“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’!”
Jukebox on My Grave
Ellis Paul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On my judgment day
Please put a jukebox upon my grave
Don't want no headstone
No cold tears
Just a jukebox to say
A music man lays here
Can drop a quarter down
And hear robert johnson's cry
A flood of memories
Come wave by wave
Carried by the voice
Inside the jukebox
On my grave
You can hear hank williams
Some george jones
Some beatles songs
Some dylan
Some rolling stones
Joni mitchell and marvin gaye
And johnny cash risen
From the ashes on my grave, my grave
That's johnny cash there
Singing "ring of fire" upon my grave
When I'm gone
On my judgment day
Put a quarter in the jukebox
Upon my grave
I don't want no headstone
Claiming I was brave
Just a jukebox singing songs
Upon my grave, my grave
Just a jukebox singing songs
Upon my grave
Ellis Paul's song "Jukebox on My Grave" is a reflection on what the artist would like for his grave to be like when he passes away. Firstly, instead of a traditional headstone or monument, Paul asks for a jukebox to be placed on his grave. He does not want anyone to mourn his demise with cold tears; instead, he hopes to celebrate his life by giving his friends and visitors a chance to remember and enjoy his love for music.
Ellis Paul lists the artists whose music he would like on his jukebox. He includes songs from Hank Williams, George Jones, Beatles, Dylan and Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye, and especially Johnny Cash, who he imagines "risen from the ashes on my grave." All these artists have inspired and influenced him in his musical journey, and he hopes that their songs can be a source of comfort and inspiration for those left behind after his death.
With this song, Ellis Paul is celebrating his passion for music and life, and how he wants to be remembered when he's gone. He wants his grave to radiate joy and positivity, inspiring people to celebrate rather than mourn. The song is a testament to the power of music to connect people and evoke emotions, even long after the music makers are gone.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm gone
After I have passed away
On my judgment day
At the time of my reckoning
Please put a jukebox upon my grave
Rather than a traditional headstone, I would like a jukebox to be installed on my grave
Don't want no headstone
I would prefer not to have a traditional headstone
No cold tears
I do not want anyone to mourn me excessively
Just a jukebox to say
The jukebox should serve as my memorial instead
A music man lays here
The jukebox would signify my love for music
And all my friends, when they drop by
My friends can visit my grave
Can drop a quarter down
They can put a coin into the jukebox
And hear robert johnson's cry
And listen to Robert Johnson's music
A flood of memories
This music will evoke many memories
Come wave by wave
These memories will come in intense waves
Carried by the voice
The music will carry these memories
Inside the jukebox
The music will come from the jukebox
On my grave
At my resting place
You can hear hank williams
Other musicians like Hank Williams can also be played on the jukebox
Some george jones
George Jones's music can also be played
Some beatles songs
The Beatles' music can be played too
Some dylan
Bob Dylan's songs can also be played
Some rolling stones
The Rolling Stones' music can also be played
Joni mitchell and marvin gaye
Music from Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye can be played as well
And johnny cash risen
The music of Johnny Cash, who has also passed, can be played
From the ashes on my grave, my grave
The jukebox will play his music even as he rests in peace
That's johnny cash there
This particular song on the jukebox is by Johnny Cash
Singing "ring of fire" upon my grave
The song playing is his hit "Ring of Fire"
Put a quarter in the jukebox
Visitors can pay to play songs on the jukebox
Claiming I was brave
I do not want my bravery or character to be remembered at my grave
Just a jukebox singing songs
The jukebox is a fitting memorial for someone who loved music
Upon my grave, my grave
The jukebox is situated at my final resting place
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ELLIS PAUL PUBLISHING
Written by: ELLIS PAUL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolhopkins5874
One of my very favorite songs of all time. My husband asked that a line from Ellis' tune be the epitaph on his tombstone. "Just put a jukebox on my grave." His wish was honored and beside his tombstone is a collection of small toy juke boxes.
@MrParkuss
Best storyteller I've ever ever had the pleasure to see, and a song for every musician!
Thank you for sharing.
@TheBeverleyann
Ellis is Pure Magic ~ thank you so much <3 ~ so heartfelt ~
@ymolin
What a beautifully written song - I've always asked my family that if I even become ill just make sure I have my music - it's like breathing to me - I absolutely love this
@morgaffi
Ellis is pure magic. Trust me on this, never miss the chance to him live.
@lawdy69
Saw him last evening - this is stunning. Simply incredible...
@yaspmed
I saw that too. He has a really great sound.
@Edmar3
Thank you, Brenda. The song made me cry. But I really appreciated receiving it. I will send it on to the family. We did all we could do for Mitch now we just have to get used to the fact that he is gone. Hope you and Steve are well. Take care,, Marsha
@SPennell
Great video of an even better song
@lkcontrols
Love it!!!!