Crywank started in 2009 with Jay Clayton attempting to do some folk-punk influenced acoustic music with no previous experience playing guitar. The first album "James is going to die soon" was inspired by a painful break up. Jay stated that "I wrote these songs out of frustration and sadness and they ended up making me feel a lot better, I hope they have a similar effect on you".
In 2012 Crywank released their second album 'Narcissist On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown'. Described as "a collection of paranoid songs mostly about me trying to understand my own sadness along with the concept of sadness as a whole. It was fueled by self help books and pot."
In late 2012 Dan Watson joined Crywank on percussion, and in early 2013 they released tour demos for their third album 'Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday And Everyday Is Stupid' which was released in October 2013.
In 2016 Jay and Dan began couch surfing to afford to be able to tour as much as possible. Over the next four years they performed over 500 shows in over 30 countries and released four albums.
Crywank announced their breakup following a world tour in 2019, alongside the album ‘fist me til your hand comes out my mouth’’ a huge departure in sound and the first release to include songwriting from Dan and explained the tense relationship between Jay and Dan that had developed over the years on the road.
Their breakup tour was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and the North American and European dates had to be rescheduled numerous times. During this time Jay was in a house fire, which led to the release of a solo Crywank album ‘Just Popping In To Say Hi’ that was written and recorded over three days.
Between 2022-2023 Crywank managed to continue their final tour and performed 100 shows in the USA and over 50 shows in the UK and Ireland, often with bass player Jules Noel (AKA Guard Petal). In 2024 it was announced that Crywank will no longer be breaking up and Jules would be joining the band.
The name Crywank comes from reclaiming a cruel nickname given to Jay during a period of depression. Jay has since said that if they knew how popular the band would have become they probably would’ve chosen a different name.
I Am A Familiar Creak In Your Floorboards
Crywank Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I climax with a sigh
Distance myself from all conversation
Where is my mind?
I know it's annoying when my head drifts away
I convince myself I'm moronic
And I guess that might be true
If you want me to go, you know I will
If you want me to go, you know you don't
If you want me to go, you know I will
If you…
The lyrics of Crywank's song "I Am A Familiar Creak In Your Floorboards" delve into themes of self-gratification, isolation, and self-doubt. The opening lines "Doing nothing to substitute self-gratification/I climax with a sigh" suggest a sense of emptiness and lack of fulfillment despite indulging in personal pleasures. This is followed by "Distance myself from all conversation/Where is my mind?" which portrays the feeling of being disconnected from others and a lack of focus or purpose.
Later in the song, the lyrics "I know it's annoying when my head drifts away/I convince myself I'm moronic/And I guess that might be true/When nothing compares to something platonic" explore the idea of being too caught up in one's own thoughts and self-criticism. The singer seems aware of their tendency to withdraw and get lost in their own head, but they also struggle with accepting themselves and their limitations.
The song ends with the repeated refrain "If you want me to go, you know I will/If you want me to go, you know you don't/If you want me to go, you know I will/If you..." which could be interpreted as a plea for connection or a resignation to loneliness. Overall, "I Am A Familiar Creak In Your Floorboards" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Doing nothing to substitute self-gratification
I'm not doing anything to please anyone but myself
I climax with a sigh
I orgasm with satisfaction and relief
Distance myself from all conversation
I isolate myself from social interaction
Where is my mind?
I'm feeling lost and disconnected from reality
I know it's annoying when my head drifts away
I'm aware that my tendency to daydream and lose focus can be frustrating for others
I convince myself I'm moronic
I often doubt my own intelligence and capabilities
And I guess that might be true
Sometimes I believe that I am actually foolish and inadequate
When nothing compares to something platonic
I find that my closest and most fulfilling relationships are those that are purely friendly and non-romantic
If you want me to go, you know I will
I will respect your wishes and leave if that's what you want
If you want me to go, you know you don't
However, I suspect that you don't really want me to leave
If you want me to go, you know I will
I'll say it again - if you want me to go, I will
Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.