Anyone can ape and mimic, but to conjure takes a kind of magic. Rock and roll is the very history of repetition, picking the past up and dusting it off, passing it off as your own. Carney makes no bones about the bands they love and loved, but these are not influences worn on sleeves, this is the work of careful craftsmen in tune with invisible muses. First single, “Love Me, Chase Me,” is a potion derived from extracts of Beatles, Doors, Zeppelin, and Hendrix, but the wisp of white smoke rising from that test-tube is some other element, newly discovered.
“It’s cinematic, it jumps around to different places, and in the span of five minutes, it sort of sums up what we’re capable of as a band,” says guitarist Zane Carney of the song. “We’ve always wanted someone to listen to our music and immediately feel like they’ve been transported to another place,” adds lead singer, Reeve Carney. “That’s what I love. I like having a cinematic approach to music. I prefer things that feel a bit imaginary.”
Fitting then that Reeve was handpicked by director Julie Taymor (Across the Universe) to portray Peter Parker in the upcoming Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. With music composed by U2’s Bono and The Edge, Spider-Man offered Reeve the kind of mentorship any young singer would cut a deal with the devil to get. “Reeve was everything we could have hoped for: an amazing voice and a truly charismatic presence,” says Bono. (That might be one of those things Reeve likes that “feels a bit imaginary,” but this is real.)
Along with drummer Jon Epcar and bassist Aiden Moore, Carney’s debut album Mr. Green: Vol. 1 is a kaleidoscopic summoning of music from multiple epochs and worlds beyond. Whether it’s the flirty Gallic cabaret of “Amelie,” the toy-store music-box lullaby that opens “Nothing Without You,” the waltzing velvety title track, or the 7-minute rafter-rattling blues epic “Testify,” Carney sounds nothing like a new band. This is a haunting, like a ghost sifted up through ancient floorboards. To even call them a “new artist” would betray the full-stride breadth of their abilities as songwriters and performers. They are happily, confidently, already ahead of themselves.
“I never like to stay in the same place for too long,” admits Reeve. “I always strive to do something I haven’t done before. In that way, this album is exactly what I’ve always wanted to make, but the next one will hopefully move in a whole different direction.” “I don’t want fame or glory,” adds Zane. “Making music is already such a gift. That’s what drives us. We know what moves us and we want to share it.”
Carney has built a big tent. All are invited. It’s a spectacle of infinite surprise. It’s imaginary. It’s real. It’s everything that rock and roll is supposed to be. It might just be the sound of that bubble of history bursting. Try not to fall in love.
Nothing Without You
Carney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm tired of living a lie
Pretending that I deserve your call
Sometimes I'm truly surprised
You've kept me alive this long
I will be your love
Holding you close to my heart and forever
That I will be your love
And I won't let go
Now that I know you well
I've tried to make it alone
But I can't atone for this spell
I will be your love
Holding you close to my heart and forever
I will endeavor to show
I'm nothing without you
I will be your love
Holding you close to my heart and forever
I will endeavor to show
I'm nothing without you
The lyrics to Carney's song, "Nothing Without You," express the idea that the singer is completely dependent on their significant other. The first line, "I'm nothing without you," indicates that the singer feels incomplete without the person they are addressing. They go on to say that they are tired of pretending that they deserve to be in a relationship with this person, indicating that they feel unworthy of their love. Despite this, the singer is surprised that this person has stayed with them for so long, indicating that they are grateful for the support and presence of their significant other.
The chorus repeats the phrase, "I will be your love," indicating that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work. They promise to hold the other person close to their heart and never let go, and to show their love through their actions. The final line, "I'm nothing without you," reinforces the idea that the singer is completely dependent on their significant other for their sense of self-worth and happiness.
Overall, the lyrics to "Nothing Without You" express a deep sense of devotion and dependence on a significant other. The singer acknowledges their own shortcomings and the ways in which they rely on their partner for support and love. The song is a powerful expression of the intense emotions that can come with a close relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm nothing without you
I am utterly dependent on you for my identity and purpose in life.
I'm tired of living a lie
I am exhausted from pretending to be someone who deserves your attention and affection when deep down I know I am not worthy.
Pretending that I deserve your call
I am putting on a facade of confidence and self-assurance, hoping that you will reach out to me even though I know I don't deserve it.
Sometimes I'm truly surprised
I am humbled by the fact that despite my flaws and shortcomings, you continue to show me love and keep me going.
