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.
Profile photo by ASHLittle.
Solitude
Edwin McCain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yea was a brother of mine
We were imaginary comic book superheroes
Kids wasting time
We were prisoners of our youth
We were growing up strong
'Till the day he was taken away
For something he did wrong
And boy he had some stories to tell
His mama kept him locked up in a rehab
Although the doctors said he was well
He said yeah I been through the anger
And the hatred towards my mom
And I put all that behind me
Just tell me what was it like to go to your prom
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Well growing up these days just ain't easy
And the kids they're doing the best that they can
So mama you better think twice
Before you lock your kid up
And throw away the key
'Cause soon your little boy is gonna be a man
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Tim left town yesterday
He left me with these words
He said yeah I know this life's got a lot to give
But my childhood is gone
And I'm not afraid of dying
I'm gonna grab the world by the horns
And learn how to live
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
"Solitude" by Edwin McCain talks about the bond between two childhood friends, Tim and the singer, and how Tim was taken away to rehab for doing something wrong. The song explores the consequences of locking a child away and the effects of growing up so fast. Tim comes back with a lot of stories to tell, including his experience in rehab and his opinions about growing up. He feels like he missed out on his childhood and prime because he was locked away, and his friend's mom enjoyed the convenience of his solitude.
The song criticizes the act of locking a child away, suggesting that it only causes more anger and hatred towards the parent. It urges parents to think twice before locking up their children, as soon they will grow up to be adults. It also acknowledges how growing up in the present age can be challenging, as kids are trying their best to fit in while dealing with life's struggles. The singer is aware of the importance of childhood and how every moment should be cherished without worrying about the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Tim he was a good friend
Tim and the singer were close friends.
Yea was a brother of mine
Tim was considered a brother by the singer.
We were imaginary comic book superheroes
As kids, Tim and the singer enjoyed imagining themselves as comic book heroes.
Kids wasting time
As kids, Tim and the artist were just enjoying their childhood without any particular purpose.
We were prisoners of our youth
Tim and the artist felt like their youth was a limiting factor in their lives.
We were growing up strong
As they grew older, Tim and the singer became stronger in character and maturity.
'Till the day he was taken away For something he did wrong
Tim was taken away due to a mistake he made.
Tim came 'round just the other day And boy he had some stories to tell
Tim recently visited the artist and had some interesting stories to share.
His mama kept him locked up in a rehab Although the doctors said he was well
Despite being cleared by doctors, Tim's mother kept him in rehab for his personal struggles.
He said yeah I been through the anger And the hatred towards my mom
Tim went through some emotional issues directed towards his mother.
And I put all that behind me Just tell me what was it like to go to your prom
Tim has moved past his anger towards his mother and is now interested in hearing about more positive experiences.
He said thank you mom for fixing My clouded broken mind But excuse me if I seem a little rude While I was missing my childhood, My brother and my prime You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
While Tim is thankful for his mother's help in fixing his mental health, he also realizes that her keeping him locked up robbed him of his youth and freedom.
Well growing up these days just ain't easy And the kids they're doing the best that they can So mama you better think twice Before you lock your kid up And throw away the key Cause soon your little boy is gonna be a man
The singer is cautioning parents that growing up these days is hard, and kids are trying their best. Parents should think carefully before they overly restrict their children, since they will soon grow up and become adults.
Tim left town yesterday He left me with these words He said yeah I know this life's got a lot to give But my childhood is gone And I'm not afraid of dying I'm gonna grab the world by the horns And learn how to live
Tim has left town, but before he went he shared his outlook on life with the singer. He acknowledges that his youth is over and is determined to live life to the fullest.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWIN COLE MC CAIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Billy Hartman
the correct lyrics here you go people:
Tim he was a good friend
Yea was a brother of mine
We were imaginary comic book superheroes
Kids wasting time
We were prisoners of our youth
But we were growing up strong
'Til the day he was taken away
For something he did wrong oh ho alright
Tim came 'round just the other day
And boy he had some stories to tell
And his mama kept him locked up in a rehab
Although the doctors said he was well
He said yeah I been through the anger
And the hatred towards my mom
I put all that behind me
Just tell me what was it like to go to your prom
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
Excuse me if I seem a little rude
Woah while I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Of my solitude
Well growing up these days just ain't easy
No and the kids they doin the best that they can
So mama you better think twice
Before you lock your kid up and throw away the key
Soon your little boy is gonna be a man woah ho woah ho ho
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
Oh while I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Of my solitude
Tim left town just yesterday
He left me with these words
He said yeah I know this life's got a lot to give
Oh but my childhood is gone
And I'm not afraid of dying
I'm gonna grab this world by the horns and I live
He said I thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
But while I was missing my childhood, my brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Pray for much for solitude
I didnt ask for you this solitude
I cant forgive you for this solitude
woah woah woah woah
YEAH
Percy Z. D.
