Witmer has released a number of albums (including Recovered), some EPs, and an LP with his side project, The River Bends, in which Witmer plays guitar and sings along with a backup band including members of Philly-based alt-country band One Star Hotel. His 2005 album, Are You A Dreamer?, was produced by mentor Don Peris of The Innocence Mission and featured Asthmatic Kitty artist Sufjan Stevens. It gained rave reviews by such opposite ends of the spectrum as Pitchfork Media and Entertainment Weekly.
Subsequent albums have included "Carry the Weight" (2008), "The Ones Who Wait" (2012), and "Denison Witmer" (2013).
His official website is located at http://www.denisonwitmer.com.
these days
Denison Witmer Lyrics
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Well I've been out walking
I don't do that much talking these days
These days
These days I seem to think a lot
About the things that I forgot to do for you
And I had a lover
But it's so hard to risk another these days
These days
So if I seem to be afraid
To live the life that I have made in song
It's just that I've been losing so long
So I'll keep on moving
Things are bound to be improving these days
One of these days
These days I'll sit on cornerstones
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
Don't confront me with my failures
I have not forgotten them
In Denison Witmer's cover of "These Days" by Jackson Browne, the singer speaks of mixed emotions and reflections on past choices. The song opens with the singer stating that they have been doing a lot of walking instead of talking lately. They are caught up in their thoughts and seem to keep dwelling on past decisions and missed opportunities with a loved one. The singer briefly mentions that they had a lover, but it seems as though they were hurt in the past and are now afraid to risk being hurt again.
As they continue to sing, the singer speaks of their struggles to move forward and start a new life. They mention that they feel like they are constantly losing and this may be the root of their fear to take risks, particularly in pursuing a new relationship. Despite feeling stuck, the singer hopes that things will start to change and improve for them soon, and they end the song with a hope for a better tomorrow.
This song speaks to a universal experience of regret, missed opportunities, and the fear of trying again after being hurt. It's a reminder that although we may feel stuck in our current situation, there is always hope for the future and a chance to start anew.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've been out walking
I have been wandering around aimlessly
I don't do that much talking these days
I have become more introverted and prefer to keep to myself
These days
Recently
These days I seem to think a lot
Lately, my mind is occupied with thoughts
About the things that I forgot to do for you
I regret not fulfilling certain responsibilities that I had towards you
And all the times I had the chance to
I missed many opportunities, which I now realize
And I had a lover
I used to have a romantic partner
But it's so hard to risk another these days
These days, I find it difficult to contemplate another romantic relationship as I fear the risks
So if I seem to be afraid
If I come across as fearful
To live the life that I have made in song
To lead the life that I have described in my songs
It's just that I've been losing so long
I have been experiencing failures and setbacks for a long time
So I'll keep on moving
I will continue to move forward
Things are bound to be improving these days
I believe that things are likely to get better soon
One of these days
Someday
These days I'll sit on cornerstones
Lately, I will spend time in contemplation and observation
And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend
And keep track of time in precise increments
Don't confront me with my failures
Please do not remind me of my past mistakes
I have not forgotten them
I still remember them vividly
Contributed by Colin H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.