You've kept me alive this long
I owe my very existence and survival to your love and support.
I will be your love
I pledge to reciprocate your love and be there for you just as you have been for me.
Holding you close to my heart and forever
I will always cherish you and keep you close to my heart for the rest of my life.
I will endeavor to show
I will make a conscious effort to demonstrate my love and commitment to you every day.
And I won't let go
I will hold onto you and our relationship with all my strength and determination, never letting it falter or fade away.
Now that I know you well
As I have come to know you better, I realize just how much you mean to me and how much I need you in my life.
I've tried to make it alone
I have attempted to live without you, but it has proven to be impossible and unbearable.
But I can't atone for this spell
I cannot make up for the wrongs I've done or justify why I deserve your love and forgiveness in spite of them.
Writer(s): Carney Reeve Jefferson
Contributed by Caden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@LauraBloodMoon1
Nothing Without You
Nada Sin Ti
Me di cuenta de que te pertenezco
Siento la oscuridad, huyo de ti
No dejes de amarme, no me abandones
No te detengas por nada, eres lo que sangro
Aprendí a amarte de la manera que necesitas
Porque sé lo que es dolor, esto no es lo mismo
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Estaba demasiado ocupado buscándote en otra persona
El único que no podía soportar estar era conmigo mismo
Porque yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Contesta tu teléfono, tengo una pregunta, oh
Si muero esta noche, ¿te arrepentirías?
No dejes de amarme, eso es todo lo que tengo
Porque no puedo funcionar, no, no voy a durar mucho
Te juro que te amaré igual que lo hice en el pasado
Porque sé lo que es dolor, esto no es lo mismo
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Estaba demasiado ocupado buscándote en otra persona
El único que no podía soportar estar era conmigo mismo
Porque yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Cuando siento el amor, nena, dudo
Es por eso que me siento culpable, oh sí (oh sí, oh sí)
No me canso, me vuelvo loco
Sin tu toque
Toque, toque, toque
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Sin ti, sin ti, sin ti
@wizardmix
Man those were special times at Molly Malone's when these guys would burst into pure energy on stage and they'd take the audience along with them for the ride. I may have even been there that night. It's been 12 years and those shows are still ringing in my head as some of the finest raw performance I've seen.
@LauraBloodMoon1
Nothing Without You
Nada Sin Ti
Me di cuenta de que te pertenezco
Siento la oscuridad, huyo de ti
No dejes de amarme, no me abandones
No te detengas por nada, eres lo que sangro
Aprendí a amarte de la manera que necesitas
Porque sé lo que es dolor, esto no es lo mismo
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Estaba demasiado ocupado buscándote en otra persona
El único que no podía soportar estar era conmigo mismo
Porque yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Contesta tu teléfono, tengo una pregunta, oh
Si muero esta noche, ¿te arrepentirías?
No dejes de amarme, eso es todo lo que tengo
Porque no puedo funcionar, no, no voy a durar mucho
Te juro que te amaré igual que lo hice en el pasado
Porque sé lo que es dolor, esto no es lo mismo
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Estaba demasiado ocupado buscándote en otra persona
El único que no podía soportar estar era conmigo mismo
Porque yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Cuando siento el amor, nena, dudo
Es por eso que me siento culpable, oh sí (oh sí, oh sí)
No me canso, me vuelvo loco
Sin tu toque
Toque, toque, toque
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Nada, nada, nada, nada
Yo no sería nada, nada, nada, nada sin ti
Sin ti, sin ti, sin ti
@waitinthefire66
I cant wait for Reeve to bring Jeff Buckley back to life on the big screen. This must give JBs mom goosebumps! No wonder he was given her blessing to play the irreplaceable Jeff. As a band, Carney is awesome! I was hooked watching the acoustic version of Love Me Chase Me.
@torid8
I love the fact that this sounds exactly like how it sounds on the CD. That's pure talent.
@sadieaurorashellfireclub4747
I satya him.
@musicbyjoy
Still my favorite song of theirs so far!!!
@HereToStay117
They're really awesome! Can't imagine why this band hasn't got more attention... But I hope they will!
@qaz741qhn
Love Carney!!! hope more people can know them!!! awesome band
@luluamu
I totally love this song. Awesome(: My favourite band, I hope they release a CD soon!!
@angelakey8077
Reeve has an amazing voice and an old soul you can tell as it comes out in his singing and acting Zane is amazing on guitar that energy wow they are amazing watch out for them a force to be reckoned with