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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Jesters Dreamers & Thieves
Edwin McCain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We charged into our futures with laughter and smiles
As we traveled blindly the road became so thick
No chance to change direction and we've laughed until we're sick
Now I keep company with wicked evil men
My generosity's brimming but I'm still inclined to sin
My friends think I am crazy and I know that may be so
But I'm as happy with a penny as coffers full of gold
And so for all of you I say, don't miss the forest for all the trees
And don't ever question Honor Among Thieves
The undergrowth has parted now the path is easily read
It's lined with all the doubters regretting all they've said
God bless all the dreamers and those who lead with soul
For how can you know virtue 'less you fought out of a hole
And so for all of you I say, don't miss the forest for all the trees
And don't ever question Honor Among Thieves
Trickle of a chuckle as laughter starts to pour
Bells begin to jingle the trickles now a roar
Pan floutist, cloven dancer
The mischief has begun
Laugh with me if it's funny, laugh at me if it's fun
And I don't know St. Peter but I know he believes
There's a place in heaven for Jesters, Dreamers & Thieves
In "Jesters, Dreamers and Thieves," Edwin McCain reflects on his youth, where there seemed to be endless possibilities and he charged full steam ahead into the future with excitement and enthusiasm. However, as he got older, the road became more difficult and he found himself in difficult situations. Despite his moral compass, he found himself associating with "wicked evil men." He acknowledges his own flaws, but he's happy with his life and doesn't need wealth to be content. He encourages others not to get lost in the details of life and to keep in mind the bigger picture. Additionally, he reminds everyone of the importance of "Honor Among Thieves."
As the song continues, Edwin reflects on the lessons he's learned in life. He notes that, now in retrospect, he can see the path much more clearly than before. He encourages people to not give up on their dreams and to have faith in themselves. To use their struggles to help them find their own virtue. Finally, he invites everyone to enjoy in the laughter of life, as it's what brings joy and lightness to our lives. He points out that even though he doesn't know St. Peter, there must be a place for those who are Jesters, Dreamers, and Thieves in heaven.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking back on younger days the view stretched on for miles
Reflecting on the past, the singer remembers a time when the possibilities seemed endless.
We charged into our futures with laughter and smiles
Full of hope and joy, the singer and their peers eagerly anticipated their futures.
As we traveled blindly the road became so thick
Despite their optimism, the obstacles and challenges of life began to seem insurmountable.
No chance to change direction and we've laughed until we're sick
Feeling trapped in their circumstances, the artist and their companions found solace in laughter and lightheartedness.
Now I keep company with wicked evil men
The artist has fallen in with unsavory characters, despite their own generous nature.
My generosity's brimming but I'm still inclined to sin
Despite their good intentions, the singer acknowledges their own faults and imperfections.
My friends think I am crazy and I know that may be so
The singer's behavior may seem erratic or unconventional to those around them, but they are comfortable with themselves.
But I'm as happy with a penny as coffers full of gold
The artist finds joy in the simple things in life, rather than material possessions.
And so for all of you I say, don't miss the forest for all the trees
The artist advises against getting bogged down in details and losing sight of the bigger picture.
And don't ever question Honor Among Thieves
Despite the questionable company the artist may keep, they still hold to the principle of loyalty and honor.
The undergrowth has parted now the path is easily read
After struggling to find their way forward, the singer's path has become clearer.
It's lined with all the doubters regretting all they've said
Those who once criticized or doubted the artist's choices may now be regretting their words.
God bless all the dreamers and those who lead with soul
The singer acknowledges and encourages those who are passionate and authentic in their pursuits.
For how can you know virtue 'less you fought out of a hole
The singer sees struggle and hardship as a necessary aspect of developing character and goodness.
Trickle of a chuckle as laughter starts to pour
Laughter begins with a small sound, but quickly grows in volume and intensity.
Bells begin to jingle the trickles now a roar
The joy and merriment of the group becomes contagious, spreading to those around them.
Pan floutist, cloven dancer
The group's revelry includes music and dancing.
The mischief has begun
The group is enjoying their mischievous and carefree behavior.
Laugh with me if it's funny, laugh at me if it's fun
The singer invites others to join in their laughter and entertainment, regardless of their motivation.
And I don't know St. Peter but I know he believes
The artist cannot claim to know anything for sure about St. Peter, but believes there is a place in heaven for those who live with joy and authenticity.
There's a place in heaven for Jesters, Dreamers & Thieves
The artist believes that those who embrace life with humor, imagination, and daring will be rewarded in the afterlife.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWIN COLE MC CAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind