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.
Just In Case
Leeroy Stagger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
just in case anybody needed to know, whoa
You still change, you're the same
Everyone but you to blame
Just in case anybody wanted to know, whoa
Just in case anybody wanted to know
Don't tell
Don't tell
Lock it in your cardboard box
Throw it in your room
Just in case anybody wanted to know
Don't tell
Ooh, don't tell
Ooh, don't tell
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
I don't want to hear you say my name
Don't tell
And just in case anybody wanted to know
Oh well
Just in case anybody need to know, whoa
Ooh, don't tell
Ooh, don't tell
So and so tried to kill themselves last night
Just in case anybody wanted to know
I've got a reputation, ostentation none of which is true
Just in case anybody needed to know
Whoa
Ooh, don't tell
Ooh, don't tell
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
(don't tell)
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
(don't tell)
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
(don't tell)
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
(don't tell)
Everyone in this town needs to shut up...
In Leeroy Stagger's song "Just In Case," the singer seems to be conveying a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the people in his town. The lyrics suggest that the singer may have a certain reputation or image that is not completely accurate, but he feels he has to keep up appearances for fear of judgment from others. He seems to be telling the listener that he may change, but everyone else is quick to judge and point fingers. The lines "Everyone but you to blame" suggest that there is a certain degree of responsibility that the singer is willing to accept for his actions, but he feels that others are quick to judge and blame without understanding the full story. The chorus "Just in case anybody wanted to know, whoa" seems to be a repeated refrain that emphasizes the singer's desire to keep certain things to himself and not allow others to judge or gossip about him.
The lines "Lock it in your cardboard box, throw it in your room" suggest the need for privacy and keeping things hidden, which perhaps are too personal or private to share. The repeat of "Don't tell" emphasizes the singer's desire for privacy and the need to hide certain things from others. The final lines, where the singer demands that "Everyone in this town needs to shut up," suggest that there is a lot of gossip and talk in his town that he wishes to avoid. The repetition of "Don't tell" and "Everyone in this town needs to shut up" suggests that the singer is tired of all the talk and gossip in his community and would rather keep to himself and his own thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
Just in case anybody wanted to know
In case anyone is curious or seeking information
just in case anybody needed to know, whoa
If someone requires knowledge or understanding
You still change, you're the same
Despite outward changes, inner self remains the same
Everyone but you to blame
Others are at fault instead of taking personal responsibility
Don't tell
Keep it a secret or don't share the information
Lock it in your cardboard box
Stash it away in a secure place
Throw it in your room
Hide it away from public view
Oh well
An expression of resignation or indifference
So and so tried to kill themselves last night
Someone attempted suicide
I've got a reputation, ostentation none of which is true
Reputation is not based on reality or truth
Everyone in this town needs to shut up
People should stop talking or spreading rumors/ gossip
(don't tell)
Repeated reminder to keep information confidential
Contributed by Noah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.