They began work as Ellery in 2005. Their style has been compared to the that of Sarah McLachlan, Ben Folds, and alternative folk, the Cincinnati-based couple wrote, recorded, and released the Make Your Troubles Mine EP which they recorded with the help of producer and guitarist - Ric Hordinski - (formerly of Over the Rhine). Their debut was received with positive reviews in local newspapers, and their local public radio station WNKU put them in regular rotation. After a feature in Performing Songwriter magazine, Virt Records contacted the band, signed them, and sent them back into the studio to turn the EP into a full-length album. The result, Lying Awake, was released in 2006.
Although they are normally described as a duo, backing music is provided by Ric Hordonski - electric guitars, loops, keyboards, Amos Heller - bass, and Josh Seurkamp - percussion, drums.
After
Ellery Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe you'll turn them into bread
To feed the feeling you're alone
To feed the questions in your head
Leave a light on in the dark
Maybe you'll guide somebody in
Someone to tell you who you are
'Cause it's so lonely after
It's so lonely after
Hang a sign above the door
Maybe you'll answer all their fears
That you're not who you were before
That you were never really here
'Cause it's so lonely after
It's so lonely after
Sing a song out into space
Maybe you'll soothe yourself to sleep
And dream you've never been afraid
And dream you've finally found some peace
'Cause it's so lonely after
It's so lonely after
The lyrics of Ellery's song "After" paint a picture of someone who is searching for meaning and purpose in their life, while grappling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. The first verse talks about stones that could be turned into bread, a biblical reference to the story of Jesus turning stones into bread in order to feed himself after fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness. This metaphor suggests that the singer is looking for sustenance, both physical and emotional, and hoping that their prayers will be answered.
The second verse mentions leaving a light on in the dark, in the hopes that someone will be guided towards them, allowing them to both understand who they are and come to terms with who they've been. The repetition of the line "It's so lonely after" throughout the song speaks to the singer's sense of loneliness and the struggle they face in finding someone to connect with.
Finally, the third verse suggests that the singer may find solace in singing a song into space, imagining a world where fear and anxiety are replaced by a sense of peace.
Overall, "After" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to universal themes of loneliness, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Line by Line Meaning
Say a prayer for all these stones
Ask for help and hope for all the burdens in your life
Maybe you'll turn them into bread
Maybe you'll find a way to turn your struggles into something valuable
To feed the feeling you're alone
To help find comfort in the isolation and loneliness
To feed the questions in your head
To help find answers to the doubts and uncertainties in your mind
Leave a light on in the dark
Find a way to guide those who are lost and in need
Maybe you'll guide somebody in
Maybe you'll help someone else find their way
Someone to tell you who you are
Someone to help reveal your true self
Someone to carry who you've been
Someone to help carry your past and your experiences
'Cause it's so lonely after
Because it's difficult to face things alone afterwards
It's so lonely after
It's very difficult to face things alone afterwards
Hang a sign above the door
Put up a symbol or message to signal an important change
Maybe you'll answer all their fears
Maybe you'll assuage the insecurities and doubts of others
That you're not who you were before
That you've changed and grown into a new person
That you were never really here
That you never really felt truly present or understood
'Cause it's so lonely after
Because it's difficult to face things alone afterwards
It's so lonely after
It's very difficult to face things alone afterwards
Sing a song out into space
Express your emotions and pain and hopes and dreams out into the void
Maybe you'll soothe yourself to sleep
Maybe you'll find a way to calm your own worries and find rest
And dream you've never been afraid
And imagine a life free of fear and anxiety
And dream you've finally found some peace
And imagine a life of calmness and tranquility
'Cause it's so lonely after
Because it's difficult to face things alone afterwards
It's so lonely after
It's very difficult to face things alone afterwards
Contributed by Madison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.