Moreland first debuted his name as a part of the Black Gold Band from 2006-2010, with a 2006 full-band demo, 2008's Endless Oklahoma Sky, and 2009's solo demo session falling in that time span before he decided to retire the Black Gold Band name. John continues to write and record music, and in 2010 will release Things I Can't Control under his own name. Black Gold Band guitarist Wayne Wedge has returned to perform secondary guitar duties, and producer Stephen Egerton (ALL, Descendents) has been playing drums on the studio sessions. In 2010, Moreland was featured on the multi-musician studio project The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton, along with members of Drag the River, Descendents, MxPx, and many others.
It Don't Suit Me
John Moreland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on and raise a toast
We're only one time aiming for the sun
Thought we′d be grinding all our gears
Til we're giving up the ghost
And grieving from the ties that we'd undone
I′m still staring at the sky, like at the start
But they don′t suit me, babe, like before
They don't suit me like they did before
Always waving flags and waging wars
But it don′t suit me like before
It don't suit me like before
Well folks like me and you
We don′t know how to call a truce
And when we can't lose the fight, we just lose touch
So we sit comparing scars
Strumming on the stars
And leaning on the oldest, closest crutch
Don′t let me turn to dust to turn a phrase
Could you help me wash these years off of my face?
But they don't suit me, babe, like before
They don't suit me like they did before
Always waving flags and waging wars
But it don′t suit me like before
It don′t suit me like before
I used to have a prisoner's point of view
Now I only care for being seen by you
Cause they don′t suit me, babe, like before
It don't suit me like it did before
Always waving flags and waging wars
But it don′t suit me like before
It don't suit me like before
No, it don′t suit me like before
It don't suit me like before
The song "It Don't Suit Me" by John Moreland is a heartfelt and melancholic reflection on change and growth. The lyrics express a longing for a simpler time, but also a recognition that moving on and leaving behind old habits may be necessary for personal growth.
The theme of the song is introduced in the first verse: "We're only one time aiming for the sun / Thought we'd be grinding all our gears / Til we're giving up the ghost / And grieving from the ties that we'd undone". The singer recognizes the impermanence of life and the need to make the most of it, but also acknowledges that the pursuit of success or achievement can be draining and may ultimately lead to regret.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that the old ways of living and thinking no longer suit the singer: "They don't suit me like they did before / Always waving flags and waging wars / But it don't suit me like before". The flags and wars represent a metaphorical battle for identity and purpose, but the singer realizes that these battles are not worth fighting anymore. The repetition of the refrain underscores the singer's conviction that they have truly moved on from their old ways of living.
Overall, "It Don't Suit Me" is a poignant reflection on the human experience of change and personal growth. The lyrics evoke a sense of wistfulness and regret for what has been lost, but also a recognition that moving on is necessary for a fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well we haven′t got all night
We should get started and not waste any time
Come on and raise a toast
Let us celebrate and make a toast
We're only one time aiming for the sun
We are aiming to reach great heights, but only once in our lifetime
Thought we′d be grinding all our gears
We expected to work hard and overcome challenges
Til we're giving up the ghost
Until we are exhausted and cannot continue anymore
And grieving from the ties that we'd undone
Feeling sad and regretful about the relationships and connections we have lost
I′m still staring at the sky, like at the start
I am still looking up at the sky, just like when we began
With all these heavy anchors on my heart
I feel weighed down by my emotions and past experiences
But they don′t suit me, babe, like before
My previous way of coping and living doesn't feel right for me anymore
They don't suit me like they did before
The things that used to work for me don't work anymore
Always waving flags and waging wars
Constantly fighting battles and causing conflict
Well folks like me and you
People like us
We don′t know how to call a truce
We struggle with making peace and resolving conflicts
And when we can't lose the fight, we just lose touch
When we can't win an argument or fight, we tend to lose our connection with others
So we sit comparing scars
We review our past pains and wounds
Strumming on the stars
We search for inspiration and hope in the universe
And leaning on the oldest, closest crutch
Depending on our familiar and reliable coping mechanisms
Don′t let me turn to dust to turn a phrase
Don't let me become insignificant just to make a point
Could you help me wash these years off of my face?
Can you assist me in leaving the past behind and starting anew?
I used to have a prisoner's point of view
I used to feel trapped and hopeless
Now I only care for being seen by you
Now I only want to connect with you and be acknowledged by you
No, it don't suit me like before
No, the past lifestyle and actions don't feel right for me anymore
It don't suit me like before
The past way of living does not work for me anymore
Writer(s): John Moreland
Contributed by Julia Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BrendanWalshMusic
Just found you at an important time in my life to find you. I'm very grateful for how you've put yourself into the music, stay true.
@louieo.blevinsmusic4197
100% same. Was about 3 years ago as well. I got to see him in Savannah, Ga not long after. 2 days later I went in detoxed. This guy gets it.
@BMYNH
Thank you, 4AD, for finding and publishing so much of the world's finest music for the past 35+ years.
@MrUkepicker
I gotta get one of those "Listen to John Moreland" cups! 0:52
@TJH1971
Thanks 4AD for recognizing the awesomeness that is John Freaking Moreland!!
@RetroAiUnleashed
Thanks John your songs have gotten this person through a lot of tough times and a lot of great ones too 😉
@oldhippichic
every song as gold as the next. big love John.
@hugalv
I just hope that someday, I will be able to go to a John concert here in Argentina.
Keep rockin' my friend!
@frankburton320
Amazing. Just love his voice. Fast or slow songs. He has me hooked.
@lightmagnet1961
So glad youtube suggested John Moreland. Absolutely AWESOME!