His 2005 debut EP release, "Chapter One", a self financed project, was recorded in collaboration with South African guitar legend Nibs van der Spuy and marketed and released with the assistance of Sheer Sound.
Apart from a heavy 2006 touring schedule which has included headline appearances at festivals such as Splashy Fen, Wavescapes Film Festival, Mr Price Classic and The Billabong Pro Farryl has also recently completed two national tours as a guest of Australian superstars Missy Higgins (July 2006) and Ben Lee (April 2006).
He has also toured with Donovan Frankenreiter and has played with Jack Johnson, which resulted in a co-composition with Jack.
The "Chapter One" EP was nominated for a 2006 South African Music Award (SAMA) in the 'Best Adult Contemporary' category.
His eponymous debut has recently been completed for 2 Feet Music as well as a music video for his first single "Better Days". Farryl Purkiss has recently completer a tour of Australia to support the release of this album in that territory. The tour features solo dates as well as support slots for Canada's Serena Ryder and Hawksley Workman.
Reviews:
"...there is a real musicality here that sets this album apart from the surfboard toting imitators. Solo acoustic instrumental 'Speechless' is one of the albums highlights. 'Please Stay' is uplifting and heartbreaking all at once, showing off this singer-songwriter's ability to make a deep impression with just a light touch of the guitar frets." - Laura MacIntyre, www.mediasearch.com.au
"...a charmingly open, friendly stage presence that pulls you in as his songs caress you with their easy melodies" - Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney, Australia
"...a great start from a promising songwriter with a voice of his own, and I can't wait to see what the future yields. Get this album, in a few years you'll be saying "Oh yeah, I remember listening to Farryl ages ago." He's the kind of artist who you'll want to build a long-term audio relationship with through the collection of every single album. Start yours now." - Matthew Christensen (4 out of 5)
"Farryl Purkiss is better than damn good, combining inventive guitar play with introspective wordplay on an album that’s delves deep in to the heart’s emotions. An absolute stunner! ... the best debut of the year." - Craig Canavan (4 out of 5)
"Purkiss gave a brilliant performance, apparently unfazed, despite the problems the crew encountered. The crowd also warmed up towards him and when he told a story about how he played with Jack Johnson in 2003 and how Johnson inspired him to finish his song Déjà Vu, with which he'd been struggling, everyone became a fan before he stepped off stage just before 23h00." - Henriël Veldtmann, Oppikoppi Festival 2006.
Sticks and Stones
Farryl Purkiss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Towards a street sign that looks a lot like mine
I'm not okay with all the things that they've said
It soaks in me just like butter on bread
But now when it's all true
I'd steal the stars for you
Just one big fight that Sunday night left me
They say sticks and stones will break your bones and that words will never harm you
Please take two steps back and take a look at yourself
And tell me that's true 'cause
I don't seem to recognise
The look on your face
I don't seem to
Comprehend
It's gone without a trace
Holding onto borrowed time
Standing on a thin red line
And though I say and though I do and though I don't know what I choose
Safe to say
It's a childish game we play
You won't stay young forever
You won't stay young forever
You won't stay young forever
True
You won't stay young forever
You can't stay young forever
You won't stay young forever
True
And you
Still got a lot to lose
But now when it's all true
I'd steal the stars for you
Just one big fight that Sunday night left me
Wondering
The lyrics to Farryl Purkiss's song "Sticks and Stones" depict a sense of vulnerability and the impact of words on one's self-esteem. The singer is walking on a broken line down a narrow road, seemingly lost and uncertain. They reach a street sign that resembles their own, implying a sense of familiarity and connection. However, the singer is not okay with the hurtful things that have been said about them. The words spoken against them soak into their being, affecting them deeply, just like butter spreads on bread.
Despite the pain they feel, the singer expresses a willingness to go to great lengths for someone they care about, even stealing the stars for them. The line "Just one big fight that Sunday night left me wondering" suggests that there has been a significant conflict that has left the singer questioning their situation and relationships.
The chorus touches on the common saying that "sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never harm you." The singer challenges this notion, asking the listener to take a step back and evaluate if it is true. They no longer recognize the look on the other person's face or comprehend their actions, indicating a rift in their understanding and connection.
The second verse emphasizes the concept of time and the choices we make. The singer feels as though they are holding onto borrowed time, standing on a thin red line. Their actions, words, and uncertainties all contribute to a childish game being played. The repetition of "You won't stay young forever, true" reminds the listener that youth and innocence are fleeting, and there are consequences for our choices.
Overall, "Sticks and Stones" reflects the emotional impact of words, the complexities of relationships, and the realization that we must take responsibility for our actions and choices.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking on a broken line down a narrow road
Navigating through a difficult and uncertain path in life
Towards a street sign that looks a lot like mine
Approaching a situation that appears familiar and relatable
I'm not okay with all the things that they've said
Feeling hurt and affected by negative words spoken about oneself
It soaks in me just like butter on bread
The impact of those words deeply penetrates and stays with me
But now when it's all true
Accepting the validity of the negative things said
I'd steal the stars for you
I would go to great lengths to show my love and devotion to you
Just one big fight that Sunday night left me
A significant argument on a particular evening left me feeling
Wondering
In a state of uncertainty and contemplation
They say sticks and stones will break your bones and that words will never harm you
People claim that physical harm is more severe than verbal harm
Please take two steps back and take a look at yourself
Take a moment to reflect on your own behavior and attitude
And tell me that's true 'cause
Confirm if that popular belief holds true
I don't seem to recognise
I fail to understand or acknowledge
The look on your face
The expression you are displaying
I don't seem to
I fail to
Comprehend
Fully understand or grasp
It's gone without a trace
Something important has disappeared or vanished completely
Holding onto borrowed time
Continuing to exist or persevere despite limited resources or opportunities
Standing on a thin red line
Being in a precarious or risky situation
And though I say and though I do and though I don't know what I choose
Despite my words and actions, my true intentions and decisions remain unclear
Safe to say
It is reasonable or certain to state
It's a childish game we play
The situation or conflict we are involved in is immature and trivial
You won't stay young forever
You cannot remain youthful indefinitely
True
This statement is indeed factual
You can't stay young forever
It is impossible to retain youthfulness perpetually
And you
Referring to the person being addressed
Still got a lot to lose
There are still many things at stake for you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DARRYL ROSS, ANDRE CLEVELAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind