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.
Turning Around
Edwin McCain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But they don't treat me quite the same
I've pulled the leather from my eyes
I've put all the stars back in your skies
[Chorus:]
I'm turning this life around
I broke all the chains that used to tie me down
Said goodbye to ego and the shame
There's no use in hiding in that fame
I've pulled the leather from my eyes
I've put all the stars back in your skies
[Chorus]
You can't tell the lover from the lies
Because they come in such a beautiful disguise
[Chorus]
The first verse of Edwin McCain's song "Turning Around" highlights a transformational journey that he had undergone. The metaphor of vampires representing the negative forces in his life, who knew his weaknesses all too well, hints that he had been surrounded by harmful influences that had left him drained and stuck. However, though they still know his name, he is now confident that they no longer define him. He has taken off the leather from his eyes, metaphorically indicating that he has awakened to the reality of the situation, and has decided to take control of his path. Instead of succumbing to the darkness, he has restored the stars in the skies, symbolizing an optimistic outlook on the future.
The chorus of the song repeats a message of hope and progress, emphasizing that he has broken free from the chains that once confined him, and has decided to turn his life around before it is too late. The second verse highlights that his transformation was not an overnight success, nor did it come easy. He had to let go of his ego and allow himself to be vulnerable and acknowledge his mistakes to make progress. Hiding behind the façade of fame was doing him no good, and he let go of that too. This verse is as if he's addressing the listener directly to find their positive side in life and not let fame get to their heads but be humble.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes all the vampires know my name
Many people who seek fame and fortune recognize and acknowledge me, but no one treats me in a different or better way.
But they don't treat me quite the same
Despite being recognized and acknowledged by many, people do not treat me with the love and admiration that I believe I deserve.
I've pulled the leather from my eyes
I have become more aware of the reality of my situation, and I am starting to see things in a new light.
I've put all the stars back in your skies
I will do everything in my power to make your life better again. I will restore your hope and dreams.
I'm turning this life around
I'm making important changes in my life – I'm leaving behind all the negativity and moving towards positivity.
I broke all the chains that used to tie me down
I have successfully broken free from all the negative influences that were holding me back in the past.
Said goodbye to ego and the shame
I learned to say goodbye to my ego and to feel shame no longer. I am dedicated to living the best life I can.
There's no use in hiding in that fame
I realized that hiding behind fame will not bring me the happiness and fulfillment I seek.
You can't tell the lover from the lies
It's hard to distinguish between real love and deceitful lies, because sometimes even love can be disguised.
Because they come in such a beautiful disguise
Lies and deceit can appear as something beautiful, innocent, and pure, making them more difficult to identify and avoid.
I'm turning this life around before it's over
I'm making sure to make these positive changes in my life before it is too late. I'm taking steps towards the bright future that I envision for myself.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind