The band has always sought to play a variety of music, both songs and instrumentals and with a large variety of guest musicians and sometimes some unusual instruments.
The current lineup features percussionist Marc Anderson, Todd Menton on vocals, guitar, mandolin and whistle, Dean Magraw on guitar, Drew Miller bassist and dulcimer player and David Stenshoel on fiddle and saxophone.
Boiled in Lead has been referenced by Mercedes Lackey in her Diane Tregarde novel, Children of the Night published in 1990 and by Emma Bull in her 1989 novel, War for the Oaks.
No Passenger
Boiled in Lead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whistlin something catchy as I make my way through snow.
Ain't got no gloves so I keep my hands balled up in fists;
I'm tryin' not to think how it all came down to this.
I been searching for a sparrow in a city full of wrens
I been asking for the cost so I can make amends
I been waiting for the questions so my answers will make sense
I been looking for the way home but the snow is much too dense.
Cause I'm willing to break laws but I won't commit no crime."
If there's more to making choices than luck and happenstance,
I hope I do it right next time I get the chance.
This city seems so cold, and it isn't just the wind.
I would be easy to say, "I'm here because I sinned."
I'm here because someday someone will need a ride
And I'll throw away my drink and say, "The coach awaits outside."
The lyrics to the Boiled in Lead song "No Passenger" depict the singer walking through an unfamiliar city, whistling a tune to himself as he navigates through the snow without any gloves. The opening lines suggest a feeling of isolation and displacement, as the singer is in a place he doesn't know, without protection from the elements. He is trying not to dwell on how he ended up in this situation and instead keeps himself occupied with his thoughts and music. The following verse alludes to the idea of searching for something specific in a crowded environment, and the frustration of not finding it. The singer is asking for the cost of something, presumably some kind of information, in order to make amends or set something right. He is waiting for answers and seeking a way to make sense of his situation but finds himself in a state of confusion.
The chorus of the song suggests that the singer is in trouble and possibly incarcerated, as he replies to a question about why he is there by saying he is doing time. However, he clarifies that he is not a criminal, but someone who is willing to break laws. He then ponders the idea that making choices in life is more than just random luck, and expresses the hope that he will get it right the next time around. The final lines of the song offer a more hopeful outlook, as the singer imagines a scenario in which he can help someone in need and make amends for his past mistakes.
Overall, the song "No Passenger" presents a complex and introspective portrayal of a person who is struggling to find their place in the world. It touches on themes of isolation, regret, and the desire for redemption, while also suggesting that there is hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Walkin' down an empty street in a city I don't know
I am lost in an unfamiliar place all by myself.
Whistlin something catchy as I make my way through snow.
I am trying to stay positive and keep myself entertained despite the difficult circumstances.
Ain't got no gloves so I keep my hands balled up in fists;
I am unprepared for the harsh weather, but I am doing my best to endure it.
I'm tryin' not to think how it all came down to this.
I am reflecting on how my choices led me to my current situation, but I am trying to focus on the present moment.
I been searching for a sparrow in a city full of wrens
I feel out of place in this city and am looking for something specific that may not exist here.
I been asking for the cost so I can make amends
I am trying to make up for my past mistakes but do not know how to do so.
I been waiting for the questions so my answers will make sense
I want someone to ask me the right questions so I can explain my situation and make sense of it myself.
I been looking for the way home but the snow is much too dense.
I am trying to find my way back to where I belong, but the obstacles in my path are overwhelming.
They said "Why are you here?" I said, "I'm doin' time
Someone asked me why I am in this city and I replied that I feel trapped and am serving time in my own way.
Cause I'm willing to break laws but I won't commit no crime."
I am willing to take risks and break conventions, but I do not want to harm anyone in the process.
If there's more to making choices than luck and happenstance,
I am questioning whether my choices in life are truly mine or just a product of chance.
I hope I do it right next time I get the chance.
I want to make better choices in the future and not repeat the mistakes of my past.
This city seems so cold, and it isn't just the wind.
The people and surroundings in this city make me feel unwelcome and isolated.
I would be easy to say, "I'm here because I sinned."
It would be easy to blame my misfortunes on my past actions but I know it is more complicated than that.
I'm here because someday someone will need a ride
I am here with a purpose, waiting for someone to need my help or guidance.
And I'll throw away my drink and say, "The coach awaits outside."
I will drop everything and help someone in need, no matter the cost or inconvenience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind