Terfry is also a host at CBC Radio 3, with hosting a program on the CBC Radio 3 website's web radio station during weekdays. In addition, he will be the host of the weekday 3-6pm CBC Radio 2 show beginning in the fall of 2008.
Early career and influences
Terfry was born in 1972 and raised in Mount Uniacke, a rural community outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was first exposed to rap music in the mid-1980s while listening to CBC Radio's late night show Brave New Waves, and then by listening to Halifax campus community radio station CKDU. CKDU then broadcast at only 33 watts, and he had to climb a tree in his yard to hear the station's hip hop show on his cheap transistor radio. Fascinated by hip hop, the young Terfry taught himself how to rap, DJ, and, later, to produce records. His musical influences include MC Shan, David Lynch, Gitche Manitou, and Kool Keith.
Using the moniker DJ Critical, he later hosted a hip-hop show on CKDU called "The Bassment" (later renamed "The Treatment Program", when he assumed the stage name Jesus Murphy), which aired for several years. This period overlapped with many of his non-major-label releases.
Stage Names
Buck 65 has also used a number of other stage names including Johnny Rockwell, Stinkin' Rich, Haslam, and Uncle Climax. These pseudonyms typically represent different characters in his raps (as in Uncle Climax, Johnny Rockwell and Stinkin' Rich) or different aspects of Buck's creativity (as noted above, DJ Critical was his DJ name on CKDU.) Rumours abound that Buck 65's alias comes from his childhood nickname of Buck and his weight of 165 pounds; possibly the pseudonym comes from the weight of the first buck he shot or the $1.65 standard bus fare for Halifax Regional Municipality riders. He has been known to say on stage, "They call me Buck 65... I don't know why." Buck 65's website mentioned previously that he was named after his uncle's 1965 Buick automobile ("'65 Buick" is a track on the Synesthesia album); he performed a show under that name but the promoter mistakenly wrote the name as it is now spelled.
Recently Buck 65 has recorded an EP under the name of Dirk Thornton alongside Irishman DJ Flip, it was scheduled for release early 2007 but the date was not set.
The first release under Dirk Thornton will be a 7" single with the tracks "Yesterday's News" and "Catwalk".
He is also involved in an online collaboration with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, as Bike For Three, though a release is yet unforthcoming.
Early releases
In 1993, he released his first cassette of rap tunes while performing under the alias Stinkin' Rich on the Halifax label No Records. The five song cassette was titled Chin Music, which was a reference to his past interest in baseball. The release brought Stinkin' Rich to the attention of members of Halifax alternative rock band Sloan. Sloan signed him to their independent record label Murderecords and released a 7" single and a full length cassette called Game Tight, again featuring a reference to baseball. (Terfry has often stated in interviews that in his teens he had been scouted to play for the New York Yankees but that the death of the talent scout coupled with an injury had caused the deal to fall through)
After a brief break, Terfry returned reconstituted as Buck 65, releasing Language Arts on cassette and the 12" single Wildlife Trilogy, followed by Vertex, which included his popular song "The Centaur." He recorded Sebutonedef (released in 1996 by Funtrip Records) as a collaboration with fellow Halifax artist Sixtoo. Other releases by the duo, known as the Sebutones, are Psoriasis and 50/50 Where It Counts. While still far from mainstream success, he received several odd jobs in Canada's entertainment industry, including making soundtrack music and providing narration for a TV commercial for NBA apparel, and song lyrics for the popular children's program Sesame Street. During a live performance Buck 65 told a story in which he attributed why he was chosen for Sesame Street to three things; his upstanding lifestyle of not drinking, smoking, or doing drugs, his intelligence that wasn't too intelligent for the kids, and Sesame Street's assumption that he was a virgin.
Man Overboard, originally released on the anticon. label, was a significant turning point in his career. The record, and the entire anticon. collective (of which Sixtoo was also a part), were considered hallmarks of a new avant-garde movement in underground hip hop. It was at this time that Buck met Cincinnati DJ Mr. Dibbs who inducted him into the 1200 Hobos, a loosely-knit hip-hop collective named for their proficiency in manipulating the Technics 1200 turntable.
Critical Acclaim
Many of his early projects attracted attention after they were re-released, first on the independent Metaforensics label and subsequently by Warner Music Canada. While Buck 65 has gained critical acclaim and worldwide exposure through his major label deal, commercial success has escaped him. Although Warner's worldwide affiliates distribute his records, Warner USA does not. After a deal was signed with V2 USA, This Right Here Is Buck 65 was released in the States, a sort of "Best of" that was marketed as an introduction to his work. However after V2 chose not to release his next effort, Secret House Against the World, the deal was amicably dissolved. Since then Buck 65 was signed onto Strange Famous Records where he's planning on taking over hip-hop with Sage Francis. His latest release is titled "Situation".
