Chalk FarM's 4 original mem… Read Full Bio ↴This critically acclaimed band is back!
Chalk FarM's 4 original members are back together, playing regularly in the Los Angeles area, and are recording a new collection of songs for release in 2011.
Chalk FarM was an alternative rock group from LA, formed in the early 90's by Michael Duff and Orlando Sims. In 1995, they added Toby Scarbrough and Trace Ritter and were signed by Columbia Records. In 1996 their first album, Notwithstanding, was released. Despite radio and MTV exposure for the song "Lie on Lie" and a positive critical reception, the band and label didn't see eye to eye and Chalk FarM left Columbia Records. Duff created the independent label TIC (The Inner Circle) Records and the group recorded their second album, Three 2's, promoting it mainly via the Internet. Chalk FarM broke up in early 2000.
It's Up to You
Chalk Farm Lyrics
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And I'm looking at my only friend in you
And you're high too
Does it sound unreal
That my house is full
Of nothing I can feel
I look for some direction and I find
A woman who won't reach me
I ask him what it means
And he says
It's up to you
Johnny you must do
What you have to do
And he said
It's up to you
Johnny do what's right
But do for you
So I crashed the car
And I turn up loud my old guitar and play
Some Ramones or Hendrix thing
'Cause it seems to me
That all I see
Is that you didn't mind a thing
And all I say just goes right through
Have you seen my lonely days
Do you know
I wouldn't be like you
.
And he says
It's up to you
Johnny you must do
What you have to do
And he said
It's up to you
Johnny do what's right
But do for you
So I'm high again
And I'm looking at my empty bed it's strange
I can't feel a thing
Though the lights are low
The candles on my coffin
Let me know
The woman cries for her I know
How come you never heard me
Oh man How come you'd never see
You'd just say
It's up to you
Johnny you must do
What you have to do
And he said
It's up to you
Johnny do what's right
What I did
I did for you
The lyrics of Chalk Farm's song "It's Up to You" convey a sense of confusion and aimlessness in the singer's life. He turns to drugs and music for comfort, but even those are not enough to ease his inner turmoil. He speaks of a lack of feeling, of loneliness, and of the ungraspable nature of his problems. He seeks guidance from others, but they offer no real answers. The repeated refrain, "It's up to you, Johnny," emphasizes a sense of personal responsibility, while at the same time highlighting the ambiguity of the situation.
The lyrics are evocative and emotional, painting a vivid picture of a person struggling to find their way. The references to guitars and music suggest an attempt to connect with something real and meaningful, but even these attempts seem to fall short. The candles on the coffin might symbolize the singer's own mortality, further underscoring the seriousness of his situation.
Overall, "It's Up to You" is a powerful song that captures the struggles of many young people in finding their place in the world. The sense of uncertainty and frustration is palpable, and the repetition of the refrain "it's up to you" underscores the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life.
Line by Line Meaning
So I'm high again
The singer has gotten high and is feeling disconnected from reality.
And I'm looking at my only friend in you
The singer is feeling isolated and vulnerable, and is relying on their friend for emotional support.
And you're high too
The singer's friend is also high and possibly using drugs as a coping mechanism.
Does it sound unreal
The singer is questioning the reality of their situation and their emotions.
That my house is full
The singer is surrounded by people but still feels alone.
Of nothing I can feel
The singer is emotionally numb and unable to connect with their surroundings.
I look for some direction and I find
The singer is searching for guidance in their life.
A woman who won't reach me
The singer is unable to connect with a woman who they thought could help them.
And a man
The singer is also seeking guidance from a man.
I ask him what it means
The singer is seeking answers from the man.
And he says
The man responds to the singer's question.
It's up to you
The man tells the singer that they have control over their own life and must make their own choices.
Johnny you must do
The man addresses the singer by name and emphasizes that they alone are responsible for their actions.
What you have to do
The man is urging the singer to take action and make a change in their life.
And he said
The man continues to offer advice to the singer.
Johnny do what's right
The man is advising the singer to make choices that align with their values and beliefs.
But do for you
The man wants the singer to prioritize their own needs and desires.
So I crashed the car
The singer has experienced a traumatic event.
And I turn up loud my old guitar and play
The singer turns to music as a source of comfort and escape.
Some Ramones or Hendrix thing
The singer listens to music that they enjoy and that expresses their emotions.
'Cause it seems to me
The singer is reflecting on their situation and what they need to do.
That all I see
The singer is feeling overwhelmed and unable to find a way out of their situation.
Is that you didn't mind a thing
The singer feels abandoned and unsupported by their friend.
And all I say just goes right through
The singer feels like they are not being heard or understood by those around them.
Have you seen my lonely days
The singer is expressing their loneliness and searching for someone who understands them.
Do you know
The singer is asking for validation and understanding from someone.
I wouldn't be like you
The singer is distancing themselves from their friend and their way of coping.
The woman cries for her I know
The singer is aware of a woman's emotional pain and is empathizing with her.
How come you never heard me
The singer is frustrated that they are not being listened to or understood.
Oh man How come you'd never see
The singer is feeling misunderstood and overlooked by others.
You'd just say
The singer is frustrated with the lack of genuine support they are receiving.
What I did
The singer is reflecting on their actions and choices.
I did for you
The singer may have made choices based on what they thought others wanted, rather than what they wanted for themselves.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL DUFF, ORLANDO SIMS, TOBY SCARBROUGH, TRACE RITTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind