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.
Testify
Carney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't wanna fall along the side
While I keep on learning at this good race
I will testify
I just wanna listen to you heart beat
Tell you're people you're still just alive
There ain't nothin' sweeter than you mercy
I don't wanna keep on livin' my way
I don't wanna keep on keep on livin' life
I don't wanna wait until it's to late
I will testify
I just wanna listen to you heart beat
Tell you're people you're still just alive
There is nothin' sweeter than you mercy
I will testify... well it's all for you
It's all for you
Gonna do it all for you
I don't wanna have to learn the hard way
I don't wanna fall along the side
While I keep on learning at this good race
I will testify
I just wanna listen to you heart beat
Tell you're people you're still just alive
There ain't nothin' sweeter that you mercy
I will testify... it's all for you
Gonna do it all for you
Gonna give it all for you
Gonna do it all for you
The song Testify by Carney has a reflective and aspirational tone. The singer sings about his desire to learn from his experiences and not repeat past mistakes. He does not want to fall along the side while he keeps on learning at this good race, which could be a metaphor for life. The singer wants to listen to his heart beat and testify to his people that he is still alive. He acknowledges that there is nothing sweeter than God's mercy and all of his efforts are for God. This could suggest that the singer is looking for guidance from a higher power.
The chorus of the song reiterates the singer's desire to testify and do everything for God. He wants to live a life that is meaningful and not just centered on his own selfish desires. He wants to take charge of his life and not wait until it's too late. The song's theme is relatable because it deals with the challenges and struggles of life. The singer offers a solution to overcome these challenges by testifying and living a life that is guided by love, mercy, and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna have to learn the hard way
I want to avoid making mistakes and learning from them through experience.
I don't wanna fall along the side
I don't want to fail and be left behind while others succeed.
While I keep on learning at this good race
As I continue to learn and grow in this competition, the journey itself is worthwhile.
I will testify
I will publicly declare my faith and belief in a higher power.
I just wanna listen to your heartbeat
I want to connect deeply with another person and understand their emotions and desires.
Tell your people you're still just alive
Communicate to others that you're still present and making the most of life.
There ain't nothin' sweeter than your mercy
The forgiveness and compassion you show towards me is the most precious thing.
It's all for you
Everything I do is for the sake of another person or a higher power.
Gonna do it all for you
I am committed to doing everything in my power to please and satisfy another person or higher power.
Gonna give it all for you
I am willing to sacrifice and dedicate my entire being to show my devotion and commitment.
I don't wanna keep on living my way
I want to change my lifestyle or habits to align with my values and beliefs.
I don't wanna keep on keep on living life
I don't want to merely exist, but rather truly live and enjoy life to the fullest.
I don't wanna wait until it's too late
I want to take action now before it's too late or before the opportunity passes me by.
Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.