The Ken Oak Band, comprised of two members (Ken Oak; Cello/Vocals/Guitar, Ed Gorski; Guitar/Vocal), is a band based primarily around the LA area. With an independent label, they have toured the country with self-booked shows, and currently has two albums for sale: Symposium and From Vienna to Venice.
Ken, the cellist, is the lead vocalist, accompanied by Ed's soothing harmonies and mellow guitar riffs. Ken's heartfelt lyrics and pleasant voice are very well complemented by the usage of the cello as a bass instrument. The smooth sound of the cello helps to encompass the guitar and vocals, and creates a very relaxed kind of music. This is not to say that they cannot play with energy; as clearly illustrated in "What You Want" (Track 6, Symposium), they are able to mix energy with their own style to create a very unique sound.
The band has gone through a name change, and now perform under the name of "Oak and Gorski." The band has released their third CD under this new name, titled Good Advice, Bad Advice.
More can be found at their myspace or homepage.
myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kenoakband
band site: www.kenoakband.com
Empire State
Ken Oak Band Lyrics
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I was waiting for another ride when she asked me to stay
I would agree but if you're like me
then you'll see
that good intentions are hard to perceive
where the broke and the wealthy dream
in the city that never sleeps
she's just like me
the sun may rise
but you won't even notice
cause these lights are so bright
you get caught up in the moment
you're tired but you can't show it when you're here
i saw an empty space to park my mind
i can stay for another drink if you could drop a dime
you'll buy some time but i think you find down the line
a long conversation is not what you need
where the broke and then wealthy dream
in the city that never sleeps
she's just like me
the sun may rise
but you won't even know it
cause these lights are so bright
you get caught up in the moment
tired but you can't show in when you're here
in this empire state
it's a love affair that you love to hate
and i can't seem to find a way
to separate the night from the day
and the sun may rise
but you won't even know it
cause these lights are so bright
you get caught up in the moment
and the sun may rise
you won't even know it
tired but you can't show it when you're here.
The Ken Oak Band’s song Empire State is a reflection on city life and its manic pace. The first stanza opens with the singer watching cars fly by while waiting for a ride. Someone asks him to stay, but he is hesitant because good intentions can be hard to discern in a city where both the wealthy and broke aspire to greatness. The singer states that this person is just like him, suggesting that they are both confused by city life and searching for something more meaningful. The chorus talks about how the city’s bright lights make you lose track of time and the present moment; the sun may rise, but you won't even notice. It seems like a paradox because the singer is tired, yet they cannot show it in the city. They keep going, caught up in the moment, struggling to rest.
In the second stanza, the singer sees an empty space to park their mind, suggesting they are trying to escape the chaos and reflect. The line "you’ll buy some time, but I think you'll find down the line, a long conversation is not what you need" suggests that distractions only offer temporary relief, but the deeper issue lies within oneself. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the fact that in the Empire State, people get wrapped up in the city's excitement and are unable to stop.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw another car fly by today
The singer saw a car pass by while waiting for their own ride.
I was waiting for another ride when she asked me to stay
While waiting for transportation, the singer was asked to stay by someone.
I would agree but if you're like me then you'll see that good intentions are hard to perceive
The singer is hesitant to agree to stay because they know it can be difficult to discern good intentions.
where the broke and the wealthy dream in the city that never sleeps she's just like me
The artist and the person who asked them to stay are similar in their aspirations and reside in a city known for its ambitious nature.
the sun may rise but you won't even notice cause these lights are so bright you get caught up in the moment you're tired but you can't show it when you're here
The intense brightness of the city's lights can distract from the passing of time and conceal fatigue, making it difficult to relax.
i saw an empty space to park my mind i can stay for another drink if you could drop a dime you'll buy some time but i think you find down the line a long conversation is not what you need
The singer is seeking a respite from the city's stimulation and suggests extending the interaction through a drink. However, they believe that a lengthy conversation will not satisfy their desire for a break.
in this empire state it's a love affair that you love to hate and i can't seem to find a way to separate the night from the day
The city can elicit both positive and negative feelings, making it a complex relationship. The constant illumination and activity make it difficult to distinguish between day and night.
and the sun may rise but you won't even know it cause these lights are so bright you get caught up in the moment tired but you can't show in when you're here
Once again, the intensity of the lights can make time feel irrelevant and conceal fatigue. It can be difficult to show vulnerability in a city that values productivity and persistence.
Contributed by Jake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.