After signing a contract with the Atlantic Records label Lava Records in 1994, his first major-label album, Honor Among Thieves, was issued in 1995. His second album, Misguided Roses, spawned I'll Be, a major single in 1998. Two more albums (Messenger and Far from Over) followed, but at the end of 2001, he split from Lava. In 2003 he released a collection of acoustic versions of songs both old and new called The Austin Sessions via ATC Records, a Nashville-based independent record label (at which McCain was the first artist signed following its creation in 2001). Mid-2004 saw the arrival of his first studio album in three years, entitled Scream & Whisper, which was released on another indie label, DRT Entertainment.
He has released two DVDs to date. The first was through ATC records in late 2002, called Mile Marker: Songs and Stories from the Acoustic Highway, and it consisted of interviews, live performances, and other material. The other was in late 2004, Tinsel & Tap Shoes. It was his first live concert DVD, recorded at The House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
A new CD was released in April, 2006 titled, Lost in America. Edwin recently signed a contract with Vanguard Records. This album (#8) is said to be a true "rock 'n roll" collection.
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Bábylon
Edwin McCain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a drowning man for the third time
Twenty-one gun salute in your flag of mercy
Preparing my body for a burial at sea
[Chorus]
So put your tongue in my ear
Through this veil of tears
The world, the world she's a Babylon
Coming in from the coast it's a bad nor'easter
Waves banging rocks with migraine vengeance
Build up the tower, unlocking the secrets
The pride of man is so contentious
[Chorus]
This is no pleasure cruise in the South Pacific
I'm bailing ice water up to my neck
Titanic's captain said that God couldn't sink her
You might say he learned a healthy respect
[Chorus]
In Edwin McCain's song "Babylon," the lyrics describe the metaphorical descent of a relationship between two people. With the lyrics "Sweetness, I love it when you wrap me up, I'm a drowning man for the third time," McCain suggests that he is in a relationship and though he is drowning in love, it is the third time he has felt this way, meaning he has been here before. The phrase "Twenty-one gun salute in your flag of mercy" is used ironically to suggest that even the kindness he receives from his lover can feel like a painful farewell. Additionally, "Preparing my body for a burial at sea" could depict the end or death of a relationship.
The chorus of the song, "So put your tongue in my ear, Through this veil of tears, Whisper what's gone wrong? gone wrong? The world, the world she's a Babylon" expresses the sorrow and pain in McCain's relationship, and his search for the cause of the breakdown. Furthermore, the lyrics "Coming in from the coast it's a bad nor'easter, Waves banging rocks with migraine vengeance" could be a metaphor for the trouble and conflict which has now arisen from the once calm and peaceful beginnings of his relationship. Lastly, the section of the song "This is no pleasure cruise in the South Pacific, I'm bailing ice water up to my neck, Titanic's captain said that God couldn't sink her, You might say he learned a healthy respect," implies that, as with the Titanic, lofty aims of a relationship can come crashing down if even one piece is out of place.
Line by Line Meaning
Well sweetness, I love it when you wrap me up
I love being close to you, your embrace is comforting and satisfying.
I'm a drowning man for the third time
I am in a difficult situation once again and I feel helpless.
Twenty-one gun salute in your flag of mercy
Your kindness and compassion towards me should be celebrated and honored.
Preparing my body for a burial at sea
I feel like I am going under, like I am about to die or suffer a great loss.
So put your tongue in my ear
Comfort me, speak to me kindly and encourage me.
Through this veil of tears
Even through my sadness and pain, speak to me with kindness and sincerity.
Whisper what's gone wrong? gone wrong?
Help me understand the issues and problems I am facing.
The world, the world she's a Babylon
The world we live in is corrupt, full of chaos and confusion.
Coming in from the coast it's a bad nor'easter
The difficulties and challenges I am facing are overwhelming and intense.
Waves banging rocks with migraine vengeance
The problems I am experiencing are relentless and intense.
Build up the tower, unlocking the secrets
We must persevere and work together to overcome the challenges and uncover the truth.
The pride of man is so contentious
Our egos and stubbornness often get in the way of solving problems and working together.
This is no pleasure cruise in the South Pacific
This situation is not easy or pleasant, it is a serious and dangerous challenge.
I'm bailing ice water up to my neck
I am struggling to keep my head above water and stay afloat.
Titanic's captain said that God couldn't sink her
Even the most confident people can make grave mistakes and underestimate challenges.
You might say he learned a healthy respect
The captain learned a hard lesson and gained a newfound respect for the power of nature and the unknown.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILL MALLONEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind