"Someday soon I'll do the things I been saying..." begins the title track for Cedar Avenue's debut CD. And someday soon may actually be now. After years of performing and headlining in the Twin Cities' leading clubs and venues the group got their first brush with national fame when their song "7 Years" was featured on the season finale of the ABC police drama Rookie Blue. Averaging more than 6 million viewers per episode, Rookie Blue catapulted Cedar Avenue into the homes and hearts of music enthusiasts across the nation.
It's rare that a contemporary music group can deliver tasty hooks within such a rich musical landscape on their first, totally independent, full-length release. Yet that is exactly what Cedar Avenue delivers with its 10-track debut. Veteran Twin Cities music columnist Chris Riemenschneider said this about the band's debut CD: "Cedar Avenue, a Fray- and One Republic-like, piano-laced quartet...sounds primed for radio play, with the dramatic, gorgeously sung title track ['Someday Soon'] and the stormy rocker 'Up North.'"
Known for their remarkable vocal performances, as well as their ability to draw widely diverse crowds of college hipsters, middle-aged women, and cheese enthusiasts, Cedar Avenue has been helping pack venues throughout the Midwest, opening for huge sold-out crowds with acts such as Augustana, A Fine Frenzy, Hanson, and Graham Colton.
And as Jesse belts in the title track, "All I need is a possibility" - that's what the group has certainly garnered with their gem-studded debut album.
Radio
Cedar Avenue Lyrics
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Transistor dial seems it's stuck
Turn the quiet signal on, for both of us
Honey, there's a way, there's a way
But the frequency won't change, so I don't...
... say you're the reason for the way, I can't restrain
Come to me when the sea gives way
So let me speak, let me stay
Here in the harbor, we can wait and hideaway
If you want me, speak up
We've wandered seaborne long enough
Throw the worthless radio, you're breaking up
Honey, there's a way, there's a way
But the frequency won't change, so I don't...
... say you're the reason for the way, I can't restrain
My love is rushing with the tide and won't obey
Come to me when the sea gives way
So let me speak, let me stay
Here in the harbor, we can wait and hideaway
I know I've come too far to lay to rest, I'll find another way down
So if you want me say so transistor tongue tied radio
Bring me back home
So if you want me say so, you're breaking up
... say you're the reason for the way, I can't restrain
My love is rushing with the tide and won't obey
Come to me when the sea gives way
So let me speak, let me stay
Here in the harbor, we can wait and hideaway
The lyrics of "Radio" by Cedar Avenue speak of a longing for a connection that seems to be lost in transmission. The singer is trying to communicate with someone but the signals seem to be weak, and the frequency won't change. The use of radio as an extended metaphor for communication works well in this song as it captures the idea of yearning for someone who is far away and cannot receive the message being sent.
The repeated lines "Honey, there's a way, there's a way / But the frequency won't change, so I don't say" suggest that the singer knows a way to connect with the other person but is unable to do so due to external factors. The theme of distance and longing is further emphasized in the lines, "My love is rushing with the tide and won't obey / Come to me when the sea gives way / So let me speak, let me stay / Here in the harbor, we can wait and hideaway." The use of maritime imagery evokes the idea of being adrift and waiting for the guiding light to bring one home.
Overall, "Radio" is a poignant track that captures the timeless yearning for connection with another person, even in the face of obstacles preventing it.
Line by Line Meaning
If can you hear me, speak up
The singer is asking the listener to let them know if they can hear them clearly.
Transistor dial seems it's stuck
The singer is saying that the radio signal is stuck and they are not able to hear their loved one's voice clearly.
Turn the quiet signal on, for both of us
The singer is asking to turn on a signal that is quiet and soothing for both of them to listen to.
Honey, there's a way, there's a way
The artist is calling their loved one affectionately and saying that there is a way for them to communicate better.
But the frequency won't change, so I don't...
The artist is saying that despite their efforts, they cannot change the frequency of the radio signal.
...say you're the reason for the way, I can't restrain
The singer is admitting that their love for their partner is so strong that it is beyond their control.
My love is rushing with the tide and won't obey
The singer is saying that their love is like a tide that is too strong to be controlled and it is taking over them.
Come to me when the sea gives way
The artist is asking their loved one to come to them when the situation is better and more favorable to them.
So let me speak, let me stay
The artist is asking for the opportunity to speak and to stay connected with their loved one.
Here in the harbor, we can wait and hideaway
The artist is suggesting that they can find a safe place to wait and hide away while they figure out a way to communicate better.
We've wandered seaborne long enough
The singer is saying that they have been apart from their loved one for too long and it is time to reconnect.
Throw the worthless radio, you're breaking up
The artist is suggesting that they should throw away the old radio as it is not providing a clear signal for them to communicate.
I know I've come too far to lay to rest, I'll find another way down
The singer is saying that they have come too far to give up on their love and they will find another way to make it work.
So if you want me say so transistor tongue tied radio
The singer is asking their loved one to confirm if they want to be with them despite the difficulties in communication.
Bring me back home
The singer is asking their loved one to bring them back to a place where they can be together and communicate clearly.
Contributed by Riley A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.