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.
Forever In Debt
Joel Plaskett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a smooth backhanded compliment
You'd better learn to love me hellbent or not
'Cause I'm all that you got
Deep down I know I was wrong
But up here it seems that I'm right
If the family plan don't work out so well
Well, you just might
I hope you don't repay me
(Forever in debt)
I know these harsh words are not what you meant
In times like these you are bound to resent
All your friends in high places
We keep our money inside of glass cases
These are fabrications of your mind
It gets entwined, then unravels
Traveling to the sublime, going down like a gavel
I hope you don't repay me
(Forever in debt)
The song "Forever In Debt" by Joel Plaskett is a reflective and contemplative piece about the complicated nature of human relationships. The lyrics describe a scenario where someone has wronged their loved one, but instead of apologizing or making amends, they demand that their partner love them unconditionally. The singer acknowledges that this is a difficult and selfish request, but also recognizes that it is a sentiment that is difficult to shake. The lyrics are filled with complex emotions, as the singer struggles to reconcile his actions with his desires, and ultimately comes to the realization that he may never be able to fully repay his debt to his partner.
The use of metaphors and imagery in the song adds to the overall impact of the lyrics. Phrases like "a smooth backhanded compliment," "keeping our money inside of glass cases," and "going down like a gavel" suggest that the singer is grappling with conflicting emotions and trying to make sense of the situation. The song's chorus - "I hope you don't repay me / Forever in debt" - is particularly poignant, as it highlights the singer's awareness of his own limitations and the complexity of human relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's an ugly sentiment
This feeling I have is unpleasant to acknowledge
Like a smooth backhanded compliment
It's a subtle insult that may sound like a compliment
You'd better learn to love me hellbent or not
Whether it's easy or hard, you have to love me unconditionally
'Cause I'm all that you got
I'm the only one you can count on
Deep down I know I was wrong
I have a feeling that my actions were unjustified
But up here it seems that I'm right
My mind is telling me that what I did was justified
If the family plan don't work out so well
If our plan to stay together as a family doesn't work out as expected
Well, you just might
You might have to deal with it alone
I hope you don't repay me
I don't want you to pay me back for what I've done
(Forever in debt)
I want to keep this debt between us forever
I know these harsh words are not what you meant
I understand that your words were not intended to hurt
In times like these you are bound to resent
It's natural to harbor feelings of bitterness during trying times
All your friends in high places
All the people you know who are influential or powerful
We keep our money inside of glass cases
We are careful with our money and keep it under close watch
These are fabrications of your mind
These thoughts you have are not real, but rather imagined
It gets entwined, then unravels
These thoughts are twisted together and then fall apart
Traveling to the sublime, going down like a gavel
These thoughts lead to lofty aspirations, but end up crashing down like a judge's gavel
Contributed by Chase W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.