The band formed by accident in 1989 (see 1989 in music), when a local band, the Salmon Heads, asked some members of the Left Hand String Band to fill some missing spots in its lineup. The synergy worked and the result was Leftover Salmon.
After the independent release of Bridges to Bert in 1993 (see 1993 in music) and the 1995 (see 1995 in music) live follow-up Ask The Fish, Leftover Salmon gained a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. festival tour and a contract with Hollywood Records. Their 1997 Hollywood debut and second studio album, Euphoria, continued to define their eclectic sound and introduced many songs that would become classics for the band.
In March of 2002 (see 2002 in music) founding member and banjoist Mark Vann lost his battle with cancer. He was later replaced by Noam Pikelny.
A documentary film of Leftover Salmon, titled "Years In Your Ears," was released on DVD in November 2006.
Better
Leftover Salmon Lyrics
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Not thinking 'bout the time
Picking on my banjo helps me ease my troubled mind
But I don't see how life could get much better off these days
Good friends around, love's abound, and music to be played
Good friends around, love's abound, and music to be played
Always take my cares away
The songs are brewing in my head
Through the night and day
I'll pull it from the sky
It might be good
It might be not
But it doesn't really matter
If the fire's burning hot
No, it doesn't really matter
If the fire's burning hot
Try to get to sleep at night
But time just slips away
Next thing that I know
We're picking 'til the break of day
Good friends around, love's abound, and music to be played
And I don't see how life could get much better off these days
I can't remember the last time I've had a better day
Mother nature always seems to take good care of me
And if you are good to her
She'll give you everything you need
So sing it with your spirit from the highest mountain top
If you sing it with your heart
Then the music never stops
If you sing it with your heart
Then the music never stops
Leftover Salmon's "Better" describes the singer's love for music and the joy he finds in playing the banjo. The song is a celebration of good times, good friends, and the simple pleasures of life. The lyrics suggest that the best things in life are often free and that happiness can be found in the company of friends and the beauty of nature.
The song opens with the singer using his banjo to ease his troubled mind on a rainy day. He then goes on to describe the joy of spending time with good friends, playing music, and enjoying the beauty of a summer breeze. The lyrics convey a sense of contentment and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.
The chorus repeats the idea that life couldn't get much better than it is at the present moment. The singer is appreciative of the company of his friends, the love he has in his life, and the music that he can play. The song suggests that focusing on the good things in life can help ease the worries and stresses of everyday life.
The final verse emphasizes the importance of caring for nature and the benefits that come from doing so. The lyrics suggest that music can be a way to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. The song ends on a positive note, with the idea that music is a way to keep good times rolling and celebrate the best things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Rainy day pass away
The bad times always come to an end
Not thinking 'bout the time
The present moment is all that matters
Picking on my banjo helps me ease my troubled mind
Music can be a source of comfort and relief
But I don't see how life could get much better off these days
Life is pretty good right now
Good friends around, love's abound, and music to be played
The joys of life are sharing time with friends, feeling love, and creating music
Summer breezes blowing
The simple pleasures of nature can bring happiness
Always take my cares away
Nature has a way of easing our worries
The songs are brewing in my head
Creativity is flowing, and new ideas are forming
Through the night and day
The muse is ever-present, inspiring around the clock
I'll pull it from the sky
Inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere
It might be good
The creative result might be satisfying
It might be not
The creative result might not always meet expectations
But it doesn't really matter
The process of creating is enjoyable in itself, no matter the outcome
If the fire's burning hot
If the passion to create is strong
No, it doesn't really matter
What truly matters is enjoying the act of creating
Try to get to sleep at night
Rest and relaxation are important
But time just slips away
Time flies when you're having fun
Next thing that I know
Suddenly, it's morning
We're picking 'til the break of day
Creating and having fun all night long
And I don't see how life could get much better off these days
Once again, life is pretty good right now
I can't remember the last time I've had a better day
Today feels like the best day in a long time
Mother nature always seems to take good care of me
Nature is a nurturing force in our lives
And if you are good to her
Respect and care for nature and it will reciprocate
She'll give you everything you need
Nature provides all that we need to survive and thrive
So sing it with your spirit from the highest mountain top
Celebrate and express your joy loudly and freely
If you sing it with your heart
Express yourself honestly and with passion
Then the music never stops
The creative spirit is ever-present and always flowing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Andy Thorn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind