Over the years, Craigie has taken his unique musical style across the western United States. He stays true to the essence of folk music, and the traditions of the seminal writers of our past century. With timeless melodies and insightful lyrics—interspersed with witty storytelling—his songs take many poetic turns before bringing you back home. His themes range from social commentary to personal empowerment, political satire, and modern love. Craigie writes, sings, and plays for the people.
The story of Craigie’s first album begins with a new folk singer on the scene in Santa Cruz, CA, with seven years of songwriting pent-up in a 23 year old brain and a 6 year old guitar. In an attempt to put these songs down on disc, Craigie found himself in the middle of the woods, outside of Santa Cruz, in a one-room studio that also served as a recording studio. With the help of the very eccentric owner of the studio, in about three days, john had laid out over 20 songs. Satisfied with the sound john grabbed the rough mixes and began to pass it around to listeners and fellow musicians. Packaged in a home-made sleeve and case, “I always –ed you” became Craigie’s first album before he got a chance to change anything. It was too late. The response was huge and the demand for the raw sound kept it untouched. Still packaged in the same home-made style, it remains as one of john’s most beloved albums. Like most debut albums, it reflects the innocence and the honesty of a musician’s first step on his/her path.
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Nomads
John Craigie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waded through trash, waded through the weeds
Wild dogs nippin' at our feet
We slept in ditches and we slept in the fog
Slept in your beds while you were gone
Watched our lives get scattered and torn
Hid underground and came out reborn
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
We bled some blood, we bled some oil too
Bled on the liars so everyone knew
Fake musicians fell and we just let em
Singing if your lyrics were true, you probably wouldn't forget em
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
I met my enemies, I met my foes
Taught 'em my songs and I just made 'em join
Ate all the drugs that we were able to eat
Saw the infinite and made our peace
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
We lost some lovers and we lost some friends
Some by accident, some by our own hands
But I ain't your mama, I won't take you home
We're moving forward, children, from now on
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
The song Nomads by John Craigie is a heartfelt ode to the lifestyle of wandering, the experiences that come with it, and the sense of community within the group. The first verse describes the daily struggles of the nomadic lifestyle, including physical obstacles like brambles and mud, and the constant threat of wild dogs. The second line presents a contrasting image of a temporary escape from the harsh reality of the wanderer’s life, sleeping in the beds of those who are not present. However, the third line illustrates the realities of their situation, with their lives disheveled and broken. The last line conveys a sense of transformation and hope, as each experience leaves them changed, for better or worse. The chorus of the song consists of a request for the saint Christopher to bless the nomads, offering a sort of spiritual protection for their wandering ways.
In the second verse, the imagery shifts towards the fights they have to endure while travelling. The line "bled on the liars" suggests that the nomads have no tolerance for those who are not genuine and true to their word. The following line denotes a sarcastic tone, as fake musicians are quickly exposed and dismissed, and the sincerity of lyrics is brought to the forefront. The third stanza emphasizes the bind between the nomads, as they share a strong kinship with each other, even among those who were once enemies. They share all they have, from food to drugs, and are united in seeking out meaning and purpose in their wandering. The final stanza emphasizes a sense of loss, and how the nomads deal with it on the move. They do not look for others to take care of them; rather, they move forward with strength and resilience to face anything.
Line by Line Meaning
We clawed through brambles and we swam through mud Climbed over fences and kicked up some dust
We faced obstacles and trials, pushing through the toughest times with grit and determination.
Waded through trash, waded through the weeds Wild dogs nippin' at our feet
We've been on the rough end of life, struggling through garbage and obstacles with no one to help us.
We slept in ditches and we slept in the fog Slept in your beds while you were gone Watched our lives get scattered and torn Hid underground and came out reborn
We've fallen from grace and been left homeless; our lives are shattered and broken. We've struggled and learned to survive, discovering a new perspective on life.
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
We pray for guidance and hope in our nomadic lifestyle.
We bled some blood, we bled some oil too Bled on the liars so everyone knew Fake musicians fell and we just let em Singing if your lyrics were true, you probably wouldn't forget em
We've fought for what's right and voiced our opinions, calling out those who don't deserve the spotlight. We value authenticity and sincerity in music.
I met my enemies, I met my foes Taught 'em my songs and I just made 'em join Ate all the drugs that we were able to eat Saw the infinite and made our peace
We've made peace with those who once opposed us and spread our message through music. We've experimented with drugs and seen the beauty in the world.
We lost some lovers and we lost some friends Some by accident, some by our own hands But I ain't your mama, I won't take you home We're moving forward, children, from now on
We've experienced loss and heartbreak, some of our making and some not. We can't rely on anyone else to take care of us, we must move forward on our own.
Oh, Christopher, please bless these nomads
We continue to seek guidance and blessings in our nomadic lifestyle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CRAIGIE JOHN III HARROLD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@beachman1618
John Craigie is the best! Thank you so much for coming to Coos Bay and allowing us to participate with you on this:). Much love brother!
@michaeldwyer5675
Nice! I lived in Coos Bay for a while.
@scottkidwell3601
Thank you, John!
Great song, wonderful video!
@hungryprospectors9260
Awesome video!!!! Beautiful scenery to go with a great song. Absolutely love it. -Corey
@simonandthelyricalpoets
A beautiful song my friend, and the lovely imagery is a bonus!
@MikeRufoMusic
As transcendent an anthem as any out there, thank you, John Craigie.
@porterroundy3867
Asterisk the Universe has been on repeat. Thank you, Mr. Craigie.
@dasiadoesit2722
I know we didn’t appreciate you here in Nashville, but should you ever decide to grace us with your presence here again...you would be most loved and I would sing your songs at the top of my lungs.❤️
@briancook467
Seems like, if I dig it = didn’t work in Nashville (west of the river)
@Faoro89
why Nashville doesn't like him?