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.
For the Love of You
Leeroy Stagger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little bird with a broken wing
You took me in and shown me what true love is
You taught this little bird how to sing
For the love of you
For the love of you
Darker days would soon fall upon me
I treated you like you were nothing special
But you knew deep down that I was sick inside before the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
And I'm pretty sure that I will be in heaven
If you were born with kindness in your heart
This mess we made of sticks and precious memories
And I'm pretty sure that it will fall apart
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
For the love of you
The lyrics to Leeroy Stagger's song "For The Love Of You" tell the story of love and redemption. The song begins with the singer describing their broken and helpless state, lying on the sidewalk like a little bird with a broken wing. However, the singer finds salvation in the form of a person who takes them in and teaches them how to love again. The singer sings about the transformative power of love in his life, and how he owes it all to the person who had faith in him when he did not have faith in himself.
The song takes a darker turn when the singer speaks of the "darker days" that fell upon him. Even though the person who had shown him love remained by his side, he treated them poorly, making them feel like they were nothing special. Despite this, the person who had shown him so much love and kindness knew that he was sick inside and continued to stand by him. The singer acknowledges that without the other person's love and support, everything would have fallen apart a long time ago.
The final verse of the song speaks to the power of love to transcend even death. The singer professes his belief that the person he sings to was born with kindness in their heart and that all of their shared memories might fall apart, but their love will never falter. He sings once again about the transformative power of love in his life, and how he is certain that if such a kind-hearted person exists, he will surely find himself in heaven after he dies.
Line by Line Meaning
When you found me I was lying on the sidewalk
When we first met, I was helpless and vulnerable, like a little bird with a broken wing.
Little bird with a broken wing
I was in a bad way, unable to take care of myself.
You took me in and shown me what true love is
You brought me into your life and demonstrated what it means to truly care for someone.
You taught this little bird how to sing
You helped me find my voice and gave me the confidence to flourish in the world.
Darker days would soon fall upon me
Hard times were on the horizon, and I would need your support more than ever.
Stood your ground and you stood by my side
Despite my flaws and the challenges we faced, you remained steadfast and loyal to me.
I treated you like you were nothing special
At times, I didn't appreciate your kindness and took you for granted.
But you knew deep down that I was sick inside before the love of you
You understood that my struggles with mental health and self-worth were the root of my behavior.
And I'm pretty sure that I will be in heaven
With you by my side, I feel like I'm living in a kind of paradise.
If you were born with kindness in your heart
Your innate goodness and love for others is what makes our relationship so special.
This mess we made of sticks and precious memories
Despite the hardships we've endured, the good times we've shared are still invaluable and meaningful.
And I'm pretty sure that it will fall apart
Though I fear that our love may not last forever, I cherish it all the more for that reason.
For the love of you
Everything we've been through, all the joy and the pain, has been worth it for the sake of our love.
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.