Crooked Still is a self-styled alternative bluegrass band consisting of voc… Read Full Bio ↴Crooked Still is a self-styled alternative bluegrass band consisting of vocalist Aoife O'Donovan, cellist Tristan Clarridge, fiddler Brittany Haas, banjo player Dr. Gregory Liszt, and bassist Corey DiMario. They are known for their high energy, technical skill, unique instrumentation and innovative acoustic style.

O'Donovan and DiMario met at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in spring of 2001. Former cellist Rushad Eggleston, who was studying at Berklee College of Music, and Liszt, a graduate student at MIT, were playing music together around the same time. When the four met that summer, they formed the band that would be Crooked Still. While its members finished school, Crooked Still played various Boston venues, growing in popularity and collecting favorable reviews from the local press, notably the Boston Globe, Northeast Performer, and the Boston Herald.

In 2004, the group was invited to perform at the Newport Folk Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, where their debut album, Hop High, was the top-selling CD. Following the success of this first festival appearance, Crooked Still went on to appear at concert halls, nightclubs, coffeehouses, and festivals in 23 states and several different countries. On August 22, 2006, they released their second CD, Shaken by a Low Sound.

In October 2007 the band announced that Eggleston would be leaving the group. Eggleston performed his last show with the band on November 18, 2007, at the Ironhorse in Northampton, Massachusetts. Cellist Tristan Clarridge and fiddler Brittany Haas joined the lineup in January 2008. The band released its first album with the new lineup, Still Crooked, in June 2008.

We Can Work It Out
Crooked Still Lyrics

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Try to see it my way
Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
While you see it your way
Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone

We can work it out
We can work it out

Think of what you're saying
You can get it wrong and still you think that it's alright
Think of what I'm saying
We can work it out and get it straight or say good night

We can work it out
We can work it out

Life is very short and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend
I have always thought that it's a crime
So I will ask you once again

Try to see it my way
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we might fall apart before too long

We can work it out
We can work it out

Life is very short and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend
I have always thought that it's a crime
So I will ask you once again

Try to see it my way
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we might fall apart before too long

We can work it out
We can work it out

Overall Meaning

Crooked Still's version of The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" touches upon the universal theme of conflict resolution. The song tries to bridge the differences that come in the way of a relationship, be it personal or political. The singer pleads with the listener to try and see the situation from their perspective as well, so that they can reach a common ground. The first stanza highlights the communication gap that often creeps in when trying to solve a problem. Both the parties involved in the argument fail to acknowledge each other's point of view, which puts the relationship in peril. However, the singer suggests that with a little bit of effort, both parties can reach an agreeable solution.

The chorus of the song, "We can work it out," seems to offer a ray of hope in an otherwise bleak situation. The singer is adamant that the problems faced aren't insurmountable and can be dealt with together. With the next verse, the singer indicates that in any situation, it's essential to think before speaking. Often, we say things in a fit of rage, which can damage our relationship irreparably. But if we listen to each other calmly, we can work things out.

The final verse offers a succinct philosophical take on the issue. The singer states that life is too brief, and there's no time for conflicts. They feel that any argument is a waste of their precious time, and they want to solve it as soon as possible. The singer reiterates the central message of the song, to try and see the other person's point of view, as it may be the key to a successful relationship. In conclusion, "We Can Work It Out" is a beautiful reminder that all conflicts can be dealt with if we make a conscious effort.

Line by Line Meaning

Try to see it my way
Please understand my perspective on this situation

Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?
Do I have to keep explaining myself to you until I'm too exhausted to continue?

While you see it your way
While you hold onto your point of view

Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
Risk our love being destroyed by not finding a solution

We can work it out
We can find a way to resolve this issue

Think of what you're saying
Consider the words you're using and their potential impact

You can get it wrong and still you think that it's alright
Even if you're incorrect in your assumptions, you remain confident in your position

Think of what I'm saying
Pay attention to my thoughts and feelings

We can work it out and get it straight or say good night
We can either find a solution together or end our relationship

Life is very short and there's no time
Our time on this earth is limited

For fussing and fighting, my friend
To waste it on arguing and conflict is unproductive