With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today's production-heavy climate.
Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig's renowned shows in the comfort of your own living room.
In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo, and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year.
For more information, tour dates, and music, please visit the official Craig Cardiff site.
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Memo
Craig Cardiff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life has a way of pulling you asleep
Don't decide anything until after we meet
I hate the sleeping too, frozen solid
Where every minute feels like an ache
I don′t know what it's like for you
Know it's no more than you can take
Because this is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All′s well that ends well
So if all′s not well then it's not the end
Dear Alyson
Thanks for her letter
So thanks for the sound which makes me feel better
I only for this moment
Who knows what is next
No more fixes,
No more arrangements
No more bargaining
No more deals
You joked if they cut out anymore
The ghost might slip the seal
Because this is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All′s well that ends well
So if all's not well then it′s not the end
Oh this is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All's well that ends well
So if all′s not well then it's not the end
This is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All's well that ends well
So if all′s not well then it′s not the end
This is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All's well that ends well
So if all′s not well then it's not the end
This is not the end
Because if it were the end
It would not be so painful
All′s well that ends well
So if all's not well then it′s not the end
The song "Memo" by Craig Cardiff is a beautiful reflection on the struggles of life and how important it is to stay present and awake during tough times. The first verse begins with a plea to stay awake, recognizing that life can be so overwhelming that it can pull one into a deep sleep, a metaphor for giving up or losing hope. The chorus, "Because this is not the end, because if it were the end, it would not be so painful", emphasizes the idea that life is pain, and it may not be the end, but it can be just as difficult. He urges to hold onto hope and persevere through tough times.
In the second verse, Craig thanks someone named Alyson for a letter, which has helped brighten his day in some way. He acknowledges that he can only live in the moment and doesn't know what's going to happen next. He talks about the acceptance of things as they are, no more fixes or bargaining. He then goes on to joke about how life might change if the pain continues to get worse, indicating he’ll try to fight through it, but the pain does become unbearable.
To summarize, this song is about the pain and struggles of life and how important it is to stay present, awake, and hopeful through the tough times. Craig recognizes that there's no easy fix to life's problems, but he emphasizes that it's not the end and encourages listeners to continue moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear you, promise me you’ll stay awake
Life has a way of lulling us into a deep slumber and causing us to miss out on important moments. Please, don't fall asleep on the important things.
Life has a way of pulling you asleep
The monotony of life can be tiring and it can be easy to lose sight of what is truly important when we’re caught up in the daily grind.
Don't decide anything until after we meet
Please don't make any life-changing decisions until we're able to talk and you have a chance to gain some perspective.
I hate the sleeping too, frozen solid
I understand the feeling of being stuck in a rut and feeling like there’s no way out - it's suffocating.
Where every minute feels like an ache
It’s like being stuck in a state of constant pain, and every moment feels like an eternity.
I don't know what it's like for you
I may not fully understand your situation, but I want you to know that I'm here and I'm listening.
Know it's no more than you can take
I know you're at your breaking point, but I believe in you and I know you can handle whatever comes your way.
Thanks for her letter
I appreciate you taking the time to write to me and share your thoughts and feelings.
So thanks for the sound which makes me feel better
Your words lifted me up and gave me the strength to keep going.
I only for this moment
I’m trying to focus on the present and not get too caught up in what the future may hold.
Who knows what is next
The future is always uncertain, and none of us can predict what will happen next - we can only do our best to prepare.
No more fixes, No more arrangements
I’m done with trying to control everything, and I'm just going to let things unfold as they may.
No more bargaining, No more deals
I'm not interested in trying to negotiate or compromise anymore - I just want to be true to myself and my values.
You joked if they cut out anymore The ghost might slip the seal
You made a silly joke, but it made me laugh and reminded me not to take things too seriously.
This is not the end
No matter how hopeless things may seem, there is always a chance for a new beginning and a brighter future.
All's well that ends well
If things work out in the end, then everything that came before will have been worth it.
So if all's not well then it's not the end
If things are not yet okay, then that means the story is not yet over - there is still more to come.
Oh this is not the end
Even though things may seem bleak and uncertain, there is still hope and the possibility of a better outcome.
Writer(s): Craig Cardiff
Contributed by Kylie V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.