Cousins Steven Delopoulos and John Philippidis were performing in a New Jersey coffeehouse when they were "discovered" by manager Jamison Ernest. The Brooklyn based cousins then assembled a larger band under the name "Burlap to Cashmere", recruiting guitarist Mike Ernest, bassist Roby Guarnera, keyboardist Josh Zandman, drummer Theodore Pagano and percussionist Scott Barksdale (John Degrazio eventually joined the band on bass when Guarnera left).
The group drew on a wide range of musical styles and influences, but their signature sound was rooted in lightning-fast acoustic guitar rhythms. The band began performing in local New York-area venues, and quickly developed a cult following. In 1997, they independently released their first EP under the label Squint, Live at the Bitter End. In 1998 Burlap to Cashmere signed with A&M Records and released the full-length recording Anybody Out There?, followed by an A&M re-release of Live at the Bitter End.
Hey Man
Burlap To Cashmere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm carrying a gun but there's nothing to steal
With bloodshot eyes guess it's time for a healing
Hey man, join our band
Open up your heart and let her expand
Sing to the world till they understand
Sing in the city with that old folk sound
We are the love and the love is bound
We are the love and the love is lightning
One land, one heart
Let's get together then break apart
Cover me, quarter to three
Driving through the night to Tennessee
Got me a gig at 3rd and Lindsley
Trickle down, shadow bound
I'll call you in the morning when my eyes are found
Cause sometimes you have to burn
When the fire's hot you know it's time to unlearn
You gotta crack the sky then drink it all down
Sing in the city with that old folk sound
We are the love and the love is bound
We are the love and the love is lightning
One land, one heart
Let's get together then break apart
Poor man, what are you worth?
Heading to the desert for another re-birth
Open up your eyes you're the salt of the earth
Rich man
Because sometimes you slip the fear
When the fire's hot you're gonna disappear
You gotta crack the sky then drink it all down
Sing in the city with that old folk sound
We are the love and the love is bound
We are the love and the love is bound
Crack the sky
Sing in the city with that old folk sound
We are the love and the love is bound
We are the love and the love is lightning
Hold me, mold me
Break down the door so boldly
The song "Hey Man" by Burlap To Cashmere is a call for unity and inclusivity. It begins by acknowledging feelings of emptiness and the need for healing. The singer asks for someone to show them how to feel, suggesting a desire for connection and guidance. Despite carrying a gun, the singer recognizes there is nothing to steal and that it is time to heal. The repeated calls to "hey man" invite listeners to join the band and open up their hearts to expand their understanding. The lyrics express a desire to create music that everyone can enjoy and appreciate, regardless of social status, and underscores the importance of coming together and forming connections. The chorus echoes the sentiment that love is what binds us together and that we must embrace our differences while also breaking apart to forge our individual paths. The final lines implore listeners to boldly break down doors and embrace change.
Overall, "Hey Man" is a call for action and an invitation to join in on a greater journey towards creating unity and a sense of belonging. The song encourages embracing individuality while also celebrating commonalities.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey you, show me how to feel
Asking someone to help them understand how to experience emotions.
I'm carrying a gun but there's nothing to steal
They possess a weapon, but they have no purpose for it.
With bloodshot eyes guess it's time for a healing
Their eyes are red and tired, indicating a need for emotional and spiritual restoration.
Hey man, join our band
Inviting someone to be a part of their community.
Open up your heart and let her expand
Telling someone to be open and accepting of others.
Sing to the world till they understand
Encouraging others to communicate their message clearly and widely.
You gotta crack the sky then drink it all down
The need to push oneself to the limits and fully experience all that life has to offer.
Sing in the city with that old folk sound
Singing in a way that is authentic and relatable to people of all ages.
We are the love and the love is bound
They are united in love and their love is strong and unbreakable.
We are the love and the love is lightning
Their love is electric and powerful, capable of igniting passion and inspiration.
One land, one heart
They are connected to each other and their shared experiences.
Let's get together then break apart
They will come together for a common purpose, but are not afraid to part ways when necessary.
Cover me, quarter to three
Asking someone to provide support in the middle of the night.
Driving through the night to Tennessee
Traveling to a specific destination, likely for a performance.
Got me a gig at 3rd and Lindsley
They have secured a job or opportunity to perform at a specific venue.
Trickle down, shadow bound
Their progress is slow and they feel trapped or stuck in some way.
I'll call you in the morning when my eyes are found
They will update someone on their status once they have regained their energy and focus.
Cause sometimes you have to burn
There are times when one must experience pain or discomfort in order to grow or learn.
When the fire's hot you know it's time to unlearn
When life becomes intense or overwhelming, it is necessary to let go of negative thought patterns or limiting beliefs.
Poor man, what are you worth?
Questioning society's value system that places wealth above other forms of human worth.
Heading to the desert for another re-birth
Going to a remote, isolated place as a means of starting over or finding inner peace.
Open up your eyes you're the salt of the earth
Encouraging someone to see their own value and worth as a human being.
Rich man
Addressing those who have wealth, influence, and power.
Because sometimes you slip the fear
Even those who have everything can still experience fear and doubt.
When the fire's hot you're gonna disappear
No matter how successful one may be, there are times when they can feel lost or invisible.
Crack the sky
A call to break through limitations and dream big.
Hold me, mold me
Asking for guidance and support in becoming a better person.
Break down the door so boldly
Telling someone to be fearless and confident in pursuing their goals and dreams.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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