Buck's most recent albums have gradually moved away from his original 'pure' hip-hop sound into territory influenced by folk, blues and electronica, with some even comparing elements of his sound to Tom Waits. Some of Buck 65's music is used on the Canadian show Trailer Park Boys, frequently in the character Julian's car. He gained additional recognition in 2006 when he appeared at the national Juno Awards with Pamela Anderson.
Kerrang! “Controversy”
In August 2004, he sparked controversy in the underground hip-hop world over comments he made to an interviewer in Kerrang! magazine. Buck was quoted as saying:
“I now hate hip hop, the more I’ve educated myself about music, the more I’ve grown to hate it. I don’t use that word lightly, either.”
In response, former anticon. label-mate Sage Francis (in a post on his website) stated that
"Buck has had his head up his arse for many years now."
Buck later wrote in a letter to Exclaim!:
“I’m apologizing for all that. I lost my cool on tape which is never good. The journalist was provoking me, calling me a sell-out and a whore. I was trying to make a point by playing devil’s advocate, but I went way overboard. No hint of irony or role-playing or intelligence came across in the story. Now I just look like an idiot. I take it back. I don’t really believe any of that. I don’t think being able to read music is a concern. Most of my favourite music was made by non-educated musicians. It doesn’t matter. I still have heavy criticisms of most hip hop, but I really didn’t make them well on this particular day. I put my foot in my mouth and I’m apologizing for that."
Dirty Work
Buck 65 released a 5 song digital EP called "Dirty Work". It was released over a month long campaign, adding one song per week for free download via his MySpace page. All five tracks are still available for download on his official website. The EP comes with artwork drawn by Buck himself, and the tracks are all b-sides from the full length record 'Situation'.
Situation to present
Buck 65 released the album Situation on October 30th, 2007, on Strange Famous Records in the US and Warner Music worldwide. The album is a concept album based around the year 1957, and is a return to a more 'pure' hip-hop sound than the previous blues, country and avant-garde influences in Secret House Against the World. It was produced by fellow Halifax DJ Skratch Bastid, aimed at making a "classic hip-hop record that pulses with joy and clarity of purpose".
Buck 65 is currently working on a new album which, judging from live material, will feature much more prominent electronic beats than before. Additionally, Buck 65's collaboration project with "Greetings From Tuskan" auteur Joëlle Phuong Minh Lê, Bike for Three!, has its debut album completed for release in early 2009.
He has been a host of CBC Radio 3's web radio for the past year, and recently accepted daily hosting duties on CBC Radio 2's national radio beginning fall 2008.
Way Back When
Buck 65 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Old days golden covering the bases
Back when we used to punch each other in the faces
Under my skin try on the ions
See how it feels let bygones be bygones
Past thieves store script to the well known
That's when we did it No shit from the elbow
Underground meant something low water apocolypse
[Chorus:]
Way back when…Solid Gold…That song on the radio's nice (x4)
[Verse 2:]
Face for hands Trash in the can
Cash in the plan Flash in the pan
Baseball, baseball Makin' the catches
Tearin the roof off Playing with matches
Bump to bruise Dumped by the girlfriend
Satan n Santa Claus Waiting for the world's end
Dancing in the bathroom Suffering in hatred
Cutting the trees down but nothing is sacred
Drunk by lightning Brand new exciting bands
Writing grants we might have had a fighting chance
Words like weapons that dealt a crushing blow
Under the stars on the edge of touch & go
Boogey man, dirty books, fingers crossed just in case
Sadly mistaken Trying to make it to second base
Men drew lines/ Young boys drew knives
Every study Every body had to lie
[Chorus:]
Way back when…Solid Gold…That song on the radio's nice (x4)
[Bridge:]
Right right back to the past
Like it was, like it was
Cause it ain't like it was in the old days
[Verse 3:]
Dry heaves it's always so wide, grief
Had to learn just to be so naпve
Odd jobs about stories & soul models
Living in a world of superheros and role models
Big deals out of limits of friendship
Stopping stars, photoshopping stars cars off bridges
Man of the rodeo Women of burlesque
Epic battles & apples on the teacher's desk
Crying wolves, awaking in the cave
Weakness secrets taken to the grave
The bigger, the better
Unfair & so drastic
Things made it work, long days and no plastic
Fuzi's way to turn
45ths, 33rds Limits untested
First kisses & dirty words
Devils in the details God saw air, buddy
Bad joke but ha ha very funny!
[Chorus:]
Way back when…Solid Gold…That song on the radio's nice (x4)
Way…back…when
Cause it ain't like it was in the old days
Old days, old days
The lyrics of Buck 65's "Way Back When" describe his nostalgic recollection of the past. The first verse mentions the physical actions of youth - like fighting and getting hurt - and relates them to the present by saying "let bygones be bygones." The second verse touches on the different experiences of growing up, like relationships and the fear of the end of the world. The lyrics also mention the feeling of being lost and confused at times but finding solace in the music that was on the radio. The bridge goes back to the past with a desire to relive it and understand how things used to be. The final verse brings the listener through a series of events that encapsulate the past: tall tales, limitations, and firsts.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of yearning for a simpler time while recognizing that life is full of complexities and uncertainty. It invites the listener to reflect on their own personal experiences of growing up and how it has shaped who they are today.
