Keeton Coffman is at his core, a songwriter. Evoking the melodic styles an… Read Full Bio ↴Keeton Coffman is at his core, a songwriter. Evoking the melodic styles and passionate lyricism of Amos Lee, David Gray, and Bruce Springsteen, Coffman’s songs capture your imagination while weaving a melody into your very soul.
“The Ghost,” due for release in August 2014, marks Keeton Coffman’s first contribution as a solo artist. Asking Keeton, “What is the job of a songwriter?” he simply responds “To tell the truth.” From the lead songs, “The Letter” and “The Hunted & The Hunter”, to the hauntingly beautiful “The Ghost” and “The Magician”, this 6 song collection overflows with stories of beauty and deception, faithfulness and loss, trepidation and fearlessness.
Crafted within the walls of Tight Sound Studios in Houston TX, Keeton and longtime friend and producer, Jay Snider shaped “The Ghost” on the heels of Coffman’s former band (The 71‘s) dissolving abruptly, and with great devastation to Keeton. "Recording these songs was form of ‘musical therapy’ for me,” says Coffman. And you hear it in each one. Heartache, met with surrender, with hopeful eyes toward the horizon. "The Ghost" is not only the soundtrack to Keeton rebuilding as a musician, but as a human.
Keeton Coffman truly shines during his live performances with his lighthearted, personable approach and a gift for intimately connecting with his audience to make them feel at home. In the last two years, Keeton has performed live in venues across Houston with such artists as Jessie Ware, William Beckett, Ellis Paul, David Ramirez, Daley, and Andrew Ripp.

The Magician
Keeton Coffman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I’ve been hiding something up my sleeve 
Getting pretty good now, at making you believe 
Oh you know I try, but demons inside are roaming free
Oh how you must feel, believing that our love is real.

You’e my only one. You’e my only one. You’e my only one. And I’m a magician

Your heart is bleeding out tonight

Almost enough to make me wanna live right, but not quite
Oh, you know I try to be a good man, save for my sleight of hand
And you should see your eyes, so beautiful, when they believe

You’e my only one. You’e my only one. You’e my only one. And I’m a magician

Overall Meaning

In Keeton Coffman's song "The Magician," the lyrics depict a person who is skilled in deception and manipulation, comparing himself to a magician. The first verse suggests that the person has been keeping a secret, representing it as something hidden up their sleeve. They have become adept at making others believe their lies and illusion, to the point where they almost believe it themselves. The line "demons inside are roaming free" suggests that the person may have internal struggles or inner turmoil that they hide from others. Despite this, they acknowledge that their partner must feel deceived, believing in a love that may not be genuine.

The chorus repeats the phrase "You're my only one" to emphasize the significance of the relationship. However, the repetition is contrasted with the line "And I'm a magician," highlighting the singer's awareness of their ability to manipulate and deceive. The second verse continues to explore the dichotomy between the singer's desire to do right and their inclination to continue deceiving. The mention of the bleeding heart suggests that the emotional turmoil experienced by their partner almost convinces the singer to change their ways, but they ultimately remain unchanged. The line "Save for my sleight of hand" reinforces that the singer's lack of authenticity is integral to their identity. The verse ends with a glimpse of hope, noting the beauty in their partner's eyes when they believe the lies.

Line by Line Meaning

I’ve been hiding something up my sleeve
I have been concealing a secret or hidden agenda

Getting pretty good now, at making you believe
I have become skilled at deceiving and convincing you

Oh you know I try, but demons inside are roaming free
Despite my efforts, my inner struggles and flaws are still present

Oh how you must feel, believing that our love is real
It must be difficult for you to genuinely believe in our love

You’e my only one. You’e my only one. You’e my only one. And I’m a magician
You are the only person for me, and I am adept at manipulating perceptions and emotions

Your heart is bleeding out tonight
Your heart is deeply wounded or experiencing great pain

Almost enough to make me wanna live right, but not quite
Your pain almost motivates me to change for the better, but not completely

Oh, you know I try to be a good man, save for my sleight of hand
I make an effort to be good, except for my manipulative tactics

And you should see your eyes, so beautiful, when they believe
When you believe in something, your eyes reflect a captivating beauty

You’e my only one. You’e my only one. You’e my only one. And I’m a magician
You are the only person for me, and I possess the ability to deceive

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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