Olson, along with Kathy Valentine (a future member of the Go-Go's), formed the Textones in the early '80s for a few singles on IRS. (Most of these tracks appear on Through the Canyon [Rhino] and Back in Time [Demon U.K.].) The band's major-label debut, Midnight Mission (A&M), included help from Don Henley, Ry Cooder, Barry Goldberg, and Gene Clark. Cedar Creek, the band's second album, appeared in 1987 on Enigma Records. Olson then worked on many projects, including ones by John Fogerty, Henley, and Eric Johnson and a duet album with Clark. In 1988, she recorded a self-titled solo album (for Amigo Musik) in Sweden, backed by Wilmer X. After another duet project, this time with former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, Olson's second solo LP (Within an Ace) was released in 1993 on Watermelon Records; Reap the Whirlwind followed the next year. That album signaled a period of relative quiet from the guitarist, as she disappeared into private life while her best-of collection hit the shelves.
It wasn't until 2001 that Olson returned, boasting The Ring of Truth, an album featuring Taylor and a handful of roots rock tunes that showcased her weathered vocals and comfortable sound. Olson has also found success on the other side of the studio glass, producing records for Barry Goldberg, Dona Oxford, Jake Andrews, Joe Louis Walker, Davis Gaines, Mare Winningham, and Phil Upchurch.
Ups & Downs
Carla Olson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything was fine
You never made no sign
That you had changed your mind
I guess I was mistaken, girl
To count so on you
What else could I do
Well girl, I've been torn up before
But I can't handle that once more
Well I been down for a long long time
And now it's time to reach my mind
There's lots of pain upon this earth
Girl, I've had my money's worth
I have had my ups and downs and all around
Girl, I've tried to change your way of thinkin'
Tried to make you see
Well, livin' here with me
Is where you ought to be
But it didn't seem to make no difference
It never changed your world
Or stopped your social twirl
You're still the same old girl
And now, I've been torn up before
But I can't handle that once more
I been down for a long long time
But now it's time to reach my mind
'Cause there's lots of pain upon this earth
And girl, I've had my money's worth
I have had my ups and downs and all around
I've been up, down, all around now baby
I've been up, I been down, I been all around now baby
Yeah we've both been up and down and all around baby
You go up, you go down, you go all around now baby
Yes, I'm up, I'm down, all around now baby
Up and down and all around
The lyrics to Carla Olson's song "Ups and Downs" tell the story of a relationship in which the singer believed everything was going well, but then realizes that their partner has changed their mind without any warning. The singer expresses their disappointment in feeling deceived and in their overly trusting nature. They feel as though they have paid the price for their naivety, as they have had their share of ups and downs in life. The singer tries to convince their partner to see things from their perspective, but ultimately realizes that their partner remains unchanged, and it's time for them to move on and reach their mind.
The song's message is one of resilience and hope despite experiences of disappointment and betrayal, and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own emotional needs and setting boundaries. The song also suggests that every individual has their own ups and downs in life, and that one's perspective and experience plays a significant role in how they navigate these highs and lows. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "up, down, and all around," emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of experiencing both good and bad times.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, things was looking golden, baby
Everything seemed perfect and promising, my dear
Everything was fine
Our relationship seemed to be going smoothly
You never made no sign
You didn't give me any indication
That you had changed your mind
That you had altered your perspective or feelings
I guess I was mistaken, girl
I admit that I was wrong, my dear
To count so on you
To rely so heavily on you
What else could I do
I had no other option
Time to pay my dues
It is time for me to face the consequences of my actions
Well girl, I've been torn up before
My dear, I have experienced heartbreak in the past
But I can't handle that once more
But I am unable to bear the pain again
Well I been down for a long long time
I have been feeling low for a considerable duration
And now it's time to reach my mind
Now it's time for me to take control of my thoughts
There's lots of pain upon this earth
There is an abundance of suffering in this world
Girl, I've had my money's worth
My dear, I have my fair share of pain and misery
I have had my ups and downs and all around
I have had a fair share of good and bad experiences
Girl, I've tried to change your way of thinkin'
My dear, I have attempted to alter your outlook
Tried to make you see
Tried to make you understand my point of view
Well, livin' here with me
Staying with me
Is where you ought to be
Is the right place for you
But it didn't seem to make no difference
But it had no impact
It never changed your world
It never altered your life
Or stopped your social twirl
Or impeded your social activities
You're still the same old girl
You are still the person you always were
I've been up, down, all around now baby
I have experienced a variety of emotions and situations
Yeah we've both been up and down and all around baby
Both of us have faced highs and lows, and everything in between
You go up, you go down, you go all around now baby
You experience ups and downs, and everything in between, my dear
Yes, I'm up, I'm down, all around now baby
Yes, I face a variety of emotional states and situations, my dear
Up and down and all around
Facing a variety of circumstances
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK A. LINDSAY, TERRY MELCHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind