Cornmeal has never been a band to shy away from reinvention and after over 15 years, they are proving just that as the band sets out with a reformed lineup, fresh energetic sound and a long awaited first studio album in over 9 years. A nationally recognized live music institution, Cornmeal is heavily influenced by American roots and folk music and seamlessly blends lightning fast tempos and impeccable harmonies into an unrivaled live performance that continues to expand upon the five-piece acoustic-electric groups’ vast musical repertoire. While steeped in the tradition of the past, Cornmeal continues to forge a path all their own, pushing the boundaries of bluegrass, Americana and folk for a whole new generation of music lovers. With a growing fan base and ever-evolving sound, Cornmeal challenges the recipe of bluegrass and live performance.
With the release of their debut album "In The Kitchen" (2001 Livin' Live records), Cornmeal secured its place as one of the top bands in its genre. 2003’s “Tales from Magic Stone Mountain” (Livin’ Live records) garnered much critical attention and became a staple on College and AAA top 10 lists throughout the country. In May of 2006, Cornmeal released their third album, “Feet First”, which became proof positive that Cornmeal’s tenure on the road brought on an honest and mature sound. Produced by former guitarist Kris Nowak and bassist Chris Gangi, "Feet First" features a strong confidence in songwriting, musicianship and the ability of this band to stylistically ride the fence and bring it back home without missing a step.
In the beginning of 2010, Cornmeal released their first live album, “Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I” (2010 Livin’ Live Records), an album that pays tribute to the fans. Towards the end of 2011, Cornmeal released the follow up, “Live in Chicago, IL Vol. II” (2011 Livin’ Live Records). During this time the band went into the studio set to record their first album in over 5 years. Self produced by bassist Chris Gangi and tracked in Chicago at the prestigious Rax Trax recording studios, the process was cut short due to lineup changes and the album was shelved. After almost a year of auditions, rehearsals and wood shedding new material the band is poised to return to the same recording space to finish the album polishing the old material and setting forward with a new sound, new songs and a fresh perspective on the future.
While playing a blend of high profile venues, jam-band and bluegrass festivals to thousands nationally, Cornmeal has been a main stage act at some of the most renowned festivals in the country. These festivals include Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Magnolia Fest, Wakarusa Music Festival, and Summer Camp Music Festival as well as having performed on multiple stages at Bonnaroo, All Good Music Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, 10K Lakes, and many others. They pride themselves on the energy they put forth each night creating an unrivalled live performance that continues to shape itself into an energetic one of a kind experience. “Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I & II” prove that Cornmeal continues to be a band to watch out for. Every show they play is a unique experience that leaves fans begging for more.
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Shelter
Cornmeal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It’s so nice to be here,
Dancing with all my friends
It’s so nice to see you,
Smiling there again
The road you took was rocky
And the sky above is hazy
But there’s clear skies round the bend
And I know it’s been a long ride
Come in and rest your bones
Take the time that you need here
And shelter from the cold
So many faces, staring back at me
So many places remind of the way it used to be
This world is not our own
All we have is but one life
To come together without judgment
And live without lines
Now when you think its over
Nearly to its end
Heed the signs that warn you
Take caution from within
So many faces, staring back at me
So many places remind of the way it used to be
It’s so nice to be here,
Dancing with all my friends
It’s so nice to see you,
Smiling there again
The song “Shelter” is a moving track by Cornmeal, written by Chris Gangi, that speaks to the idea of finding solace and comfort in a familiar and supportive community when faced with the difficulties and challenges of life. The song opens on a positive note, with Gangi expressing joy and delight in being surrounded by the people he loves and cares for. He goes on to acknowledge the struggles that some of his loved ones might have experienced in life, with the metaphor of a rocky path and hazy skies, but suggests that the future holds hope and clear skies. The chorus then expresses the idea of taking a break from the chaos and pain of life, and seeking refuge and comfort with those one trusts and loves the most.
As the song continues, Gangi speaks to the importance of community and togetherness, stressing that this world is not our own and that we must learn to live without judgment or lines that divide us. The song reaches an emotional peak toward the end, with Gangi urging listeners to pay attention to the warning signs and to take care of themselves and their loved ones. Throughout the song, the repetition of the line “So many faces, staring back at me / So many places remind of the way it used to be” helps to reinforce the theme of community and connection, and serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing and celebrating the various people and places that have shaped who we are.
Overall, “Shelter” is a song that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community and connection. It speaks to both the struggles and the joys of life, and encourages listeners to find comfort and support in the people they love.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s so nice to be here,
Expressing gratitude and happiness in being in the present moment.
Dancing with all my friends
Enjoying the company and good energy of close companions.
It’s so nice to see you,
Reconnecting and finding joy in rekindling a relationship.
Smiling there again
Feeling happy to witness someone else happy and content.
The road you took was rocky
Acknowledging a challenging journey or experience someone may have gone through.
And the path seems without end
Feeling lost or unsure of what to do next after a tough experience.
And the sky above is hazy
Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future.
But there’s clear skies round the bend
Believing that things will get better and there is hope for a brighter future.
And I know it’s been a long ride
Recognizing the length and intensity of a difficult experience.
Come in and rest your bones
Encouraging rest and taking a break from the stress and pressure of life.
Take the time that you need here
Urging someone to slow down and take care of themselves.
And shelter from the cold
Finding refuge and support during challenging times.
So many faces, staring back at me
Reflecting on the many people and experiences that have influenced one's journey.
So many places remind of the way it used to be
Experiencing nostalgia and reflecting on past memories.
This world is not our own
Recognizing the shared existence and interconnectedness of all living beings.
All we have is but one life
Realizing the preciousness and value of life and the importance of living it fully.
To come together without judgment
Advocating for acceptance and compassion towards all individuals and groups.
And live without lines
Challenging the societal constructs and limitations that can prevent people from experiencing life to the fullest.
Now when you think its over
Suggesting a moment of crisis or difficulty that feels like the end of the road.
Nearly to its end
The feeling of being close to the end of something, possibly one's life.
Heed the signs that warn you
Taking notice of the signals and cues in life that can help guide decisions and actions.
Take caution from within
Looking inward for guidance, advice, and inspiration.
Contributed by Alexandra O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
pukevery1
I like it