In 2004, Victoria Canada had been thrown into the spotlight due to the success of garden city hipsters HOT HOT HEAT. Right in the midst of that was Leeroy Stagger, who had HHH's seal of approval as touring support for the band and musical contemporary early on. "I wasn't ready and nothing really came about for me throughout that time period" recalls Stagger, but he did manage to release the critically acclaimed "Dear Love" album, a “Whiskeytown-esque” tinged alt- country rock gem produced by Victoria's own Tolan Mcneil, (Neko Case, Carolyn Mark) and attract the attention of Vancouver Independent label "Boompa Records". In 2006, Boompa released Stagger’s "Beautiful House" album, produced by Canadian musical treasure "Danny Michel". The single "Just in Case" was featured in two episodes of ABC’s acclaimed series “Grey’s Anatomy”, as well as a multitude of other television shows and films.
In 2007, Boompa released Stagger’s first “coming of age and voice” record "Depression River". The album showcased a more matured songwriting talent and confident voice. The record was followed up with a 2-month U.S. tour, as well as a handful of U.K. and European dates.
In 2008, halfway through recording his follow up to “Depression River”, Stagger’s life changed dramatically. He found sobriety. "It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of me, it was either booze or my career and I think I made the right choice", and it showed in the recording process. His songs had evolved, and came from a purer, clearer perspective. Stagger enlisted “Depression River” producer John Ellis to man the helm for the project, as well as drummer Pat Steward (Brian Adams, The Odds), bassist Tyson Maiko and guitar player Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath). Entrenched in Ellis' studio in the small town of Ashcroft B.C., the result had been 2 years in the making. The beautifully crafted, " Everything is Real" record is an eleven-song masterpiece of music from the heart and soul of the young troubadour. In addition to Stagger’s core band, the record features musical guests Bobby Furgo (Leonard Cohen Band), Tim Easton (New West Records) Evan Phillips (The Whipsaws) and Neal Casal (Ryan Adams and the Cardinals). The title track is rollicking 3-minute classic, reminiscent of early 70's New York punk rock, while the stunningly imaginative "Red Bandanna" evokes the poetry of early Lucinda Williams’s material.
Stagger is also a member of the folk trio Easton,Stagger,Phillips, with acclaimed American songwriters Tim Easton and Evan Phillips, The trio will release there first full length "One for the Ditch" this summer on Stagger’s newly formed "REBELTONE RECORDS."
With a performing history opening shows for the likes of The Pixies, Ron Sexsmith, Tegan and Sara, Kathleen Edwards, George Thorogood, Joel Plaskett, The Drive by Truckers and Jason Isbell just to name a few, Stagger is no stranger to the stage. Thriving on live performance, he is truly happy when he is on the road playing and connecting personally with his loyal fans
Stagger now resides on the prairies of Canada in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Dirty Windshields
Leeroy Stagger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm stuck in this motel town
Because of those who came before
Ain't nothin' here to shut me down
Seems like this motorway life is all I've ever seen
Playin' out like a giant comedy on this life-size movie screen
Cuz I like the view from dirty windshields
I like the sky many colors
These roads keep me safe alright
When I think of my brothers
Well it almost makes me cry
Growin' up and a man of their own and time keeps passin' by
Havin' gettin' on 20 now
And they're finding lives of their own
I still check in from time to time
From another state line times on
Cuz I like the view from dirty windshields
I like the taillights in the night
I like the sky many colors
These roads keep me safe alright
Where have all the flowers gone?
They were here this time last year
And I'm sure that I've been here before
I can feel her pull so near
Cuz I like the view from dirty windshields
And I like the sunshine burnin' bright
I like the sky, tell me stories
And do guide me through this night
I like the view from dirty windshields
I like the sound of comin' home
I like my dog sittin' here beside me
On this highway that I run
Cuz I like the view from dirty windshields
I like the taillights in the night
I like the sky many colors
3x These roads keep me safe alright
Leeroy Stagger's song "Dirty Windshields" is a tribute to the life of a touring musician living on the road. The song captures the feeling of being stuck in a motel town waiting for something to change, but finding solace in the routine of the road. The opening verse adds a layer of perspective to the weariness of life on the road, acknowledging that it's a condition brought on by the musicians who have come before, while emphasizing that nothing can shut it down.
The chorus is where Stagger's affinity for the road shines through. He relishes in the beauty of the view from dirty windshields, the taillights of other cars disappearing into the night, and the many colors of the sky. These sensations provide a sense of familiarity, a constant in a life on the road that is otherwise always changing.
The second verse shifts the focus to Stagger's family, specifically his brothers. They've all grown up and gone their separate ways, but he still checks in on them from time to time while on the road. This verse provides insight into the sacrifices Stagger makes to pursue his passion for music, but it also highlights the importance of staying connected to family in whatever way is possible.
Overall, "Dirty Windshields" is a song about finding comfort in the familiar while being constantly on the move. It's an ode to the beauty of the road and the sacrifices musicians make to pursue their passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Waitin' for this croft to break
Anticipating that this difficult situation will come to an end
I'm stuck in this motel town
Feeling trapped and unable to leave a mundane place
Because of those who came before
Acknowledging that the past has influenced his current situation
Ain't nothin' here to shut me down
Confident that nothing can stop him
Seems like this motorway life is all I've ever seen
Feeling like his life consists solely of traveling on the highway
Playin' out like a giant comedy on this life-size movie screen
Viewing his life as a satire or farce on a grand scale
Cuz I like the view from dirty windshields
Enjoying the imperfect, gritty view of the road ahead
I like the taillights in the night
Finding beauty in the illuminated taillights of other vehicles at night
I like the sky many colors
Appreciating the changing colors of the sky as day turns to night
These roads keep me safe alright
Feeling a sense of security and comfort being on the road
When I think of my brothers
Reflecting on his siblings
Well it almost makes me cry
Feeling emotional when reminiscing about his family
Growin' up and a man of their own and time keeps passin' by
Realizing that his siblings are adults with their own lives and time is constantly moving forward
Havin' gettin' on 20 now
His siblings are close to reaching the age of 20
And they're finding lives of their own
His siblings are discovering and building their own paths in life
I still check in from time to time
Staying in touch with his family even though he is frequently traveling
From another state line times on
Communicating with his family from different states while on the road
Where have all the flowers gone?
Wondering where time has gone and what has changed since the last time he was in a certain place
They were here this time last year
Remembering specific details from his past travels
And I'm sure that I've been here before
Feeling a sense of déjà vu or familiarity with a place
I can feel her pull so near
Sensing someone or something that he misses
And I like the sunshine burnin' bright
Enjoying the warmth and brightness of the sun
I like the sky, tell me stories
Appreciating the beauty and mystery of the sky
And do guide me through this night
Feeling like the sky is guiding him as he travels at night
I like the sound of comin' home
Looking forward to the familiar sounds of home that he will soon hear
I like my dog sittin' here beside me
Finding comfort in the presence of his faithful dog while on the road
On this highway that I run
Traveling frequently on this particular highway
Contributed by Joseph L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SquareRoots Promotions
Awesome music, awesome musicians!
bohdentymchuk
Leeroy Stagger is amazing. It's so great to have such a talented Canadian musician. Definitely one of Canada's best artists of all time. Love Radian Land and all the new tunes.
SmashMyselfToBits
Killer video. Love it!
David Levasseur
Leeroy is the best
i am very lucky and blessed to have seen him a few times and of course be able to call him a friend
What a talent
LR W
I'm not sure how I found this song many months ago, but I really like it