“Ellis Paul is one of Boston’s best-ever songwriting exports...” – The Boston Globe. The Day After Everything Changed, the 2010 album from singer- songwriter Ellis Paul, was released on Ellis’ label, Black Wolf Records. Since emerging from the Boston music scene, Paul’s music has been consistently recognized and celebrated worldwide. The new record reinforces this acclaim and is sure to cement his place as one of America’s most talented songwriters.
Recorded in Nashville, the 15-song album was produced by Thad Beaty and Jason Collum and features five songs co-written by Paul’s longtime friend and collaborator, Kristian Bush, founder of the Grammy Award winning band Sugarland. Several of the Sugarland musicians served as Ellis’ backing band for the recording. Throughout 2011, to keep the collaboration alive, Paul will continue to open numerous sold-out arena dates for Sugarland on the current Incredible Machine Tour.
“Ellis has a voice that is so powerful that you know who it is the second he comes through your radio. His music and songs are a new birth in American sound that makes me want to go see concerts again.” -Kristian Bush / Sugarland
“The Day After Everything Changed” is Paul’s first studio album in five years and his 16th release to date. The project was 100% funded by his loyal fan base. The songs on the record reflect Paul’s commitment to storytelling, exemplified in the title track “The Day After Everything Changed.” Described by Paul himself, the songs on the album are about people who are at a crossroads in their life. “I like songs to be cultural events, little ones, that somehow tell me what it feels like to be living here on this planet, in this country, at this time. I want to hear about people’s joys and woes and apply them to my own. You can’t fake real life stories. When you’re faking it --it’s obvious. As long as the writing feels real -- it works in any genre.”
Movie director Peter Farrelly, of the Farrelly Brothers, praises Ellis Paul as “a national treasure”. Ellis’ songs have appeared in the soundtracks for three Farrelly Bothers movies, “Me Myself & Irene” with Jim Carey, “Shallow Hal” with Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow, and in February 2011, the Farrelly Brothers latest project, "Hall Pass" starring Owen Wilson and Alyssa Milano will showcase up to 9 musical tracks off of Ellis' latest album The Day After Everything Changed as the score of this hit movie. This is Ellis’ third Hollywood blockbuster credit.
With “The Day After Everything Changed” we're struck more by the fact that Paul is still playing at the top of his game to such an extraordinary degree. It is, as always, the quality not the quantity but in this case we're rewarded with both. / Direct Current
Ellis celebrated his 20th anniversary of being a touring musician on July 2010 when the Mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, declared July 9th 2010 “Ellis Paul Day” to honor one of Boston’s leading musical exports. Ellis will be anointing his 2 decades of song during his “20th Anniversary Tour” throughout 2011. Over the past two decades Paul has garnered numerous honors including 14 Boston Music Awards, second only to Aerosmith. He has performed with countless acclaimed musicians, including Patty Griffin, John Mayer, Ani Difranco, John Prine, Sugarland, and at the request of Woody’s daughter Nora Guthrie and after several trips to the Woody Guthrie archives, Ellis even has a co-write with Woody, their song “God’s Promise”.
Woody Guthrie’s daughter Nora says of Ellis, “A singer songwriter is only as good as the times he reflects. Wise, tender, brilliant and biting, Ellis is one of our best human compasses, marking in melodies and poems where we’ve been and where we might go if we so choose to. Personally Ellis, I’m goin’ where you’re goin’!”
Independence Day
Ellis Paul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of why I kicked her out on Independence Day
With the fireworks burning I found myself learning
Couldn't lay in my bed the same way
Stand by me that's what she said if the shit hit the fan
Would you stand by me
Stand by me
Well, here I am
6 o'clock in the city
The shade was fighting back with the morning sun
Then the alarm started ringin'
Her curls fell round her
She asked me when the buses run
And the phones been ringing since Monday
Shes looking for a place where she can talk all alone
But here I am
Here I am
I know your tricks, your magic
But I don't know what your truth is about
If you paint the daylight tragic
You're never gonna figure it out
Out
From a chair in the kitchen
I watched her live her life in a batting cage
Swingin' through jobs, through her family
Then it hit me, it grabbed me
Shes winding up like Satchel Page
And I could hear the crash of the fireworks
Bringing in the light through the windows and doors
It lit a little matchbox found in the kitchen
I read the name and number and I fell on the floor
But here I am
Here I am
Here I am
I know your tricks, your magic
Now I know just what your truth is about
If you paint the daylight tragic
You're never gonna figure it out
Out
Stand by me
That's what you said
You said you'd stand by me
Stand by me
Here I am
Here I am
The lyrics of Ellis Paul's song "Independence Day" tell the story of a breakup and the subsequent self-discovery and realization that comes with it. The singer reflects on the moment he kicked his partner out on Independence Day, a symbolic day of freedom and independence. He describes how he couldn't continue lying in bed the same way after making this decision. The line "Stand by me, that's what she said if the shit hit the fan" suggests that she promised to support him in challenging times, but he ultimately decides to stand on his own.
The song then shifts to a scene in the city at 6 o'clock in the morning, where the singer is reminded of his former partner's presence through their alarm clock. He observes her life and routine, acknowledging the struggles she faces. As the fireworks light up the sky outside, he remembers finding a little matchbox with a name and number in the kitchen, which seems to have triggered a profound emotional reaction. This discovery leads to a realization that he now understands the truth about his partner's actions and motives.
The chorus repeats the line "Stand by me," but this time, it is the singer reflecting back on what the partner said. He acknowledges that he knows their tricks and magic, but not their truth. The song ends with a repetition of "Here I am," emphasizing the singer's newfound independence and self-awareness.
Overall, "Independence Day" explores themes of self-discovery, reflection, and the realization of one's own truth after a significant relationship change.
Line by Line Meaning
Ill shed some light on the mystery
I will reveal the hidden truth behind this situation
Of why I kicked her out on Independence Day
I made the decision to end our relationship on a day that symbolizes freedom
With the fireworks burning I found myself learning
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, I discovered important truths
Couldn't lay in my bed the same way
I couldn't feel comfortable or at ease anymore
Stand by me that's what she said if the shit hit the fan
She promised to support me during difficult times
Would you stand by me
Will you uphold your promise?
Well, here I am
I am present and facing the consequences
6 o'clock in the city
It was morning time in the busy urban area
The shade was fighting back with the morning sun
The darkness was resisting the arrival of daylight
Then the alarm started ringin'
An alarm clock began to sound
Her curls fell round her
Her hair cascaded down around her
She asked me when the buses run
She inquired about the bus schedule
And the phones been ringing since Monday
The phone has been incessantly ringing since the start of the week
Shes looking for a place where she can talk all alone
She is searching for a private space to have a conversation
But here I am
Yet, I am still here despite everything
I know your tricks, your magic
I am aware of the deception and manipulation you employ
But I don't know what your truth is about
However, I am uncertain about the true nature of your motives
If you paint the daylight tragic
If you distort reality and portray it as sorrowful
You're never gonna figure it out
You will never understand the real essence of it
From a chair in the kitchen
Sitting in a chair within the kitchen
I watched her live her life in a batting cage
I observed her navigating through various challenges
Swingin' through jobs, through her family
Moving rapidly between different jobs and family responsibilities
Then it hit me, it grabbed me
Suddenly, I had a profound realization
Shes winding up like Satchel Page
She is preparing herself for a significant endeavor, like the baseball player Satchel Page
And I could hear the crash of the fireworks
I could hear the explosive sound of the fireworks
Bringing in the light through the windows and doors
Illuminating the surroundings as the light entered through the openings
It lit a little matchbox found in the kitchen
The light revealed a small matchbox discovered in the kitchen
I read the name and number and I fell on the floor
Upon reading the name and number, I was overcome with emotion and collapsed to the ground
But here I am
Nevertheless, I am still here and dealing with the aftermath
Stand by me
Support me in this difficult situation
That's what you said
You previously made that promise
You said you'd stand by me
You assured me of your support
Here I am
And now, I am in need of that support
Lyrics © ELLIS PAUL PUBLISHING
Written by: ELLIS PAUL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind