Since the early 90's Ron has released over 200 songs through solo CDs and DVDs, and digital releases. He's had numerous appearances on compilation CDs and as a guest performer for other artists, appeared on magazine covers, and as a soloist toured internationally headlining venues and guitar festivals. In 2008 Ron released the "Abnormal" album, described as "Sex Pistols meets Queen, with innovative guitar and a quirky Zappa-esque twist..." In 2011 he released a song a month that included transcriptions, alternate mixes and recording stems, as an innovative way to release singles.
As a child, Ron would play Bach pieces with his feet. Today, his guitar-work can be heard on Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy album, the theme of VH1's "That Metal Show", the Latin acoustic guitar on Jessica Simpson's "Irresistible" dance mix, and CNN-Turkey station IDs to name a few. Live, he's just as diverse, whether touring the world with GNR or at local fundraisers (notably performing with Nancy Sinatra, Cyndi Lauper, composer Fahir Atakoglu, and jazz legend Allen Toussaint.)
A record producer and songwriter for artists and publishing companies often working out of his own studio in Princeton NJ, Ron has written theme songs and background music for shows that include So You Think You Can Dance, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw, Anthony Bourdan, MTV, VH1, MuchMusic, FuseTV, CW, SpikeTV, Oxygen, E!, A&E, ESPN, UFC, WWE, NFL, MLB, NBC, PBS, and SEGA, SSI and Atari videogames.
Ron is a Professor at SUNY Purchase College teaching music production, does guitar clinics around the world, and writes articles for music magazines. He is a volunteer for many charities such as Musicians On Call visiting sick children in hospitals and the MS Research Foundation, a non-profit organization that donates funds directly to Multiple Sclerosis research.
Wasted Away
Bumblefoot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Surprised at the new lines on my face that remind how I tried to catch an illusion
Hiding from me, hiding from facing the height of what I hope to be
Kept all my eggs in someone else's basket
Thinking they would care enough to not let someone smash it
What's wrong with me, I got this need to give back to a world that keeps me
And if I do just for myself it's like I'm selfish
And it's not been worth it to share with the people I pick that I sought to prove they care
And I feel like a pussy sayin' shit out loud
But I'm openin' my eyes and I see myself now
I left myself behind
While chasing after dreams I could never find
I lived for all your lives
A machine for you to unplug at any time
I just realized today that I've wasted away
Maybe it's too late - the end has a date - and I'm cramming for the final test
It hasn't been a total mess, I'm just striving for higher
And humility will build me if I confess
Some people do what they chose some people look for every bump in the road
And some pretend and they play a good role
For the people that depend - they all come and go
Wrote half an album in 2 long days as I reflected and tried to take a hard next step
Of a spiritual kind so maybe I can find some sense as I pick apart a burdened mind
So I spread out on the floor all the pieces that I thought were fully formed
I see how much more I've got to go
I reach for a new drug to medicate my soul
I left myself behind
While chasing after dreams I could never find
I lived for all your lives
A machine for you to unplug at any time
Just realized today
I've wasted away
I left myself behind
While chasing after dreams I could never find
I lived for all your lives
A machine for you to unplug at any time
Just realized today
I left myself behind
While chasing after dreams I could never find
I lived for all your lives
To forget about the answers I need to find
Just realized today
I've wasted away
The song "Wasted Away" by Bumblefoot touches on themes of self-discovery, regret, and the desire to give back to the world. The opening lyrics serve as a reflection on time and aging, with the singer acknowledging the passage of two years and the changes they have undergone. The mention of the "new lines on my face" signifies a physical reminder of the efforts made to catch an illusion or attain a goal that may have ultimately been unattainable.
The second verse delves deeper into the concept of giving back and the struggle to balance self-care with selflessness. The singer admits feeling selfish if they do things only for themselves, but also recognizes the danger of seeking validation and care solely from others. The chorus of "I left myself behind, while chasing after dreams I could never find" reinforces the idea that the pursuit of external goals may come at the cost of personal fulfillment and growth.