Tim he was a good friend
Yea was a brother of mine
We were imaginary comic book superheroes
Kids wasting time
We were prisoners of our youth
We were growing up strong
'Till the day he was taken away
For something he did wrong
Tim came 'round just the other day
And boy he had some stories to tell
His mama kept him locked up in a rehab
Although the doctors said he was well
He said yeah I been through the anger
And the hatred towards my mom
And I put all that behind me
Just tell me what was it like to go to your prom
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Well growing up these days just ain't easy
And the kids they're doing the best that they can
So mama you better think twice
Before you lock your kid up
And throw away the key
'Cause soon your little boy is gonna be a man
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
Tim left town yesterday
He left me with these words
He said yeah I know this life's got a lot to give
But my childhood is gone
And I'm not afraid of dying
I'm gonna grab the world by the horns
And learn how to live
He said thank you mom for fixing
My clouded broken mind
But excuse me if I seem a little rude
While I was missing my childhood,
My brother and my prime
You enjoyed the convenience of my solitude
fubia44
This is one of the most heart breaking songs ever written.
John L Sullivan
One of the best songs ever written
realityglitches
This song touches me very deeply. My mother also used institutions for a baby-sitter. First time I heard this the water works flowed so freely I had to pull my car. It's still hard not to get emotional when I hear it. Edwin McCain has my deepest respect for his ability to write (And sing.). He really pegged it.
Rick Reynolds
I grew up around Ed and Darius in Charleston and the fucked up part, it's a true story.
Michael Hix
MY MOTHER DID THE SAME THING TO ME AT AGE 7 SHE SAID I WAS A "C.H.I.N.S." A CHILD IN NEED OF SUPERVISION. ANYWAY IF YOU'VE EVER HEARD THAT TERM NOW YOU CAN TRULY GIVE IT PERSPECTIVE AND MAKE SURE YOU GET IN THE WAY OF ANYONE ELSE TRYING TO LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU OR ANOTHER PERSON OR CHILD. SO SHE HAD AN EXCUSE FOR BEING SO OFF THE MARK; SHE WAS AN ALCOHOLIC, STILL NO EXCEPTION TO THE RULE. PARENTS ARE OUR SAFETY NET TO PROTECT OUR INTERESTS UNTIL WE ARE ALL READY TO DEAL WITH THE BULLSH.. OURSELVES. BUT NO I WAS RAPED AT 5;.!!! 13TIMES BEFORE I WAS 14. SO YEAH;.!!! I WAS A FUC.UP BUT I WAS RUNNING FROM ABUSIVE PEOPLE. BACK IN THE DAY WE WERE NOT GOING TO GET A CHANCE TO CONVEY THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR LIVES AT THE TIME. SO SHE SAT ME DOWN AT THE KITCHEN TABLE WITH GRAM AND SAID" MICHAEL YOU'RE GOING TO BE REMOVED FROM THE HOUSE".!!! NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING THROUGH MOM'S HEAD. GRAM WOULD HAVE MADE IT TOO EASY FOR ME, HAVE ME TAKEN FROM THE HOUSE YES; BUT TO GRAM AND GRAMPS HOUSE. TWO OF THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET AND THEY.!!! "SAID MICHAEL WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE YES AT 3. MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY MOTHER WAS HEY.!!! "FUC.YOU OH LOVE YOU MOM AND HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HAVE LEFT THIS PLANET BEFORE YOU GET TO SEE ME AGAIN".!!! SORRY ABOUT THIS TRAUMATIC STRESSFUL SITUATION THAT HAPPENED ON THE WEEKEND BEFORE SHE DIED".;!!! I SAT ON HER OXYGEN HOSE FOR 45MINUTES AT OUR HOME, HER HOME THANKSGIVING DINNER." " I HAVE TO TELL YOU I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOT TO BLAME MYSELF FOR THIS;" BUT HOW ARE SUPPOSED TO ACT.!!!? I THINK I KILLED MY OWN MOTHER WHEN I WAS GUILTY OF THIS KIND DAY WE HAD.!!! OH!!! "HEY MOM DINNER WAS AWESOME LOVE YOU, ME MARY, THE BOY'S HAD A GREAT MEAL SEE YOU AGAIN NOW FUC.OFF" LOVE YOU".!!!? I CAN TELL YOU THAT SHE DIED DEC. 4 2000 TO THIS DAY I STILL LOVE HER CAN'T DEAL WITH THAT ALMOST 19YEARS AGO".!!! I MISS HER VERY MUCH EVERY DAY REGARDLESS SHE WAS STILL MY MOM".!!! TALK SHI. ABOUT HER IN FRONT OF ME AND HER I WON'T WASTE YOU; BUT I WOULD LIKE TO REARRANGE YOUR LIFE FOR YOU".!!! THE POINT OF WHAT I AM STILL TRYING TO DO IS CONVEY. WE ARE ALL FAMILY EVEN IF WE DON'T GET TO LIKE IT".!!! SO ANY ELDERS OUT THERE,? I WAS ASKED IN AN ARVADA CO, COURT HOUSE IF I HAD ANY TO SAY;?" AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT I DID.!!! SO FOR THE NEXT 3AND A HALF HOURS MAYBE 4AND A HALF HOURS".!!! " I SAID YOUR HONOR I GREATLY APPRECIATE IF YOU ARE ALL ABOUT TO GIVE THE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO CONVEY WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THEM AND FEAR NOTHING, BUT PLEASE START TO THINK ABOUT LISTENING AND TALKING TO THEM; YOU CAN TRULY GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO FINALLY MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THEIR OWN LIVES AND YOU WILL NOT LET THEM BE SO CLOSE TO THE PAIN YOU HAVE JUST NOW HEARD".!!! SORRY FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO GET TO THEM EARLIER BUT YOU CAN TRULY GIVE AND HELP THEM NOW".!!! AND IT WAS LONG ENOUGH TO MAKE IT HAPPEN 1 NIGHT; THE WHOLE WORLD CHANGED THAT DAY".!!! THEN THE KID'S SAID "IF YOU HURT ME OR MY FRIENDS IN ANY WAY WE WILL HAVE YOU ARRESTED ON THE SPOT".!!! SORRY, I WILL TAKE ALL THE CREDIT FOR THIS MATTER OF COURSE WITH THE LORD'S HELP AND THE FACT THAT I HAD THE WARMEST FEELING OF THE TIME TO STOP YOU AND YOURS FOR DOING THIS TO ME AND DEAL WITH THE FACT THAT YOU ARE NOW BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO".!!! WE ARE ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS AND WE HAVE TO BE HONEST AND VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE SURE OUR PEOPLE HAVE THEIR OWN LIFE AND THEIR ISSUES WITH YOUR HELP.!!! SO IF YOU ARE AT THE STORE AND SOMEONE ASKS YOU FOR 3 DOLLARS FOR THE BUS.!!! TELLING THEM NO I DON'T HAVE ANY $ ON ME YOU HAVE NEVER EVER HAD AN EXCUSE TO SAY NO.!!! YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO TELL THEM NO ANYMORE WHEN YOU SAY" HOLD ON A SECOND AND YOU WILL BE RIGHT BACK".!!! GO TO THE A.T.M. PULL OUT $20 AND GET IT BROKEN DOWN BY THE QUICK CHECK OUT PERSON AND TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND FEED THEM. DON'T LET THE ALCOHOLIC DO D.T.'S IN FRONT OF YOU TELK THEM TO WAIT UNTIL YOU GET BACK; AND GET HIM OR HER 2PINTS OF WHISKEY SO THEY DON'T DIE IN YOUR OWN PRESENCE OR YOUR FAMILY'S AND NOW I TELL YOU JUST KEEP $20 ON YOUR PERSON FOR ME AND YOUR FAMILY;.!!! YOUR HUMAN FAMILY IS THE $20 GOING TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT WHAT YOU DID OR ARE YOU NOW AND FOREVER WILL BE. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS BECAUSE IF YOU'RE A CHRISTIAN OR YOU SAY YOU ARE, SO PLEASE BE ONE, BUT IF YOU ARE AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO AVOID THIS SITUATION. I WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE NO INTENTION FOR US OR YOU DON'T SAY IT BE IT. IF NOT THWN YOU WILL BE RIGHT BACK WITH THE REST BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE WORD MEANS.!!! MY BROTHER'S AND SISTERS OR WHATEVER YOU WANT IT FOR INFINITY LEAVE YOU. AND STILL HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE FOR THIS ONE AND ALL THE REST. I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND AM A MESSENGER AND TEACHER LISTENING IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH BUT DOING THIS IS BETTER.YES? I AM MICHAEL JOHN THE ANALOG KID. RUSH2112. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH,APPRECIATED. PEACE I'M OUT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS FOR NOW AND INFINITY. DON'T CALL THE OTHER ARCH ANGEL THE DEVIL OR SATAN. HIS NAME IS LUSIFER. I HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU KNOW THAT I AM NOT LYING ABOUT THE TRUTH. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY,WEEK YEAR. AND DON'T SAY HAVE A GOOD ONE IT'S JUST DEAD.
E3R510
@Michael Hix Yeap.been there. Age 7. I was the one sent away to an orphanage because she and her new husband had a kid together.
boobscoob
LOVE LOVE LOVE this song, and the whole album!!
Ruin
This song's got me kinda emotional in a relatable sorta way, except I had the opposite problem: I grew up with severe mental illnesses that went almost totally untreated. My issues were constantly minimized. Like, I had depression, but my family didn't consider it "clinical" (it was clinical) so it was never treated. I had anxiety so bad I'd stop eating and have panic attacks, but I was "just a worrywart" so it didn't get treated either. I was diagnosed with anorexia and severe anxiety when I was six but my family didn't believe the psychiatrist. I spent so much of my childhood clinging to the lone happy times between periods of absolute misery. Now I'm a young adult having to undo the damages of being untreated for so long. So, a different kind of solitude but solitude all the same.
korbyn patterson
I lost my brother an this was so close to how my childhood went so thank you for this song it helped a few of us get thou the night 🙏🏻❤️🙌🤙🏼
Rock Of God
Roman’s 10;9
If you profess by mouth Jesus is Lord and believe God raised him from the deed you will be saved