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.
Think Of You
Carney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I cry, you make me glad
When I think I have it bad
I think of you
When I don't know where to go
And it feels like I'm alone
When I hang my head down low
Each night you wait
Outside my door
'Cause you want to know
Oh no, I think of you
When I fall into a snare
And it's all too much to bear
When I think nobody cares
I think of you
When the going's getting tough
And I feel like giving up
When I think I've had enough
I think of you
You've always been
And you'll always be
Even to the end, oh woah
I'll think of you
You are the life
The truth and the light
And I'll follow you
Oh woah
When it's time to say good-bye
And a tear wells in my eye
I can hold my head up high
When I think of you
My flesh is weak
But your spirit wills
My heart and my mind
Will think of you
The lyrics to Carney's song "Think of You" is a testament of appreciation to a person who has been a constant source of comfort and strength to the singer. The persona sings about how this person is capable of bringing him or her out of despair and rescuing them when they feel lost. This person is able to make the persona feel happy when he or she is sad or downhearted. The persona considers this person in times of difficulties and despair, and thinks of them as a source of renewed hope and motivation. This person is seen as someone who waits outside the door every night just to check up on the persona while they slept, which shows how committed and dedicated this person is to the persona.
The song highlights the value of a person who has been a constant in the life of the persona, someone who has always been present, even in the toughest of times. The singer expresses the significant role this person plays in their life, directing their thoughts and giving them the strength they need to overcome any obstacle. The lyrics reinforce the idea that even when faced with the possibility of failure and downtimes, the persona can always rely on the strength of the person they think of. It's a message of gratitude to this person, who is compared to the life, the truth, and the light.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm lost, you bring me back
You are my guide and support system when I feel lost or uncertain.
When I cry, you make me glad
You have a way of easing my sorrow and bringing happiness back into my life.
When I think I have it bad
I think of you
You give me perspective and remind me that there are worse things, and that I can get through anything with you by my side.
When I don't know where to go
And it feels like I'm alone
When I hang my head down low
I think of you
Even when I feel lost and alone, just the thought of you can give me strength and comfort.
Each night you wait
Outside my door
'Cause you want to know
Oh no, I think of you
You are always there for me, even when I don't expect it, and your unwavering support is always on my mind.
When I fall into a snare
And it's all too much to bear
When I think nobody cares
I think of you
Even when things go wrong and I feel like I'm alone, I know that you care and can provide the strength I need to persevere.
When the going's getting tough
And I feel like giving up
When I think I've had enough
I think of you
When life is challenging and I feel like quitting, thinking of you can give me the strength and resolve to push through.
You've always been
And you'll always be
Even to the end, oh woah
I'll think of you
You are a constant in my life, and I know that you will always be there for me, no matter what.
You are the life
The truth and the light
And I'll follow you
Oh woah
You are my inspiration and my guiding force, and I will always look to you for wisdom and direction.
When it's time to say good-bye
And a tear wells in my eye
I can hold my head up high
When I think of you
Even when faced with the pain of goodbye, thinking of you can help me stay strong and move on.
My flesh is weak
But your spirit wills
My heart and my mind
Will think of you
Although my body may be weak, your spirit gives me strength and courage, and I will always think of you in my heart and mind.
Contributed by Nora J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.