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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How Strange It Seems
Edwin McCain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got seven kids on the lower east side
I'm not a strong man, I'm not very pretty
But in rush hour hell you should see me drive
I'm a dressmaker in Louisiana
Stick my finger ain't that a shame
People come to haggle and paw on my artwork
How strange it seems to be me
If tomorrow I opened my eyes
And found myself somewhere else
I wonder who I'd be
I'm the house man at a place called the exit
The last band I heard bored me to tears
But every so often I hear one that moves me
Love for the music is what keeps me here
How strange it seems to be me
If tomorrow I opened my eyes
And found myself somewhere else
I wonder who I'd be
I'm a rich man
I ain't talking 'bout money
I'm a blues singer at the Eight by Ten
You go out searching for some grand tomorrow
Don't worry 'bout me just drop by now and then
How strange it seems to be me
If tomorrow I opened my eyes
And found myself somewhere else
I wonder who I'd be
The Edwin McCain Band's "How Strange It Seems" is a song that explores the idea of different and seemingly unlikely individuals and the odd paths their lives have taken. The verse begins with the description of a hack driver from New York City, who may not be the most impressive of men but has a remarkable talent for driving in rush hour traffic. The next verse is about a dressmaker in Louisiana with a highly unique talent for her work of creating one-of-a-kind dresses that attract hagglers and admirers alike. The final verse transitions towards a man who’s passionate about music and enjoys being the houseman at a place he calls "The Exit." He is a blues singer and performance-lover, and it’s not always predictable which band will move him, but he listens carefully, paying homage to good music.
"How Strange It Seems" questions the continuity of personal identity if the circumstances of one's life had been different. If the hack driver had lived elsewhere in the world rather than New York City or if the dressmaker had never been born in Louisiana. The idea is also presented in imagining what people would do in different scenarios. Moreover, the song's message emphasizes the beauty of individuals who navigate through life’s circumstances using their talents and passion.
Overall, "How Strange It Seems" contains a relatively under-represented theme that explores the power of destiny and personal identity. It illustrates how time, over the years, can steer an individual in a variety of directions, and while some like the Bluesman may have found their calling early on, others like the Hack driver may find theirs when they least expect it. Therefore, this song attempts to capture the attention of the listener and create thought-provoking questions.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a hack driver in New York City
I am a taxi driver in the busy city of New York.
I've got seven kids on the lower east side
I am responsible for taking care of seven children in the lower east side of New York.
I'm not a strong man, I'm not very pretty
Physically, I may not be very strong or attractive.
But in rush hour hell you should see me drive
However, I excel at driving during the rush hour commotion in New York City.
I'm a dressmaker in Louisiana
I sew and design dresses for a living in Louisiana.
Stick my finger ain't that a shame
I often accidentally prick my own finger with the needle while sewing and feel embarrassed about it.
People come to haggle and paw on my artwork
Customers often try to negotiate with me and physically touch the dresses I have made.
But no two of my dresses are ever the same
However, my dresses are always unique and one-of-a-kind.
How strange it seems to be me
I find it curious to contemplate about my identity and how it might change in the future.
If tomorrow I opened my eyes
If I were to wake up tomorrow in a different place or situation.
And found myself somewhere else
In a new location or social context.
I wonder who I'd be
I am curious about how my identity would change or evolve in the new environment.
I'm the house man at a place called the exit
I work as the caretaker at a venue called the exit.
The last band I heard bored me to tears
The last musical performance I witnessed was extremely uninteresting.
But every so often I hear one that moves me
However, occasionally I am deeply touched by a band's music.
Love for the music is what keeps me here
My passion and appreciation for good music are what motivate me to continue working at the venue.
I'm a rich man
I feel wealthy and fulfilled by my current job.
I ain't talking 'bout money
My richness does not come from financial wealth.
I'm a blues singer at the Eight by Ten
I perform as a blues singer at a venue called the Eight by Ten.
You go out searching for some grand tomorrow
Others may be looking for a bright and successful future.
Don't worry 'bout me just drop by now and then
However, they need not be concerned about my well-being, and they can come see me perform anytime they like.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENNETH S GREENBERG, EDWIN COLE MC CAIN, MATTHEW CHARLES ROLLINGS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind