In 2006, L.D. left Philadelphia for New York City. Shortly after settling in Brooklyn, he began to meet and collaborate with different artists and songwriters in his neighborhood, all the while writing and refining his own material. That summer, Brown met and became friends with Jason Swinscoe, the founding member and leader of The Cinematic Orchestra. Swinscoe incorporated L.D. into his musical outfit and began touring in support of the group's 2006 studio album Ma Fleur. Grey Reverend also began supporting the group for shows in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Asia, North and South America. L.D. subsequently wrote his own version of the first single for Ma Fleur titled To Build a Home. It was released in 2007 as a single and limited edition 7″. Brown is still involved with TCO and has been a member for nearly 4 years.
L.D. Brown performs Grey Reverend songs primarily as a soloist, using an unaffected acoustic guitar and voice to convey his music to an audience. The devilish detail within the songs creates flashes of allegory in which familiar sentiments simultaneously comfort and unnerve the senses. Compelling and positively ambiguous with reverence for the grey, undefined areas of style, his songs are unconcerned with musical or social expectations. They sit completely outside of time and fashion, the simplicity and honesty of his voice enough to carry them.
This Way
Grey Reverend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It’s going to get bad before it gets worse
And it will always be this way
Got you feeling the ground, its all that you need
My heads in the clouds, my hearts on my sleeve
And it will always be this way
If I was wrong say it again
And it will always be this way
Just like the seasons changing my tune
Cause’ I’ve found a reason to stay here with you
Summer and fall, spring time recalls
And winter brings home the blues
To save me time I figured it out
If you stay mine I’ll tell you right now
It will always be this way
I’m setting you free, I’m letting you know
It’s just you and me, never let go
It will always be this way
It will always be this way
It will always be this way
Just like the seasons changing my tune
Cause’ I’ve found a reason to stay here with you
Summer and fall, spring time recalls
And winter brings home the blues
The lyrics of Grey Reverend's song "This Way" speak about the inevitability of certain emotions and situations in life. The opening lines suggest that there may be shame and difficulty ahead, but that these challenges are necessary to get through in order to eventually reach a better place. The repetition of "it will always be this way" throughout the song reinforces this idea that some things in life are simply unavoidable.
The verses describe conflicting emotions - on the one hand, the singer feels grounded and stable, but on the other, they have a tendency to daydream and wear their heart on their sleeve. The chorus brings up the idea of a lost love, something that the singer is struggling to come to terms with. The final verse finds the singer coming to a resolution, realizing that they want to remain with the person they love and promising that things will always be this way.
Overall, "This Way" is a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of life and love, acknowledging that some things can't be changed but reminding the listener that they can ultimately find happiness and stability in the midst of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Save you some time, shame first
I'll tell you something difficult to hear upfront to save time in the long run.
It’s going to get bad before it gets worse
Things will deteriorate before they improve.
And it will always be this way
This pattern will continue indefinitely.
Got you feeling the ground, its all that you need
I'm helping you find the stability you crave.
My heads in the clouds, my hearts on my sleeve
My mind is wandering but I wear my emotions openly.
Now that you're gone I don’t understand
I'm struggling to comprehend your departure.
If I was wrong say it again
I want to make sure I understand why you left.
Just like the seasons changing my tune
I'm shifting my perspective based on new experiences and emotions.
Cause’ I’ve found a reason to stay here with you
I've discovered a motivating factor to stay in this relationship.
Summer and fall, spring time recalls
Different memories and emotions come with each season.
And winter brings home the blues
Winter is associated with sadness and melancholy.
To save me time I figured it out
I've figured out this relationship dynamic to save time.
If you stay mine I’ll tell you right now
If you commit to me, I'll reveal how I truly feel.
I’m setting you free, I’m letting you know
I'm giving you the freedom to choose while informing you of my intentions.
It’s just you and me, never let go
We're in this together and should never let each other go.
It will always be this way
This relationship will always have its ups and downs.
It will always be this way
This relationship will always have its ups and downs.
It will always be this way
This relationship will always have its ups and downs.
Contributed by Skyler W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
I-Witness DnB
such a beautiful album, love this song
Hazzamanflex
Does anyone have the tabs? The ones on riffstation are gone!
Cpt Shaco
need the taaaabs
Sam Popham
I've been looking everywhere, can't find any :(
Cpt Shaco
i love youuuu
Sam Popham
no worries homie!