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.
You Let Me Down
Joel Plaskett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Cryin' to myself and tryin' to shake the feelin'
Ooh, baby, you let me down
You let me down easy, you let me down light
It really gets me down, but you let me down right
You set me down gently, you let me down slow
Floatin' on the ceilin', starin' at the floor
Lookin' from above at what we had before
I could hear your motor hummin', I wanted you to stay
But I could see this comin' from a hundred miles away
Lyin' in the grass, starin' at the sun
Burnin' out the memory that you were the one
Tryin' to pretend that I didn't feel a thing
But it's feelin' as familiar as the simple song I sing
You let me down easy, you let me down light
It really gets me down, but you let me down right
You set me down gently, you let me down slow
It's gonna take some time before I can let you go
You set me down proper, you said the right things
The sun was comin' up, they were waitin' in the wings
The sun was goin' down, you were packin' up your clothes
You said, "I hate to let you down but, babe, I gotta go."
Lyin' in the back seat, eyes shut tight
Tired of starin' at the road so I'm stoppin' for the night
I can hear your motor hummin' so I'm coverin' some ground
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Joel Plaskett's song You Let Me Down describes a painful separation from a lover. The lyrics convey a feeling of intense sadness and disappointment as the singer lies on the floor staring at the ceiling, replaying the emotional turmoil of their time together. The chorus "You let me down easy, you let me down light. It really gets me down, but you let me down right. You set me down gently, you let me down slow. It's gonna take some time before I can let you go" captures the conflicting emotions of feeling grateful for the kindness of the gentle breakup but also heartbroken and needing time to heal.
The lyrics contain vivid imagery, with the lines "Floatin' on the ceilin', starin' at the floor. Lookin' from above at what we had before" describing the singer's dissociation from the situation, trying to distance themselves from the pain but unable to escape the memories. The lyrics paint a picture of someone trying to hide from their raw emotions, saying "Tryin' to pretend that I didn't feel a thing. But it's feelin' as familiar as the simple song I sing." This line is particularly powerful, acknowledging that even though the singer may be trying to ignore their emotions, these feelings are so deeply rooted that they become a part of them, just like a song that they can't help but sing.
Overall, You Let Me Down is a poignant song that captures the painful journey of moving on from a broken relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyin' on the floor and starin' at the ceilin'
Feeling dejected and hopeless, lying down and staring at the ceiling
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Expressing disappointment and sadness towards someone
Cryin' to myself and tryin' to shake the feelin'
Feeling emotional and trying to overcome those feelings alone
You let me down easy, you let me down light
The person disappointed them in a careful and less harsh way
It really gets me down, but you let me down right
Although it is hard to accept, the way they were let down was the appropriate way
You set me down gently, you let me down slow
The person let them down softly and took their time with it
It's gonna take some time before I can let you go
It will take a while before they can move on from this person
Floatin' on the ceilin', starin' at the floor
Feeling disconnected and lost, observing their surroundings
Lookin' from above at what we had before
Reflecting on the past and what they used to have
I could hear your motor hummin', I wanted you to stay
The sound of the other person's transportation made them wish that they would remain
But I could see this comin' from a hundred miles away
They knew that this would eventually happen and it did not come as a surprise
Lyin' in the grass, starin' at the sun
Feeling down but also enjoying nature
Burnin' out the memory that you were the one
Trying to forget that the other person was once significant to them
Tryin' to pretend that I didn't feel a thing
Trying to avoid the pain that comes with emotions
But it's feelin' as familiar as the simple song I sing
Despite trying to ignore the pain, it is still present and familiar to them
You set me down proper, you said the right things
The way the other person let them down was done correctly and in a respectful manner
The sun was comin' up, they were waitin' in the wings
The situation was coming to a close and the other person had to leave soon
The sun was goin' down, you were packin' up your clothes
The other person was leaving and taking their things with them
You said, "I hate to let you down but, babe, I gotta go."
The other person apologized for disappointing them but had to leave anyway
Lyin' in the back seat, eyes shut tight
Feeling exhausted and closing their eyes to rest
Tired of starin' at the road so I'm stoppin' for the night
Feeling tired of driving and taking a break for the evening
I can hear your motor hummin' so I'm coverin' some ground
Hearing the sound of the other person's vehicle and trying to move on
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Expressing disappointment and sadness towards someone
Ooh, baby, you let me down
Expressing disappointment and sadness towards someone
Contributed by Carter K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shananagins1961
Wonderful piece of work and a very catchy song, Joel! Congratulations on your new video.
clarhilary
His songwriting is so inspiring. He's the real deal! ;)
Boo Stover
Fantastic song. Fantastic album. Fantastic musician.
Musicfoodpassion
this song is just great :)
Selena R
I love Joel Plaskett's Music, greetings from Mexico.
Signs Of Life London
Great song :)
Jake Warwick
always amazing. Can’t wait to see you at the RBG July 11 2022. Thank you in advance.
Kaitlyn Laine
I love you guys sooo much! finally get to see you in concert EEkkkk :)
Nelly Camacho
this song is just amazing okay.
littlepigeon123
joel, you wake up drunk in alot of places don't you lol jk. joel plaskett one of the canadian greats!