Owen Ashworth started to make music on a small casio keyboard back in 1997. His first two albums, "Answering Machine Music" and "Pocket Symphonies for Lonely Subway Cars," were made using nothing but small, battery-operated keyboards and Ashworth's own voice (along with occasional accompaniment by guest musicians). These early albums are now available on one CD, appropriately titled "The First Two Albums by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone."
Ashworth has released numerous EPs and full-length albums, with a trademark austere lyrical style that conveys emotions through its simplicity and directness.
CFTPA expanded its sound in 2006 with Ashworth's release 'Etiquette,' now using more instruments and effects (as well as more professional production and vocals from Jenny Herbinson). This album has given Ashworth room for experimentation and thinking space.
In 2009, CFTPA's newest album, titled 'Vs. Children,' was released. Although vocally very similar to his earlier work, the album features a greater variety of acoustic instruments and further demonstrates Ashworth's interest in pursuing more complex arrangements for his songs. His live shows reflect this as on his most recent tour he is joined by a full band.
In 2010 Ashworth announced that he was retiring the "Casiotone for the Painfully Alone" name, as well as the songs he wrote under that name. He now performs as Advance Base and a producer.
Cold Shoulder
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I didn't sleep
I haven't been in this town in weeks
And the only things keeping me alive
Are your picture in my pocket
And a dollar forty five
And I'm walking to your house
Hoping to hell that you're home
And your front gate is in my reach
Try to think of one single good reason
Why you'd want to take me back
In this winter season
You know what
Can't think of a one
Yeah the forcast is for a cold shoulder
It's been two months since I left you in boulder
It was the stupidest thing I've ever done
And now I'm coming back to you
Unshaved and unslept and sorry
The opening verse of "Cold Shoulder" by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone depicts a man who is returning to a town he left for weeks, trying to find his way to his lover's house carrying a picture of her and a small amount of money in his pocket. As he reaches her front gate, he considers whether or not he has done enough to deserve a second chance with her. He wonders if there is even a single reason left for her to want him, especially in the dead of winter. The second verse builds on this emotional tension by referencing how the man left his lover in Boulder two months prior, which he later reveals to be his biggest mistake. The chorus of the song continues to cement these feelings of regret, as the man realizes that he may be facing a cold shoulder when he reaches his lover.
Overall, "Cold Shoulder" explores the common theme of love and loss, especially in the context of a relationship that is on the verge of ending. The singer is asking for forgiveness and attempting to right wrongs, but feels uncertain of whether he even deserves a second chance. He knows that he may end up alone and rejected, but still tries to make amends despite the risks.
Line by Line Meaning
I just got off a train
I have just disembarked from a train
And I didn't sleep
I didn't manage to sleep
I haven't been in this town in weeks
It has been weeks since I have been in this town
And the only things keeping me alive
The only things that are keeping me going
Are your picture in my pocket
I have a photo of you in my pocket
And a dollar forty five
I only have a meager sum of $1.45
And I'm walking to your house
I am on my way to your house on foot
Hoping to hell that you're home
Praying that you are at home
And as I approach your house on the beach
As I draw closer to your house which is located on the beach
And your front gate is in my reach
When I am almost at your gate
Try to think of one single good reason
I attempt to come up with one good reason
Why you'd want to take me back
As to why you would want to reconcile with me
In this winter season
During this cold season
You know what
You already know
Can't think of a one
I cannot come up with even one reason
Yeah the forcast is for a cold shoulder
The outcome will likely be a harsh rejection
It's been two months since I left you in boulder
I have not seen you for two months since I left you in Boulder
It was the stupidest thing I've ever done
It was my biggest mistake
And now I'm coming back to you
I have now returned to you
Unshaved and unslept and sorry
I have not shaved, nor slept well, and am filled with regret
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN THEMISTOCLEOUS, MICHAEL EMILE CRAIG, GEORGE ALAN O'DOWD, ROY ERNEST HAY, JONATHAN AUBREY MOSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
themadscientest
@HashMagician that emo-scenester shit wont make you cry! this is just an isolated soul pouring it out over his keyboard into a mic... it will make you cry if you havent been where he has been emotionally... just so you know, my eyes are dry!
HashMagician
Im not crying anymore but this is still real shit