Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (CFTPA) was the beats-and-keys solo proje… Read Full Bio ↴Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (CFTPA) was the beats-and-keys solo project of singer, songwriter and Chicago resident, Owen Ashworth. Drawing heavy influence from traditional Americana as well as 80's synth pop and commercial hip hop, the music of CFTPA is a curious mix of austere character studies and playful electronic programming.

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.

Holly Hobby
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dear Holly I apologize
I've been telling lies
And you've gotten wise

Oh Holly I never meant you harm
It's just romance and charm
With somebody new

And I'm sorry that you fell
But you should have known just as well
You're just a hobby Holly

Poor Holly you were always true
And I don't blame you
I would hate me too

Say Holly if you give it time
Then I'm sure you'll find
Someone who still can be kind

And I'm sorry that you fell
But you should have known just as well
You're just a hobby Holly

And I'm sorry that you fell
But you should have known just as well
You're just a hobby Holly

Holly Hobby

Overall Meaning

This song by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, "Holly Hobby", portrays a sense of regret, apology, and sorrow on the part of the singer. The song talks about someone named Holly who has been lied to by the singer, and who has come to know about it. The singer expresses that it was never his intention to harm Holly and that his actions were just a product of romance and charm with someone new. The singer apologizes for breaking Holly's trust and cautions her to be careful in the future. Throughout the song, the singer repeats the phrase, "You're just a hobby, Holly," implying that their relationship was not significant to him, and he was not seeking anything serious from her.

The song is an excellent reflection of the feelings of regret, sorrow, and shame that one experiences when they realize they have hurt someone they care for. The title itself, 'Holly Hobby' seems to reference a popular girls' toy from the 70s and 80s, which implies that the relationship was never meaningful or real in the first place. The repeated phrase "You're just a hobby, Holly" adds to this idea.

Line by Line Meaning

Dear Holly I apologize
I'm sorry Holly, please forgive me

I've been telling lies
I've been dishonest with you

And you've gotten wise
You've figured out my lies

Oh Holly I never meant you harm
Holly, I didn't intend to hurt you

It's just romance and charm
It was just a fling, nothing serious

With somebody new
I've moved on to someone else

And I'm sorry that you fell
I feel bad that you got hurt

But you should have known just as well
You should have realized the situation

You're just a hobby Holly
You were just a temporary amusement for me

Poor Holly you were always true
I acknowledge that you were faithful

And I don't blame you
I don't hold you responsible for anything