The Bay Area native has influences that range from Danny Elfman to Björk to Chopin, and as a child, whether he was listening to his father playing Bill Evans tunes on the piano or his mother singing old Cole Porter standards, Jack found himself immersed in sound. His live show springs from this diverse spectrum of styles, and it involves multiple keyboards, guitars, jerry-rigged drum pads, and an occasional accordion, all glued together with thumping beats and in-your-face electronics.
As a member of one of the first generations to grow up with computers on demand, Jack comments, "This is a music revolution, and it's everyone that's making it happen. It's the fans, it's the musicians, it's the blogging sites, it's the programmers who make the blogging sites, it's everyone."
Jack is also one half of Pomplamoose.
Jack is also one half of Scary Pockets.
Jack is also founder and CEO of a small company called Patreon
these days
Jack Conte Lyrics
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and calm's exceptional
(but at least non-zero).
Dark eyed bags, those trash cans
full of paranoia
feasting on me.
These days, every day is a day.
Bury expectation and
dig up every bone of hope that's left.
From sunrise to sunset,
that's all that matters. It's all that matters.
I'm so impatient!
I'm fucking waiting for nothing!
No, nothing's coming!
These days time dries slow
on a clothes line, stretched with hope.
Bury numbers and batteries!
Dig up any flesh that's left.
From sunrise to sunset!
Let's be lifted, lifted!
Jack Conte's song "These Days" explores the contradictory nature of modern society. The opening lines, "These days shakes are law, and calm's exceptional," suggest that society values extreme behavior over rationality and tranquility. The dismissive comment, "but at least non-zero," adds a sarcastic subtext to the hyperbolic claim of the first line, implying that people are applauded for any action or reaction without examining its merit.
The second stanza delves deeper into the darker aspects of society: paranoia, fueled by the media and societal pressure, is weighing on the singer like dark eyed bags or trash cans feasting. The contrast between the horror of the situation and the singer's introspective voice heightens the sense of isolation and insignificance.
However, in the chorus, the mood turns brighter. The singer expresses gratitude for the present moment, regardless of its imperfections. They suggest that instead of having expectations, we should focus on finding hope, even if it's just a few bones left to dig up. This message is reflected in the energetic chords and the repeated phrase "From sunrise to sunset" that emphasizes the idea of seizing every moment.
The final lines, "Let's be lifted, lifted!" is a triumphant call to action against the bleakness of the world. In conclusion, the song seems to be a message of hope and empowerment amidst the chaos of today's world.
Line by Line Meaning
These days shakes are law, and calm's exceptional (but at least non-zero).
Recently, my life has been filled with instability and chaos, and it's rare to experience a sense of calm, even though it may not be perfect.
Dark eyed bags, those trash cans full of paranoia feasting on me.
I am overwhelmed with anxiety, as if it is consuming me from within.
These days I'm soaked in gratitude.
Currently, I am filled with appreciation for everything in my life.
These days, every day is a day.
I am embracing each new day and living it to the fullest.
Bury expectation and dig up every bone of hope that's left. From sunrise to sunset, that's all that matters. It's all that matters.
I have given up on anticipating specific outcomes and instead am placing all of my hope in the possibilities of what each new day may bring, living in the moment and embracing every opportunity.
I'm so impatient! I'm fucking waiting for nothing! No, nothing's coming!
I am growing increasingly frustrated with waiting for something that may never arrive.
These days time dries slow on a clothes line, stretched with hope.
I feel like time is dragging on, but I hold onto hope that better days will come.
Bury numbers and batteries! Dig up any flesh that's left. From sunrise to sunset! Let's be lifted, lifted!
I want to leave behind the distractions of technology and focus on the human connections in my life, cherishing every moment and embracing the beauty that each day has to offer.
Contributed by Ryan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
yer0c
I love how this song builds tension by constantly playing on the pickup to the next measure so it's hard to feel where the beat is (like the beginning), and then just when it's on the brink of feeling frustrating it releases it by going into a steady tempo (0:51). Works well with the theme of the song, I think. Very creative!
kevbo17
These days I'm soaked in gratitude. These days, every day is a day. LOVE THIS SONG! lyrically genius and amazing arrangement.
Cheeszeman_
Your music is getting more and more complex... the layers and rhythms you use are just outstanding. love it. keep it coming
Ben Reichstein
I just have to say: fantastic! Lyrics and the music... just awesome. I love how you've put so much effort and feeling in your song.
Ken Lo
Jack - this is brilliant, man. Really love the production - you are one of a few YouTubers who whose efforts really shine in their posts.
Urkelstein
i cant stop listening to this song. you are very talented. thanks for the music!
Jehnay
Jack, your music is absolutely amazing. I've listened to nothing but yours and Nataly's stuff for the past 3 days. Keep up the great work! I'm super excited to hear what you've got coming next. Also, i notice that on a few of your songs you sound just like Brandon Boyd from Incubus.
Chris Strauss
This is absolutely awesome. I'm a fan. This is so much better than just "good". The best music bypasses the brain and goes right to the soul. That's what your music does.
NaupakaNeoWeo
i am a huge fan of your music. Every time i listen to it, which has been a lot lately, my mood instantly changes from whatever i'm feeling at the time to extremely happy. Thanks!
kubedawg
Holy fuck! I've listened to 3 of your songs and I've still got chills up my spine. This music is absolutely amazing. Like a mix between Death Cab for Cutie, Incubus, Imogean Heap, and awesomeness. Pure win man, pure win.