking across the street
She said, 'What did you leave for the cabbie? That's such a bad tip'
She questioned, 'Why did you give the cab driver such a poor tip?'
She walked back to give him some more
She returned to offer the cab driver additional money
I heard tires come screaming around the corner
I suddenly heard tires screeching as a vehicle turned the corner
Some drunk asshole saying he was so sorry
A drunk individual, being rude, claimed to be deeply apologetic
One broken hand, two bruised ribs, and one hospital gown
As a result, I ended up with a fractured hand, two bruised ribs, and found myself in a hospital gown
"If you weren't such a cheap bastard I'd be at home"
"If you hadn't been so stingy, I would have been safe at home"
"Oh, I'm not made of money, you should have left it alone"
"I don't have an unlimited amount of money, you should not have interfered"
As soon as I say it, she looks at me so surprised
Right after I uttered those words, she stared at me in disbelief
"Of course it's your fault that I never got home"
"Without a doubt, it is your responsibility for me not reaching home"
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Andy Shauf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
velocityJE
This guy is wonderful. I've listened to the Neon Skyline album about 200 times. It literally comforted me through the pandemic's early stages. I love this man.
Max Z
The last act I saw live in concert was Andy and the band. I saw them at Thalia Hall and had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Andy at Dusek's, the attached restaurant that he and the band were eating at before the show (me included). What a mesmerizing experience. He is an extremely down to earth guy that makes you feel like you've been talking to an old friend for years. I will always listen to his music, absolutely entrancing.
Ana Florentina
Breathtaking!!! Andy’s amazing, surreal voice!!! He is simply the best!!! ✨❤️
ilovethelibrary
Last show i saw before the pandemic....incredible!
stranno strannovasrr
The show or the pandemic?
Matt Johnson
@stranno strannovasrr you’re so funny
Gillian Moffitt
Saw him in Austin and now I’m hooked!!
mark david
doesnt get any better
Adam Loomis
Does anyone know who the drummer is in this video? I think I've seen him play with Sam Amidon too...
Adam Loomis
Ah, figured it out. It's Philippe Melanson if anyone else ends up wondering.