Line by Line Meaning
Old days golden covering the bases
Remembering the days when everything seemed perfect and flawless
Back when we used to punch each other in the faces
Recalling the violent nature of the past, when things were resolved through physical altercation
Under my skin try on the ions
Trying new things to see how they feel and how it affects one's life
See how it feels let bygones be bygones
Moving on from past mistakes and negative experiences
Past thieves store script to the well known
Those who have wronged us in the past are still remembered and their actions are well known
That's when we did it No shit from the elbow
Not being afraid to take bold actions and stand by them
Underground meant something low water apocolypse
The underground scene had a special meaning, especially during times of turmoil and crisis
Cast in the trees Robots & rocket ships
A mix of nostalgia and futuristic themes, remembering the past while looking toward the future
Way back when…Solid Gold…That song on the radio's nice (x4)
A reminiscence of the past and the pleasant memories associated with it
Face for hands Trash in the can
Feeling defeated with no purpose or ambition
Cash in the plan Flash in the pan
Money is important but it is not everything and can disappear quickly
Baseball, baseball Makin' the catches
Playing and enjoying the simple things in life, like baseball
Tearin the roof off Playing with matches
Taking risks and living dangerously, not caring about the consequences
Bump to bruise Dumped by the girlfriend
Dealing with physical and emotional scars and wounds
Satan n Santa Claus Waiting for the world's end
Feeling lost and hopeless, waiting for the worst to happen
Dancing in the bathroom Suffering in hatred
Switching between moments of happiness and moments of anger and sadness
Cutting the trees down but nothing is sacred
Destroying the environment and natural resources without care or concern
Drunk by lightning Brand new exciting bands
Being taken by surprise and overwhelmed by new experiences, especially in music
Writing grants we might have had a fighting chance
Trying to make something of oneself with the help of external support and resources
Words like weapons that dealt a crushing blow
The power of words in causing harm and destruction
Under the stars on the edge of touch & go
Taking risks and exploring new territories, feeling uncertain of what might come next
Boogey man, dirty books, fingers crossed just in case
Childish fears and superstitions that one still holds onto
Sadly mistaken Trying to make it to second base
Feeling disappointed and disillusioned by the challenges of life
Men drew lines/ Young boys drew knives
The foolishness of dividing and creating conflict, especially through violence
Every study Every body had to lie
The flaws and dishonesty present in every aspect of society and human nature
Dry heaves it's always so wide, grief
Feeling overwhelmed by sadness and despair, with no clear solution or escape
Had to learn just to be so naпve
Being ignorant and naïve was a necessary part of growing up and learning
Odd jobs about stories & soul models
Working odd jobs and learning about different people and their life stories
Living in a world of superheros and role models
The influence of larger-than-life figures on one's life choices and aspirations
Big deals out of limits of friendship
Making significant sacrifices and risks for the sake of friendship
Stopping stars, photoshopping stars cars off bridges
Making drastic changes to one's life and circumstances, even if it means destroying previously held beliefs and values
Man of the rodeo Women of burlesque
The glamour and allure of living life on the edge, with no fixed path or goal
Epic battles & apples on the teacher's desk
The paradox of life, where important things can be found in the smallest and most mundane details
Crying wolves, awaking in the cave
Being fooled by false threats and fears, or finding oneself in uncomfortable or dangerous situations
Weakness secrets taken to the grave
Being vulnerable and revealing one's weaknesses or secrets to no one else but oneself, hiding them away until death
The bigger, the better
The idea that size and quantity matters more than anything else
Unfair & so drastic
The injustices and hardships of life, which can be drastic and extreme
Things made it work, long days and no plastic
The simplicity and hard work that was required to make things work in the past, without the conveniences of modern life
Fuzi's way to turn
The concept of turning things around or finding a different perspective
45ths, 33rds Limits untested
The beauty and vastness of music, which can push boundaries and create new experiences
First kisses & dirty words
The innocence and awkwardness of young love and sexuality
Devils in the details God saw air, buddy
The intricate and complex nature of life, where both good and evil are present in equal measure
Bad joke but ha ha very funny!
The ability to find humor in even the darkest and most unpleasant situations
Way back when…Solid Gold…That song on the radio's nice (x4)
Summing up the idea of nostalgia and the positive memories associated with the past
Cause it ain't like it was in the old days
Acknowledging that things have changed and the past cannot be replicated
Old days, old days
Repeating the idea of nostalgia and reminiscence for the past
Contributed by Samuel J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cody Indigo
I love Buck 65 he's so dope
M Ö T H
Agreed👍🏾
Aged Inthesun
He is one of my fav`s
bajilsma
back in tha past
Xavier Munoz
Im looking for one of his songs only thaught to run. Or wrong place right time I think forgot the names of those are two fav song