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.
Arizona
Ellery Lyrics
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95, and biding his time
Empty notebooks and bottles of wine
Collecting newspapers and library fines
We're talkin' thousands of days
They came, they stayed, and faded lazy away
Left him standing with that look on his face
CHORUS:
With the whole world, watching him go
Saying live your life or leave us all alone
Us young ones with our never growing old
And his sun goes setting low - in Arizona
It was a Saturday night
He wiped his eyes and turned out the lights
Sixty years and then a silent goodbye
He still forgets and calls her name sometimes
He said he's easy to please
short sleeves and jeans with grease on the knees
When you're outliving every one of your dreams
Don't do no good to wonder what it all means
CHORUS
She said, “Baby, there's never been much time --
We've known it all our lives”
I think she was right...
CHORUS
The song "Arizona" by the band Ellery explores the concept of growing old and watching the world change around you. The lyrics describe an elderly man who has lived a long life, but now finds himself with too much time and nothing meaningful to say. He spends his days collecting newspapers and library fines, as the world moves on without him. The chorus speaks to the sense of isolation that comes with aging, with the whole world watching him go and telling him to live his life, or leave them all alone. The man's only solace is the Arizona sunset, which serves as a metaphor for the end of his life.
The verses of the song paint a vivid picture of this man's existence, with empty notebooks and bottles of wine scattered around his home. The lyrics suggest that he has lived in the same place for many years, as evidenced by the thousands of days that have passed without much change. The man's memories of his wife are bittersweet, with moments of grief and regret for the time they shared. The song ends on a reflective note, with the singer realizing that his life has been defined by simple pleasures such as short sleeves and jeans, and accepting that he may never fully understand what it all means.
Line by Line Meaning
Said he's doing just fine
The man claims that he is alright.
95, and biding his time
The man is 95 years old and waiting.
Empty notebooks and bottles of wine
His belongings consist of unused journals and alcohol bottles.
Collecting newspapers and library fines
Instead of actively engaging in life, he spends his time accumulating unpaid library bills and news publications.
We're talkin' thousands of days
Exaggerating the length of his existence, insinuating boredom and staleness.
They came, they stayed, and faded lazy away
People have come into his life and time has passed with little movement or change.
Left him standing with that look on his face
The mundane routine has left him with an expressionless face.
Knows he's got too much and nothing to say
Despite his lengthy life and gathered possessions, he feels he has nothing significant to share.
With the whole world, watching him go
The entire world is taking notice of his situation.
Saying live your life or leave us all alone
The world urges him to either actively engage in the world or to leave it be.
Us young ones with our never growing old
The younger population holds onto their youthfulness and vigor, unlike the elderly man.
And his sun goes setting low - in Arizona
The man's life is coming to a close, paralleled with the sunset in Arizona.
It was a Saturday night
The night that he passed away was Saturday.
He wiped his eyes and turned out the lights
It was a peaceful and solemn end to his life.
Sixty years and then a silent goodbye
After a lengthy life, he quietly passed away.
He still forgets and calls her name sometimes
He is still affected by the loss of a loved one and slips into melancholy at times.
He said he's easy to please
The man is content with simple things.
short sleeves and jeans with grease on the knees
His comfortable outfit signifies his uncomplicated personality.
When you're outliving every one of your dreams
At his old age, he reflects on his life and realizes he outlived his dreams.
Don't do no good to wonder what it all means
He comes to terms with the fact that it is pointless to ponder the meaning of life.
She said, “Baby, there's never been much time --
His lover reminds him that time is a precious and finite resource.
We've known it all our lives”
Together, they have shared a lifetime of memories.
I think she was right...
He agrees with her sentiment, putting his life into perspective.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rebmasivad23
Love this. Everything by Ellery is stunning.
@the32forces
Perfeito, Perfecto, Perfect I love this band, sorry that they are still unrecognized for the mass. Rembers me a little of lifehouse. Fóda essa banda, me lembra muito Lifehouse