Busty and the Bass' roots started at Montréal's McGill University; the band's founding members met while studying at the institution's renowned Schulich School of Music, building a rapport and a wide-ranging sound through a series of informal jam sessions. Growing gradually over the course of a few years, the group’s original lineup settled with nine members: Nick Ferraro (vocals, alto sax), Scott Bevins (trumpet), Alistair Blu (vocals, keyboard, synthesizer), Julian Trivers (drums), Louis Stein (guitar), Milo Johnson (bass), Eric Haynes (piano, keyboard), Chris Vincent (trombone), and Mike McCann (trumpet). In late 2014, they made their first transition to national success -- the group entered into the competition for Canada's Top University Band 2014, and were announced as the winners in October that year. Their success was followed with a debut EP, Bustified, described as a "retrospective of the [group's] development...over the last eight months."
With $10,000 of winnings behind them, the group set to work on recording a second EP. The ambitious GLAM was released in June 2015, after the group inked a deal with Indica Records. A third EP, 2016's LIFT, offered the band a surprising endorsement: after the EP's cover of Macy Gray's "I Try" found viral success online, Gray herself offered the group a resounding co-sign. With a smattering of smaller projects to their name, Busty and the Bass used the subsequent year to work on their debut studio album, Uncommon Good. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Neal Pogue (OutKast, Nicki Minaj, Earth, Wind & Fire), the June 2017 project demonstrated the group's layered melodies, affinity for genre bending, and collaborative creative process.
Having parted ways with McCann, the group moved into the later stages of the decade with the Live from London EP and loosie "Jimmy." The roll-out for their sophomore album began with 2019's "Clouds," before Busty and the Bass signed to new label Arts & Crafts (Japandroids, BadBadNotGood) in early 2020. After a string of teaser tracks, the band released their second album, Eddie, in September that year. With collaborators including George Clinton, Macy Gray, and Illa J, the project continued to flesh out the group's smooth genre fusions, with a more focused and studio-led writing process. Alternate versions of album track "ET" surfaced with the 2021 EP ET Suite, and they released the Eddie (Instrumentals) later that year.
Bio written by David Crone for allmusic.com.
Common Ground
Busty and the Bass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over-under age, a moment's all we got to be now
So why am I waiting?
This time I'd rather we both got thrown out
Before it passed the fame, this motion's all we got to be now
But I couldn't take it
Oh time I wish we'd taken
It's on my mind to see you again
Only I'm leaving again
Last time that I looked to you with no doubts
All those underrated days that I remembered so well
Why are they fading?
Try to say something but I don't know how
All the ways you saved me you might never get to know now
Cause I couldn't say it
Am I over the hill or living under a rock?
Last chance moving slow but I know what I got
Reminiscing that I'm wishing
I knew what I was missing
If I listen I can dance to the rhythm I got
Thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout waiting
Oh time I wish we'd taken
And it's on my mind to see you again
Only I'm leaving again
I felt them turn their backs on you
And lose the time to listen, oh oh
Even with what you've been through
And all they I've been given, oh no
And you could probably find Jesus hidden in a crossword
Make him stay for his supper
I remember when you heard your mother's voice
Twenty years after [?]
Passed on the look like you knew what I felt
Overthought the fade, chasing all I hope to be now
So why am I waiting? I couldn't take it
Why am I waiting, waiting, waiting?
I'm underrated and I'm faded, trying to make me a plan
But I created all the weight of trying to make me a man
It's complicated in the way, I'm always feeling deflated
I've waited patiently, I've hated wasting youthful mistakes
So shit don't act like that, don't pack that crap, don't call me incapable
Don't lack in facts, I might retract myself from the kids' table
I'm done with all this chasing, and facing cooperation
I'm locked inside the basement, I'm not trying to be complacent
Am I over the hill or living under a rock?
Last chance moving slow but I know what I got
Reminiscing that I'm wishing
I knew what I was missing
If I listen I can dance to the rhythm I got
Thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout waiting
Oh time I wish we'd taken
It's on my mind to see you again
Wanna see you again
Thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout waiting
Oh time I wish we'd taken
It's on my mind to see you again
I won't be again
In "Common Ground", Busty and the Bass reflect on a family gathering where they felt drowned out and forgotten. The singer expresses regret and frustration at not having taken the chance to connect with someone important to him, possibly a family member, before it was too late. He regrets waiting for the right moment to say something and now feels that it's too late. The lyrics touch on themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the importance of making connections with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Last family gather we both got drowned out
During our last family gathering, we were ignored and overshadowed by others
Over-under age, a moment's all we got to be now
We are at an age where time is running out, and we need to make the most out of every moment
So why am I waiting?
I am questioning why I am hesitating and not taking action to make the most out of our limited time
This time I'd rather we both got thrown out
I would rather take a risk and follow our passions, even if it means facing rejection
Before it passed the fame, this motion's all we got to be now
Before it becomes too late to achieve success, we need to take action now and pursue our dreams
But I couldn't take it
However, I was not strong enough to take the risk and pursue our dreams
Thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout, thinking 'bout waiting
I am constantly considering and questioning why I am hesitating
Oh time I wish we'd taken
I regret not taking action earlier and making the most of our limited time
It's on my mind to see you again
I am eager to see you again
Only I'm leaving again
However, I am also aware that I may need to leave again
Last time that I looked to you with no doubts
I previously looked up to you without any hesitation or doubts
All those underrated days that I remembered so well
I remember those moments that were overlooked but meaningful to me
Why are they fading?
I am questioning why those memories are starting to become faint in my mind
Try to say something but I don't know how
I am struggling to convey my thoughts and feelings to you
All the ways you saved me you might never get to know now
You may never fully understand or realize the impact you have had on my life
Cause I couldn't say it
I couldn't find the words to express my gratitude towards you
Am I over the hill or living under a rock?
I am questioning whether I am too old or out of touch to achieve my goals
Last chance moving slow but I know what I got
This may be my last opportunity, and I need to make the most out of it despite the slow progress
Reminiscing that I'm wishing
I am reflecting on the past and hoping for a better future
I knew what I was missing
I am realizing what I have been missing out on by not taking action earlier
If I listen I can dance to the rhythm I got
If I pay attention to my intuition and take action towards my passions, I can find my own path and succeed
I felt them turn their backs on you
I witnessed others turning their backs on you
And lose the time to listen, oh oh
They were too busy with their own lives to listen to your needs or concerns
Even with what you've been through
Despite the hardships you have faced
And all they I've been given, oh no
You have not received the recognition or support you deserve
And you could probably find Jesus hidden in a crossword
You have a unique and intelligent mind
Make him stay for his supper
You have the power to captivate and influence others
I remember when you heard your mother's voice
I recall a moment where you were reminded of your past and where you came from
Twenty years after [?]
However, it was a long time ago and you have come a long way since then
Passed on the look like you knew what I felt
You gave me a knowing look, as if you understood my feelings
Overthought the fade, chasing all I hope to be now
I am overthinking and stressing over the passage of time, and trying to chase my dreams
Why am I waiting? I couldn't take it
I am questioning why I keep hesitating and not taking action towards my goals, but I already know deep down that I am scared and unsure
I'm underrated and I'm faded, trying to make me a plan
I feel overlooked and forgotten, and I am attempting to create a plan to better my situation
But I created all the weight of trying to make me a man
I am carrying the burden of trying to prove myself and become a successful person
It's complicated in the way, I'm always feeling deflated
It's a difficult and complex situation, and I am constantly feeling discouraged and disappointed
I've waited patiently, I've hated wasting youthful mistakes
I have been waiting for a chance to prove myself, and I regret wasting my younger years with mistakes and missed opportunities
So shit don't act like that, don't pack that crap, don't call me incapable
Don't doubt me or underestimate me, and don't label me as incapable
Don't lack in facts, I might retract myself from the kids' table
Back up your claims with facts, or I may choose to disengage from pointless arguments
I'm done with all this chasing, and facing cooperation
I am tired of trying to prove myself and deal with others' expectations, and I am ready to work together towards success
I'm locked inside the basement, I'm not trying to be complacent
I am currently stuck in a rut, but I am refusing to settle and become complacent with my current situation
Wanna see you again
I am eager and excited to see you again
I won't be again
However, it is uncertain whether I will be able to see you again in the future
Writer(s): Chris Vincent
Contributed by Riley G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheScramblerTV
The only problem with this song is that it doesn't go on forever. This music fills my soul with joy.
@drywallservicesjim
The entire Eddie album is 100% masterpiece.
@jacobalvarez7782
I've looked over the hill, even under the rock for a longer version.
@Teledible
I keep thinkin bout thinking bout thinkin bout this song
@hanslalangan
i dont know man, this song is just too good to be hidden in plain sight, it took me 3 years to find this gem, thank you <3
@speeedball
been peak music for me for like 5 years now
@davidcohen3298
Ha Casterracer1, I might have been that 50 year old...lol...I saw you guys too on Canada Day at Mel Lastman and you are one amazing band...I hope for big things, love the sound, the soul and the passion you put into your music...Much success and joy Busty and the Bass!
@eriklemerle4711
fantastic song
can't stop listening
@Jisteric
I was so sad when I found out that Nick Ferraro left the band. He was the one that drew me to the band.. hope he returns soon with his beautiful voice.
@anindyalarasati3583
I just knew this song and it is so nice to be heard. Love from Indonesia!!