The bridge acknowledges the different paths people may take in life and the role others play in our lives, both positively and negatively. The final verse highlights the singer's effort to unravel their own thoughts and feelings, perhaps through songwriting or other creative outlets. The line "I reach for a new drug to medicate my soul" suggests the importance of self-care and finding healthy ways to cope with inner struggles. The song ultimately speaks to the universal experience of searching for purpose and meaning in life, and the importance of finding a balance between individual and communal well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
2 years today, I just pulled the blankets off the mirrors for the first time
It has been two years since the singer last looked at himself; he is now confronting his true self.
Surprised at the new lines on my face that remind how I tried to catch an illusion
The new lines on the singer's face serve as a reminder of his efforts to achieve something that was never meant to be.
Hiding from me, hiding from facing the height of what I hope to be
The singer has been avoiding acknowledging his true potential and what he is truly capable of.
Kept all my eggs in someone else's basket
The artist has relied too heavily on others to take care of him and neglected to take control of his own life.
Thinking they would care enough to not let someone smash it
The artist believed that the people he relied on would protect him but he now realizes this was a mistake.
What's wrong with me, I got this need to give back to a world that keeps me
The singer feels a desire to contribute to society but is questioning what is keeping him from achieving this goal.
And if I do just for myself it's like I'm selfish
The singer feels guilty for thinking about himself and his own needs as he has always prioritized others.
'Cause I always had this thing about staying grounded and down
The artist has always tried to remain humble and not act superior to others, but this has led to him neglecting his own needs.
And it's not been worth it to share with the people I pick that I sought to prove they care
The artist has tried proving himself to certain people but now realizes that it was not worth it to seek their validation.
And I feel like a pussy sayin' shit out loud
The artist feels vulnerable and exposed speaking about his true feelings and thoughts.
But I'm openin' my eyes and I see myself now
The singer is finally acknowledging his true self, which he had previously tried to bury and avoid.
I left myself behind
The artist has neglected his own needs and desires while prioritizing others.
While chasing after dreams I could never find
The singer has been pursuing goals that were never meant for him and were unachievable.
I lived for all your lives
The singer has been living his life for others rather than himself, putting their needs before his own.
A machine for you to unplug at any time
The singer has allowed others to control him to the point where they can cut him off whenever they please.
Maybe it's too late - the end has a date - and I'm cramming for the final test
The artist is running out of time to live his life purposefully and is now feeling the pressure to achieve his goals.
It hasn't been a total mess, I'm just striving for higher
The artist acknowledges that his life hasn't been completely terrible, and he is now striving to improve his situation and achieve more.
And humility will build me if I confess
The singer believes that being honest about his shortcomings and mistakes will help him become a better person.
Some people do what they chose some people look for every bump in the road
Different people choose different paths in life, and some are more focused on the obstacles they encounter along the way.
And some pretend and they play a good role
Some people fake their way through life, pretending to be someone they're not for the sake of others.
For the people that depend - they all come and go
The people the artist has depended on have all left him at some point, leaving him feeling lost and alone.
Wrote half an album in 2 long days as I reflected and tried to take a hard next step
The artist has been writing music as a means of reflecting on his life and trying to make progress towards achieving his goals.
Of a spiritual kind so maybe I can find some sense as I pick apart a burdened mind
The singer is searching for spiritual meaning in his life as he tries to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that are weighing him down.
So I spread out on the floor all the pieces that I thought were fully formed
The artist has taken a step back to examine the pieces of his life and is realizing that they were not as complete and well-formed as he originally thought.
I see how much more I've got to go
The singer is realizing that despite all his efforts, he still has a long way to go to achieve his goals.
I reach for a new drug to medicate my soul
The singer is seeking a new means of coping with the emotional and mental burden he is carrying.
To forget about the answers I need to find
The singer is trying to distract himself from the questions he has about his life and purpose.
I've wasted away
The artist feels like he has let too much time slip by without achieving anything meaningful in his life.
Contributed by Vivian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.