The end of 2008 saw Grieves enlisting the help of friend and collaborator Budo to co-produce Together/Apart bringing his signature swiss-army knife, multi-instrumental backdrop to Grieves' hauntingly poignant narrative. The album began taking shape in New York as the two built off the success 88 Keys and Counting had generated and paired it with the intensity they developed from their live performances. The recording process began to shadow the theme of the album as it saw tracks recorded in Colorado and Washington in addition to New York, infusing it with a mixture of regional influences while still maintaining a cohesive sound. As the album neared completion the title took on a double meaning for Grieves as he explored new subject matter in the absence of trust, refuge in addiction, acceptance and honesty in self-reflection, and trying to find his place in the world without forgetting his roots.
Rain Damage
Grieves Lyrics
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Hot metal pressing on the skin of my goals
I've been walking the plank of it, blindfolded, and know what it's like when the knife's out of the holster
Truth - that's the only reason I'm still alive
Crow's nest, throwing hope into broken sky, no time left to put it on the line
So if anybody asks just tell them I died trying
The gapped-tooth rapper is back, with a bag full of "I-don't-give-a-fuck" for that ass, rhymesayers, put the logo on the back
If ever you were looking now you knew where I'm at
Slipping on a glass full of ice-cold templeton
Cloud city, on the brim, running with my back against the wind
Rain damage, found me in the midnight
Walking in the downpour, with that look in my eyes
Filed to a point, allergic to the cousin of death
Up writing with the kick drum stuck in my chest
I've been about it, you can smell it on my breath
There's a fire that's inside of me ready to be set, drive
That's the reason for the fight in me, clock tower
10 zero 4 lightning, must be something in the blood and the bones
That got me running out risking it all when you won't
The love song rapper is back, with a bus full of nail-riddled baseball bats, b
Lewis put a beatin' on the track, let a 'sayer got h.a.m. like a bit of babe's ass
Name's benjamin, same as I've ever been
Coming to your town with some dirty rotten gentlemen
Cloud city, rainwater 'till the grave
Sailing with my back against the wave
Rain damage, found me in the midnight
Walking in the downpour, with that look in my eyes
Rain damage, found me in the midnight
Walking in the downpour, with that look in my eyes
The opening lines of “Rain Damage” by Grieves serve as a powerful metaphor for the pain and suffering the songwriter has faced in his life. He describes himself as “molded out of brimstone,” suggesting that he has been shaped by fire and pain, and has learned to take a “lashing on the coals” without flinching. He talks about walking a plank, blindfolded, with a knife out of its holster, indicating that he has faced danger and uncertainty in his life, but has managed to survive by staying true to his values.
Despite the hardships he has faced, Grieves remains committed to truth, declaring that it’s the only reason he’s still alive. He talks about throwing hope into a broken sky, suggesting that he still has faith in a better future, even if the world around him seems to be falling apart. The song’s chorus, “Rain damage, found me in the midnight, walking in the downpour, with that look in my eyes,” reinforces the idea that the songwriter has been through some difficult times, but is still standing and ready to face whatever comes his way.
Overall, “Rain Damage” is a powerful and emotive song that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to keep going and to fight for what we believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
Molded out of brimstone, learn to take a lashing on the coals
I have been through tough experiences and learned to withstand them
Hot metal pressing on the skin of my goals
The obstacles in my path are painful and relentless
I've been walking the plank of it, blindfolded, and know what it's like when the knife's out of the holster
I have taken risks without seeing the full consequences and faced danger head on
Truth - that's the only reason I'm still alive
My honesty has kept me grounded and alive through all the struggles
Crow's nest, throwing hope into broken sky, no time left to put it on the line
I'm taking a leap of faith without worrying about the potential outcome
So if anybody asks just tell them I died trying
I am willing to risk everything and even fail in the pursuit of my dreams
The gapped-tooth rapper is back, with a bag full of 'I-don't-give-a-fuck' for that ass, rhymesayers, put the logo on the back
I am confident and unapologetic about my presence in the music industry
If ever you were looking now you knew where I'm at
I am making my presence known and visible to anyone who is looking for me
Name's benjamin, same as I've ever been
I am staying true to myself and my identity
Slipping on a glass full of ice-cold templeton
I am indulging in my vices to cope with the pressures of fame
Cloud city, on the brim, running with my back against the wind
I am in a state of isolation and mental struggle, trying to overcome obstacles and challenges
Rain damage, found me in the midnight, walking in the downpour, with that look in my eyes
The rain is a metaphor for the hardships in my life, and despite facing them, I am still determined and focused
Filed to a point, allergic to the cousin of death
I am sharpening my skills and prepared to face even the most dangerous situations
Up writing with the kick drum stuck in my chest
I am constantly creating and driven by a burning passion for music
I've been about it, you can smell it on my breath
I am fully committed to my craft, evident in my actions and words
There's a fire that's inside of me ready to be set, drive
I am full of energy and ready to take on any challenge that comes my way
That's the reason for the fight in me, clock tower
I am fueled by a desire to succeed, which drives me to keep pushing forward
10 zero 4 lightning, must be something in the blood and the bones
My talent and drive are innate and have been with me from the very beginning
That got me running out risking it all when you won't
I am willing to take risks and put everything on the line for my dreams, even when others might not
The love song rapper is back, with a bus full of nail-riddled baseball bats
I am an artist who can switch between genres, and I am not afraid to use unconventional methods to succeed
Lewis put a beatin' on the track, let a 'sayer got h.a.m. like a bit of babe's ass
I am working with talented producers to create music that is powerful and impactful
Coming to your town with some dirty rotten gentlemen
My entourage includes fellow artists who share my passion for music and my dedication to success
Cloud city, rainwater 'till the grave, sailing with my back against the wave
I am still fighting against the storms in my life, but I am persevering and navigating through them to reach my goals
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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