Their self-released debut album, Remember Who I Am, sold 5,000 copies before it was re-released by Daemon Records, the independent record label run by Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls. Their folk-rock musical style is heavy on close harmony.
Before the three came together as Girlyman, Nate was an award-winning singer-songwriter, and Doris and Ty (best friends since second grade in Princeton Junction, NJ) were the award-winning duo The Garden Verge. Later, they played and clicked with old friend, JJ, gagged her, and threw her in the Girlyvan.
Members:
Ty Greenstein (vocals, guitar, mandolin and percussion)
Doris Muramatsu (vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin and banjo)
Nate Borofsky (vocals, baritone guitar, bass guitar)
JJ Jones (drums)
Joyful Sign
Girlyman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't move on, there's something wrong when people disappear
Sometimes I see you, wouldn't wanna be you, you're like the sun
You rise and shine, but you're not mine, you shine on everyone
We all hold on, but when we go, we'll be gone
Sometimes leaving is a joyful sign
Like a little child singing, "This little light of mine
Back when we drank wine I'd look for signs that you were lying
A stitch in time could have saved nine if I had just been strong
I didn't have the will back then, I was like a child, maybe five or ten
Of mice and men, I'd say amen, and sing your praise in song
"All my songs shall be nearer my love to thee"
Sometimes leaving is a joyful sign
Like a little child singing, "This little light of mine
Gonna let it shine, let it shine"
Ten margaritas in Encinitas, there is no end
You sent a word, now I am stirred all up again
When you move into motion, the Atlantic Ocean cannot compare
My heart's out there, but I don't care, I'll throw it anywhere
We all hold on, but when we go, we'll be gone
Sometimes leaving is a joyful sign
Like a little child singing, "This little light of mine
Gonna let it shine, let it shine"
The lyrics to Girlyman's song "Joyful Sign" explore the complex emotions that arise when someone we care for leaves or disappears from our lives, and the conflicting feelings of sadness and liberation that come with their departure. The first verse establishes a sense of stagnation and longing in the singer's life, as they struggle to move on after the absence of someone special. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's feelings of insecurity and inability to trust their former lover, playing with the metaphor of "drinking wine" to suggest a time when things were cloudier and more confusing for them. However, despite these negative emotions, the chorus offers a sense of hope and positivity, suggesting that sometimes leaving can be a good thing, like the light of a child's joy shining brightly.
Overall, "Joyful Sign" is a song about the complexities of relationships and the inner turmoil that can come with both attachment and detachment. It is a reminder that even when things are difficult, there is always a path forward, and that sometimes letting go can be the key to finding happiness and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, and four weeks of nothing more since you've been here
Time has passed since you left and I'm still stuck in the same place without you
I can't move on, there's something wrong when people disappear
It's hard for me to move forward when people I care about suddenly leave without warning
Sometimes I see you, wouldn't wanna be you, you're like the sun
Although I still think about you, it's better to not be in your position because you're constantly under scrutiny
You rise and shine, but you're not mine, you shine on everyone
You have a bright future ahead of you and you're destined to make an impact on many people's lives
We all hold on, but when we go, we'll be gone
We all cling to life and our relationships, but eventually we'll all pass away
Sometimes leaving is a joyful sign
Leaving can be a positive thing if it allows you to move on and find happiness elsewhere
Like a little child singing, "This little light of mine
Gonna let it shine, let it shine"
Like a child embracing their individuality and letting their light shine, leaving can allow you to embrace your own path in life and pursue your own happiness
Back when we drank wine I'd look for signs that you were lying
In the past, I was suspicious and didn't trust you because I was looking for any evidence of deceit
A stitch in time could have saved nine if I had just been strong
If I had been stronger and more aware, I could have prevented problems before they became bigger issues
I didn't have the will back then, I was like a child, maybe five or ten
I wasn't mature enough to handle the situation and made decisions like a child
Of mice and men, I'd say amen, and sing your praise in song
I blindly followed you and praised you despite any faults or flaws
"All my songs shall be nearer my love to thee"
My songs used to be about you and our love, but now they're about moving on and finding my own way
Ten margaritas in Encinitas, there is no end
Drinking excessively won't make me forget about you or my problems
You sent a word, now I am stirred all up again
Your message has caused me to feel emotional and think about you again
When you move into motion, the Atlantic Ocean cannot compare
Your energy and drive are unmatched, and you're capable of achieving great things
My heart's out there, but I don't care, I'll throw it anywhere
Although I'm open and vulnerable, I'm willing to take risks and put my heart on the line
Contributed by Madison D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.