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.
Radiant Land
Leeroy Stagger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What would you do if it all came down to memo you?
Would you stand all in the fight?
In the fields of this radiant land
Sun's comin' up
Sun's comin' up casting golden shadows and thirty not
The skies of the west
There once was a time when this river ran clean
And the air turned the smell of fuel and gasoline
Would you be in flow?
Red fall in this radiant land
Hear the wind cry
Hear the wind cry, watch the holy mother just lay down and die
You call this freedom
You call this your radiant land
She's gone, long gone
She ain't never comin' back
Bought her a one way ticket down this dead and try
And it's rainin' right here, tonight, on this radiant land
Sun's goin' down
Sun's goin' down casting darkness over this goddamn prairie town
Sellin' darkness for soil
And the blood of this radiant land
The lyrics to Leeroy Stagger’s song Radiant Land are a passionate commentary on the destruction of the environment and the repercussions for humanity if action is not taken. The first verse poses a powerful question: “What would you do if it all came down to memos you?” The use of the plural “memos” implying that the fate of the world rests in the hands of many, rather than just a select few individuals. It challenges listeners to question their role in taking a stand against environmental degradation. The lines “in the fields of this radiant land” suggest a call to action, almost as the singer is calling out successors to fight for the land they hold dear.
The second verse continues with vivid imagery, describing the sun casting golden shadows and the “skies of the west” as an ode to the beauty of the natural world. The line “and our love for this radiant land” highlights the adoration and connection humans have to the land they inhabit. The lyrics take a darker turn as Stagger describes a time when the river was clean, but now it is poisoned with fuel and gasoline. The line “red fall in this radiant land” is a clear indication of the destructive effects of pollution, turning the land red with the fall of the polluted leaves.
The final verse of the song is a lament for the land that has been lost. The lines “she ain't never comin' back/Bought her a one way ticket down this dead and try” suggest the damage done is irreversible. The lyrics utilize powerful imagery to showcase the destruction of the land, in sharp contrast to the beauty sung of in the first verse. Stagger is calling for action to be taken before it's too late, before the land is lost forever.
Line by Line Meaning
What would you do?
Asking the listener to consider their actions in a difficult situation
What would you do if it all came down to memo you?
Would the listener have the strength to take on a difficult role?
Would you stand all in the fight?
Encouraging the listener to stand up for what they believe in
In the fields of this radiant land
Referring to a place where the listener must take a stand
Sun's comin' up
Beginning of a new day
Sun's comin' up casting golden shadows and thirty not
Describing the beauty of the sunrise despite hardships
The skies of the west
Referring to the western part of the country
And our love for this radiant land
Despite hardships, there is still love and admiration for the land
There once was a time when this river ran clean
Referencing the past when the environment was healthier
And the air turned the smell of fuel and gasoline
Describing the change in air quality due to human actions
Would you be in flow?
Asking if the listener would go with the flow or take action
Red fall in this radiant land
Referring to the destruction caused by human activities
Hear the wind cry
Personifying the wind as if it is expressing sadness or despair
Hear the wind cry, watch the holy mother just lay down and die
The environment is suffering and dying due to human actions
You call this freedom
Questioning whether current actions are truly leading to freedom
You call this your radiant land
Questioning whether the current state of the land is really what people desire
She's gone, long gone
The land or environment is damaged beyond repair
She ain't never comin' back
There is no hope for restoration or recovery
Bought her a one way ticket down this dead and try
The land is becoming barren and desolate
And it's rainin' right here, tonight, on this radiant land
Even the rain cannot cleanse the damage caused to the land
Sun's goin' down
The end of a day, possibly representing the end of hope
Sun's goin' down casting darkness over this goddamn prairie town
The current situation is bleak and without hope
Sellin' darkness for soil
Humans are sacrificing the environment for short-term gain
And the blood of this radiant land
The environment is being destroyed for human gain
Contributed by Aubrey C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.