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.
Nobody Gives A Damn About Songs Anymore
John Moreland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I took a wrong turn trying to carry this cross
Why'd I have to go and get blessed with a curse
I'm chasing death or glory, whichever comes first
One for the money, four on the floor
You were born last week with your foot in the door
I heard truth is what songs are for
You had everything you needed to get it all right
You said you're gonna get rich if it takes all night
Should I go to Texas or Tennessee
Or lock myself in Tulsa and throw away the key
The first verse of John Moreland's song Nobody Gives A Damn About Songs Anymore conveys a sense of confusion and frustration. The singer is lost and carrying a heavy burden, received as a blessing which he views as a curse. He is chasing after something - death or glory - but it's not clear what that something is. The second verse offers a critique of the music industry, where success seems to be measured in terms of commercial viability rather than artistic merit. The line "one for the money, four on the floor" could be interpreted as a reference to the standard rock beat, while "you were born last week with your foot in the door" suggests that some people have an advantage in the industry based on connections or background rather than talent. The singer has heard that songs are supposed to contain truth, but believes that nobody cares about them anymore.
The final lines of the verse indicate a sense of desperation - the singer has tried everything he knows to achieve success, but is still uncertain about what to do next. He considers moving to different places in search of inspiration, or locking himself in one place to focus on his craft. The song is a reflection on the challenges of making a living as a musician in an industry that prioritizes profit over artistry. It also touches on the tension between pursuing personal creative expression and trying to create something that will be commercially successful.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't remember when I've felt this lost
I am feeling extremely lost and disoriented, to the point where I cannot recall experiencing such a feeling before.
I took a wrong turn trying to carry this cross
I made a mistake in pursuing this difficult path that I have chosen for myself, and now I am struggling to bear the burden of my choices.
Why'd I have to go and get blessed with a curse
I feel as though the very thing that I am passionate about and dedicated to - creating and performing music - is both a blessing and a curse in my life.
I'm chasing death or glory, whichever comes first
My pursuit of success in the music industry is all-consuming, and I am willing to risk everything - including my own life - in order to achieve my goals.
One for the money, four on the floor
I am employing a driving rhythm in my music, to energize and captivate my audience.
You were born last week with your foot in the door
Some people seem to possess innate talent and charisma, and are able to succeed in the music industry with relative ease, whereas my own struggles are ongoing.
I heard truth is what songs are for
I have always believed that music has the power to convey profound truths and connect people on a deep level.
Nobody gives a damn about songs anymore
Despite my own passionate belief in the value of music, it often seems to me that society at large has lost interest in this art form, and that it is no longer held in the same high regard as it once was.
You had everything you needed to get it all right
Some people are blessed with all of the natural abilities and resources necessary to succeed in the music industry.
You said you're gonna get rich if it takes all night
These individuals are often so driven and focused on their own success that they are willing to sacrifice everything - including their own well-being - in pursuit of wealth and fame.
Should I go to Texas or Tennessee
As an artist, I am faced with a constant series of choices - where to perform, where to tour, which venues to pursue - all of which can have a significant impact on my career.
Or lock myself in Tulsa and throw away the key
At times, I have considered isolating myself from the world and focusing solely on my music, with no distractions or interruptions.
Contributed by Avery D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Scot Stephenson
I can't remember when I've felt this lost
I took a wrong turn trying to carry this cross
Why'd I have to go and get blessed with a curse
I'm chasing death or glory, whichever comes first
One for the money, four on the floor
You were born last week with your foot in the door
I heard truth is what songs are for
Nobody gives a damn about songs anymore
You had everything you needed to get it all right
You said you're gonna get rich if it takes all night
Should I go to Texas or Tennessee
Or lock myself in Tulsa and throw away the key
BIG THUNDERBIRD
Don't stop doing what you do you, made me fall back in love with music brother, there's still a few of us out here that songs still matter too!!!
Jett Alfonso
@Cedric Samir definitely, have been using Instaflixxer for since november myself =)
Cedric Samir
Dunno if anyone cares but if you're stoned like me during the covid times you can watch pretty much all of the latest series on instaflixxer. I've been streaming with my gf these days :)
Hearsticles
I could've sworn this was a Steve Earle song. That's high praise, my friend. Hell of a song. I hope you're around for a long time, man. I'm excited to hear what lies ahead.
Hamburger dan
marlene riggs you’re crazy as shit man listen to an album called the mountain I’ve heard every recorded TVZ album and the mountain rivals some of that stuff
Niklas Johnson
I simply love your songwriting, your voice! I get the feeling that you are very true to the words you sing. Would love to see you perform some day. Keep it up! /Niklas, Sweden
recub13
JM is an undiscovered national treasure.
Jake Tully
Excellent lyrics, great guitar work and a unique voice i cant get enough of. I am now an eager fan.
Jake Tully
Excellent lyrics, great guitar work and a unique voice i cant get enough of. I am now an eager fan.
Pumpkineck Bort
This guy is one hell of a lyricist
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