His 2015 album "Joel Plaskett and the Park Avenue Sobriety Test" touches on his solo acoustic side, his guitar rock work with Joel Plaskett Emergency, his happy-go-lucky rhyming talents, carefree memories of growing up in Nova Scotia, and a little bit of anger at the forces that make life tougher these days. There are references to his salad days, like “On A Dime,” which starts with a blast of downhome Celtic fiddle from Cape Breton great J.P. Cormier. Then there’s Plaskett riffing on memories of playing road hockey in the liquor store parking lot, and later, traveling to Memphis with his band Thrush Hermit to make their first album. The album. also refers to the cast of characters that helped make the album, with Joel Plaskett Emergency appearing on more than half the tracks. It’s more like the Emergency-Plus, as lots of familiar faces from previous Plaskett discs are aboard. Longtime Emergency cohorts Dave Marsh – drums and Chris Pennell – bass anchor the rhythm section. Previous group members Tim Brennan and Peter Elkas play on several songs. From Plaskett’s former band Thrush Hermit is old pal Ian McGettigan. Then there are guests, friends and neighbours, such as Cormier, Halifax singer-songwriter Mo Kenney, singer Erin Costelo, and pedal steel player Dale Murray (Christina Martin, Cuff the Duke).
He released the album Solidarity, a collaboration with his father Bill, in 2017.
Absentminded Melody
Joel Plaskett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sun is laid to rest
At night the city comes to life
As the light dies in the west
Here we stand as some local band
Sets circles ‘round the clock
Smoke so thick you need a lighthouse
So loud I can't hear myself talk
Someone whispered in my ear
“It's not like it was before”
I don't know what happened here
I guess we just got bored
The good old days
Well I suppose, I'm glad they're behind us now
The only thing worse than growing up
Is never quite learning how
Late at night we toss and we turn
Lay awake ‘til dawn
We close our eyes as the sun comes up we're gone
The lyrics of Absentminded Melody by Joel Plaskett describe the nostalgic feeling of being in a former popular nightspot, listening to a local band as they conjure up shadows, smoke and thick lights. The song emphasizes how things change and how time flies, and the realization that the good old days that seemed somewhat monotonous and repetitive, are missed. The song's protagonist realizes that the past should be embraced with its fullness, even the boring parts, as there is beauty in every moment that life offers. The song captures the conflicting emotions of acknowledging the beauty of the past, while also understanding that the future holds promises in store. Even though the band and the 'good old days' are gone, the song reminds listeners to embrace the present as tomorrow holds the key to the future.
The song highlights the transition from the past to the present and how change can be hard, but it is the only constant in life. It captures the emotions of those moments when we feel stuck between the life we once had and the future we seek to embrace. This level of introspection by Joel Plaskett makes the song relatable to those going through transformative life stages. Fans of the song can resonate with its message and be encouraged to accept change when it comes, celebrating the present's beauty while still longing for the nostalgia of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
It's dusk as all the shadows fall
The day is ending, and the darkness of night begins to approach.
The sun is laid to rest
The sun has set and is no longer visible in the sky.
At night the city comes to life
During the night, the city becomes more active and lively.
As the light dies in the west
The light of day fades away in the western sky.
Here we stand as some local band
We are standing here watching a local band perform.
Sets circles ‘round the clock
The music being played by the band is captivating and entertaining.
Smoke so thick you need a lighthouse
The smoke in the area is thick and hazy, to the point where it's difficult to see through.
So loud I can't hear myself talk
The music is so loud that it drowns out the sound of our own voices.
Someone whispered in my ear
A person nearby spoke to me in a quiet voice.
“It's not like it was before”
The person whispers that things are different now than they used to be.
I don't know what happened here
I am unsure of why things have changed or become different.
I guess we just got bored
We became disinterested in what used to be interesting and exciting.
The good old days
The past, which was once enjoyable and pleasant.
Well I suppose, I'm glad they're behind us now
While the past was good, I am happy to leave it behind and experience new things.
The only thing worse than growing up
There is nothing worse than the process of aging and maturing.
Is never quite learning how
It would be worse to not learn from our experiences as we age.
Late at night we toss and we turn
We have trouble sleeping and constantly shift positions in bed.
Lay awake ‘til dawn
We are unable to sleep and remain awake until sunrise.
We close our eyes as the sun comes up we're gone
After the sun rises, we fall asleep and are no longer aware of our surroundings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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