Combining elements of both rock and folk music, along with disturbingly personal sentiments, dark humor, and a voice able to channel both the falsetto highs of Neil Young and the wavering raspy low tones of Leonard Cohen, Toronto's Hayden Desser has spent his career creating uniquely affecting music.
The critically-acclaimed musician first appeared in the early '90s armed with only his four-track tape recorder, his unexpectedly low vocal range, and an extremely detuned guitar. Going simply by the name Hayden, he recorded his self-released cassette, In September, in 1994, and much of the material included evolved into his first proper LP, 1995's Everything I Long For. Initially self-released on his own Hardwood Records, the debut disc toed the line between beautiful and horrifying, touching on simple details of human interaction as well as delving into macabre tales that still retained an oddly personal edge. After a year of touring Canada, E.T.I.L.F. was picked up by Outpost Recordings (Geffen) and was released worldwide in early 1996. Tours of the U.S., Europe and Japan took up most of 1996, as well as writing and recording the title track to the Steve Buscemi-directed Tree’s Lounge. Hayden’s second full-length record. The Closer I Get (1998) was recorded in Toronto, Bearsville, N.Y., Seattle and Los Angeles. After another year of touring, Hayden closed the book on chapter one of his musical endeavors.
The next couple of years went by without any performances, but during 2000, Hayden began writing and recording in his Toronto home. The self-produced collection of songs was titled Skyscraper National Park and was released in 2001 to world–wide critical acclaim.
The following year, a live concert double CD was released, Live at Convocation Hall, a glimpse, for the listener, into what makes Hayden’s appearances such a favourite among his ever devoted fan base. His natural rapport with the crowd, along with an honest demeanour, has continued Hayden’s reputation as a unique and charming performer.
In 2004, Hayden released his 4th studio album. Elk-Lake Serenade continued in the direction of Skyscraper with it’s collection of warm and memorable recordings. 2004 also heralded Hayden’s return to the road with several tours that took him as far as Australia and New Zealand.
After a long period of writing and recording, Hayden returned in early 2008 with his 5th full-length studio record. In Field & Town is his most musically diverse and textured record to date. It captures his penchant for self-referential fiction and emotionally heavy songs and laces them with sharp hooks and smart lyrics. After supporting The National in Europe in November of ‘07, Hayden completed a sold-out theatre tour of Canada as well as spring and fall North American tours supporting Feist. In Field & Town was released on Fat Possum in the U.S.A. and November saw the release in Europe via the Affairs of the Heart label, combined with Nov./Dec. dates in the UK, France, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and Germany.
www.hardwoodrecords.com
www.myspace.com/hayden
Tell Me Why
Hayden Lyrics
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Out on the waves in the night
Still the searcher must ride the dark horse
Racing alone in his fright
Tell me why, tell me why
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
Tell me lies, later come and see me
I'll be around for a while
I am lonely but you can free me
All in the way that you smile
Tell me why, tell me why
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
Tell me why, tell me why
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
The opening line "Sailing heart-ships through broken harbors" establishes the theme of journey and the challenges of navigating through life, especially when the surroundings are not conducive. The metaphorical heart-ships represent the emotions that are maneuvered through the broken harbors of life, symbolizing distress and turbulence. The next line "Out on the waves in the night" further accentuates the difficulties one experiences while sailing, especially when it's dark and uncertain. Nevertheless, the searcher, an individual in search of something meaningful, must ride the dark horse, facing fears and uncertainties alone, which is highlighted in the line "Racing alone in his fright." The word "racing" emphasizes the urgency and determination of the searcher, while "fright" denotes the challenges and obstacles faced.
The chorus begins with the question "Tell me why, tell me why, Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself", highlighting the difficulty in making decisions when one is in a transitional phase of their life. The singer emphasizes the paradoxical situation where one is "old enough to repay" yet "young enough to sell," a predicament where one is caught in-between maturity and youth, and has to make arrangements that align with both their past experiences and future aspirations. The verse "Tell me lies, later come and see me, I'll be around for a while, I am lonely but you can free me, All in the way that you smile" reveals the vulnerability of the searcher, who craves companionship and affection. The phrase "tell me lies" could mean asking someone to say something comforting or something similar in nature. However, despite being lonely, the searcher is aware that they can be liberated from their distress by the warmth of someone's smile, reflecting the power of gestures and affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Sailing heart-ships through broken harbors
Navigating through difficult times and circumstances.
Out on the waves in the night
Facing challenges and uncertainties with limited visibility.
Still the searcher must ride the dark horse
Despite the challenges, one must continue on their journey and face their fears head-on.
Racing alone in his fright
Overcoming fears and obstacles that one faces on their own.
Tell me why, tell me why
Questioning the reason and purpose behind certain struggles.
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
Struggling to make decisions and take control of one's own life.
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
Feeling torn between taking responsibility for one's actions and giving into temptation or pressure to take the easy way out.
Tell me lies, later come and see me
Preferring false hope and promises over harsh truths in the moment.
I'll be around for a while
Seeking companionship and support during a difficult time.
I am lonely but you can free me
Desiring to break free from isolation and emotional struggles with the help of others.
All in the way that you smile
Finding hope and comfort in the kindness and support of others.
Tell me why, tell me why
Continuing to question the difficulties and challenges of life.
Is it hard to make arrangements with yourself
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about personal decisions and choices.
When you're old enough to repay but young enough to sell?
Feeling torn between responsibility and temptation, especially during difficult times.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Broken Fiddle Music
Written by: Neil Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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