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.
When I Have My Vision
Joel Plaskett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's raining harder than it ever has before
I can feel it coming down so hard
Can't help but think somebody's got my calling card
I'm waiting on admission to heaven
So wake me up at 7
I'll go out and find something to do
And one of these days, when I have my vision
We're gonna have a big parade
To celebrate all the money that we made
I wanna ride on the top of the float
And stare at all the people and gloat
I don't like sleeping in late
So wake me up at 8
I'll go out and find something to do
And one of these days when I have my vision
There's gonna be no reason for this ugly indecision
Well here we are, and I'm shit outta luck
So I think it's time for me to pass the buck
If I'm in the car when it crashes
Miss me most and you can kiss my ashes
Things seem to be coming up all the time
So wake me up at 9
I'll go out and find something to do
And one of these days, when I have my vision
I'll let 'em lay me on the table and make the first incision
I heard once that it don't make sense
To build a wall where you shoulda put a fence
I heard twice you should not put me
Where you put a fridge, a couch and a TV
The world needs a few good men
So wake me up at 10
I'll go out and find something to do
And one of these days, when I have my vision
I'm still waiting on admission into heaven
So wake me up at quarter past 11
I'll go out and find something to do
And one of these days when I have my vision
I will gather my disciples for the final expedition
The song "When I Have My Vision" by Joel Plaskett is about the frustration and apathy felt by the singer as he waits for his life to take off. He is waiting for his big break, waiting for his vision to become clear so he can make something of himself. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and urgency, as the singer feels that time is slipping away from him and that he needs to do something before it's too late.
In the first verse, the singer is aware that something big is coming, but he doesn't know what it is. He feels like he is close to a breakthrough, but he hasn't quite found his calling yet. The rain is a metaphor for the uncertainty and doubt that he feels, as he tries to figure out what his future holds. Despite this, he wants to be ready for when the moment comes and is willing to put in the work to make it happen.
In the second verse, the singer is more focused on success and the rewards that come with it. He wants to be part of a big celebration and bask in the glory of his achievements. He is ambitious and driven, but he also recognizes the importance of hard work and discipline. He doesn't want to waste his time sleeping in, but instead wants to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
Overall, "When I Have My Vision" is a song about the search for purpose and meaning in life. The singer is struggling to find his way, but he is determined to keep searching until he does. The song is a reminder that success and happiness require effort and dedication, and that we must be willing to work hard if we want to achieve our goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodness gracious me, I'm sure
Expressing surprise or shock
It's raining harder than it ever has before
It's raining very hard
I can feel it coming down so hard
I can sense the intensity of the rain
Can't help but think somebody's got my calling card
Feelings of being chosen or fated for something
I'm waiting on admission to heaven
Waiting for acceptance into heaven
So wake me up at 7
Wants to wake up early
I'll go out and find something to do
Wants to be productive
And one of these days, when I have my vision
Hopeful for a meaningful future
I'm gonna make a speech and I'm gonna charge admission
Wants to make an impact and profit from it
We're gonna have a big parade
Plans for celebration
To celebrate all the money that we made
Plans to celebrate financial success
I wanna ride on the top of the float
Specific plans for celebration
And stare at all the people and gloat
Plans to enjoy success at the expense of others
I don't like sleeping in late
Prefers to wake up early
So wake me up at 8
Wants to wake up early
There's gonna be no reason for this ugly indecision
Hopeful for a future without uncertainty
Well here we are, and I'm shit outta luck
Feels unlucky
So I think it's time for me to pass the buck
Plans to give up responsibility
If I'm in the car when it crashes
Worries about potential misfortune
Miss me most and you can kiss my ashes
Humorous response to potential death
Things seem to be coming up all the time
Feels like things are going well
So wake me up at 9
Wants to wake up early
I'll go out and find something to do
Wants to be productive
I'll let 'em lay me on the table and make the first incision
Willingness to take risks
I heard once that it don't make sense
Recalling advice
To build a wall where you shoulda put a fence
Recognizing that mistakes can be made
I heard twice you should not put me
Recalling advice
Where you put a fridge, a couch and a TV
Realizing that their needs are different than others
The world needs a few good men
Belief in the importance of individual contribution
So wake me up at 10
Wants to wake up early
And one of these days, when I have my vision
Hopeful for a meaningful future
Still waiting on admission into heaven
Hopeful for acceptance into heaven
So wake me up at quarter past 11
Wants to wake up early
I will gather my disciples for the final expedition
Plans for a significant accomplishment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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