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.
To My Mr. Smith
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone Lyrics
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When the bus stops a joke
I guess you gotta think some more
Before you get home
Hey, tonight it's cold
And that jacket's so old
That the chill comes in through the holes
If there's something that you wanna say
You don't have to keep it inside, now
Hey, your days'll go by so slow
Do you think I don't know?
It's the same for everyone in this whole town
These lyrics from Casiotone for the Painfully Alone's song To my Mr. Smith are about a person named Mr. Smith who seems to be lost in thought and moving slowly through the world. The first verse describes him walking slowly when the bus stops as if he has something on his mind that he needs to think through before he can get home. The second verse mentions that it's cold outside and Mr. Smith's jacket has holes, which allows the chill to come in. The lyrics seem to express concern for Mr. Smith's well-being and encourage him to stop by and talk if there's something he wants to say. The chorus suggests that time moves slowly for everyone in the town, and there might be some shared experience amongst the residents, including Mr. Smith.
The song could be interpreted in a number of ways - perhaps Mr. Smith is going through a difficult time or experiencing mental health struggles, and the singer is reaching out to offer support. It could also be a reflection on the slow, repetitive nature of small town life and the sense of isolation or disconnection that can come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, you walk so slow
The singer is addressing Mr. Smith, noting that he ambles instead of walks with a sense of urgency.
When the bus stops a joke
The singer comments on how slow the bus service is, akin to a waste of time.
I guess you gotta think some more
The singer presumes that Mr. Smith must deliberate more than the average person does.
Before you get home
The artist suggests that this thinking happens before Mr. Smith reaches home.
Hey, tonight it's cold
The artist acknowledges the cold weather tonight, using ‘hey’ to catch Mr. Smith's attention.
And that jacket's so old
The singer notices how old and ineffectual Mr. Smith’s jacket is since the chill can make its way through the holes.
That the chill comes in through the holes
The singer provides a cause-and-effect relationship between the old jacket and the chill that’s permeating through it.
Why don't you stop in on your way
The artist suggests Mr. Smith stops by on his way to unveil how he feels.
If there's something that you wanna say
The artist implies that there must be something Mr. Smith would like to express.
You don't have to keep it inside, now
The artist gives Mr. Smith the go-ahead to speak out and not bottle up his emotions.
Hey, your days'll go by so slow
The singer emphasizes Mr. Smith's tedious life, which drags on slowly day by day.
Do you think I don't know?
The artist implies indirectly that they understand how monotonous and mundane Mr. Smith's life is.
It's the same for everyone in this whole town
The singer reveals that everyone in town experiences the same boredom and ennui that Mr. Smith feels.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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