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.
Travelling Over Water
Leeroy Stagger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm travellin' over sea
Walk along this holy road
Well this song carries me
Some days, they could be better
Most days I can't complain
Some days uphold so, so strong
The day for you and
Than I ever did before
For every mile of road I walk
Leads to your door
I'm following in his footsteps
Have learned from his mistakes
Learning how to love myself
Do whatever it takes
But this life ain't always easy
It's filled with pain and strife
Learn to deal with all these things
Bear with all my life
I sit and watch the clouds roam by
Movin' faster and faster each day
It's a dance I didn't see till now
But I've words wonders away
King is in his castle
Let the papa fetch his crown
It's he he watches all his men
Sees order to the town
But his wall one day crumbles
Come crashing to the ground
To wonder his old streets alone
And no friends to have around
Looking back he sees a different world
From the one he knew back then
Wish that he would start again
But sometimes life ain't fair
In Leeroy Stagger's song Travelling Over Water, the singer talks about his journey over the sea and how this song is all he needs to keep going. He acknowledges that some days could be better, but most days are fine, and some days make him feel so strong, especially those meant for his loved one. The singer says that he is now able to see things much clearer than he did before, and he believes that every mile or road he walks is directing him towards his loved one's door. Hence, he is following in the footsteps of the love he has received and learned from his mistakes, and he now knows how to love himself and do whatever it takes. He acknowledges that life is not always easy, but he has learned to deal with all the pain and strife and bear with all of life. The singer observes that the clouds are moving faster and faster each day and that he didn't notice this dance until now, but he has wandered away with words.
Moreover, in the last verse, the singer explains that the king is in his castle and that he watches all his men, and everything is in order in the town. However, his wall will one day crumble and come crashing to the ground. He will wonder his old streets alone, with no friends to have around. He looks back to see a different world from the one he knew back then, wishing that he would start again. But sometimes life is not fair. The song uses metaphors to capture the essence of the journey through life, its struggles, and its rewards.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm travellin' over water
I am moving across sea
I'm travellin' over sea
I am travelling over sea
Walk along this holy road
Follow through this path of faith
Well this song carries me
This song is my comfort
Some days, they could be better
Sometimes, things could be better
Most days I can't complain
Most days are okay
Some days uphold so, so strong
Some days seem overwhelming but I fight through
The day for you and
It's a special day for you
But I see it now much clearer
I understand it better now
Than I ever did before
More than I ever did
For every mile of road I walk
Each step I take
Leads to your door
Brings me closer to you
I'm following in his footsteps
I am following in someone's footsteps
Have learned from his mistakes
I have studied from his wrong decisions
Learning how to love myself
Learning how to appreciate myself more
Do whatever it takes
Do anything to succeed
But this life ain't always easy
Life isn't always simple
It's filled with pain and strife
It's full of difficulties
Learn to deal with all these things
Know how to handle all of these situations
Bear with all my life
Endure all that life throws at me
I sit and watch the clouds roam by
I sit and observe the clouds pass by
Movin' faster and faster each day
Moving quickly every day
It's a dance I didn't see till now
It's a process I didn't understand till this moment
But I've words wonders away
But I've said it before and it made wonders happen
King is in his castle
The king is in his home
Let the papa fetch his crown
Let him enjoy his reign
It's he he watches all his men
He's the one who governs his people
Sees order to the town
Maintains stability in the town
But his wall one day crumbles
But one day his power fades
Come crashing to the ground
And comes to ruin
To wonder his old streets alone
To wander through the old streets on his own
And no friends to have around
With no acquaintances to keep him company
Looking back he sees a different world
Reflecting on the past, his world seems different
From the one he knew back then
Different from the world he was familiar with then
Wish that he would start again
Wishing he could start over again
But sometimes life ain't fair
But life isn't fair sometimes
Contributed by Lila V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.