On his first released album Famous Among the Barns and his EP #1, Taylor collaborated with friends Adam MacDougall and Larry Ciancia to form "The Ben Taylor Band." Ultimately deciding that this path (which yielded music that Taylor describes as "neo-psychodelic folk funk") did not represent his true musical nature, Taylor released a follow-up solo album that is much more acoustic in nature and more in line with his family roots. That solo effort, Another Run Around the Sun, featured background vocals by his sister and mother, drumming by Larry Ciancia (of The Ben Taylor Band), and bass guitar by Kevin Bacon (not the actor) who also produced.
Island
Ben Taylor Band Lyrics
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Everyone can see that I'm an island
I've got ocean just about
Everywhere that I can see
So yes I'm stranded unless you come for me
And I'm lonely
I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun
Can't be too careful
About the friends you keep around you
Some won't ever let you down
Some who'll fail you every day
And it's a blatant disrespect of privacy
It enrages me
I would rather fall from grace completely, than let you change my mind
I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun
I'm an island
Can't you understand me? I'm an island
And I'm finally by myself
The way I've got to be
Now that's exactly the thing that's been killing me
I would rather fall from grace completely, than let you change my mind
I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun
The lyrics of Ben Taylor Band's Island describe the feeling of being isolated and alone while reflecting on the importance of having trustworthy companions in life. The opening line says, "I'm an island," which is repeated throughout the song thus emphasizing the feeling of being alone. The singer of the song is surrounded by the vastness of the ocean which fills him with a sense of loneliness and isolation. He feels stranded, and in need of rescue. He acknowledges that he would rather fall from grace than allow someone to change his mind or principles. He would put his life on the line to stick to his beliefs.
The song also touches on the importance of having reliable and trustworthy friends around. The singer notes that one can not take friendships for granted because some will never let you down while some will fail you every day. He feels enraged at times when people disrespect his privacy. The sense of isolation and loneliness is so intense that he would rather be completely alone than be with people who don't respect his boundaries.
In the end, the singer accepts his situation and resigns himself to being an island. He is finally on his own, and that is the most important thing for him. The song's lyrics convey an emotional message emphasizing the value of one's principles and the importance of having respectful companions in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm an island
I am isolated and alone, with no one to depend on but myself.
Everyone can see that I'm an island
I am visibly separated from others and they can easily tell that I am alone.
I've got ocean just about
There are vast stretches of water surrounding me and I feel like I am drowning in it.
Everywhere that I can see
As far as my eyes can reach, there is only water and no signs of civilization.
So yes I'm stranded unless you come for me
I am stuck and helpless, unless someone comes to my rescue and helps me get out of this loneliness.
And I'm lonely
I feel abandoned and devoid of any companionship, and it is affecting me negatively.
I would rather fall from grace completely, than let you change my mind
I prefer to lose my reputation altogether than conform to someone else's views or opinions.
I would rather bet my life against the rising of the sun
I am willing to take huge risks and put my life on the line for my beliefs.
Can't be too careful
We need to watch out for who we associate with and be cautious in building relationships.
About the friends you keep around you
The people we choose to surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our lives and well-being.
Some won't ever let you down
There are some people who are extremely dependable and loyal, and will never disappoint us.
Some who'll fail you every day
On the other hand, there are those who will constantly let us down and make our lives miserable.
And it's a blatant disrespect of privacy
When someone invades our personal space or is too intrusive, it is a clear violation of our privacy and it angers us.
It enrages me
Such behavior makes us furious and upset, and we don't tolerate it easily.
Can't you understand me? I'm an island
Why can't you comprehend that I need to be alone and separate from everyone else, like an island in the middle of the ocean?
And I'm finally by myself
I have managed to achieve my goal of being alone and independent, but it has come at a great cost to me emotionally.
The way I've got to be
This is the way I need to live my life in order to be true to myself and my beliefs, no matter the consequences.
Now that's exactly the thing that's been killing me
Living alone and sticking to my principles has been a source of immense pain and trauma for me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES STANLEY MC CARTY, KEITH RELF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Simone Devlin
"Island" has a melody of wistfulness and his melancholy lifts to a higher vibration. Singing so naturally with the confidence of generations gone by.Thank you Ben.
Bobbie's Polymer Beads
While Ben Taylor has his own style... I can still hear his dad's voice in Ben's voice. And he has that slow, confident way of singing like his dad too. Ben has one of the best male voices that this generation has to offer. I wish him the best with his career. I'll be watching, for sure! <3
mikamamma
Wow! How the heck did I ever miss this vid?! Huge Breezy fan! Thought I saw ‘em all. What a great find! Never EVER saw him perform without a guitar! What a rare treat this was!! Thank you for uploading!!! Sooo good! One of my absolute favorite songs by him.
Kim Peres
Saw Ben and his band perform twice, he's the perfect blend, Dad's musical style and his Mom's great looks❤
Barbara Bonnette
I’d rather fall from grace as well……words that touched me ❤
edvan oliveira 007
Ben... 🌱❤🎶