http://www.thelovesongs.com
1999
In a rented room somewhere down the street from Jason Newstead Craig sets up his 4–track and records what becomes the Love Songs cassette. Bradley drums on a few of the songs then promptly moves out of state to southern California.
2000
The tape floats around and at one point finds its way into the offices of grindcore record label Impatience Or Indifference who decides “dude, this must be on CD.” When the incredulous laughter dies down New Disorder Records seconds the motion and against any instinct of good judgment the cassette is magically and digitally turned into what is now refer to as the Vol. I CD.
2001
Bradley moves back to the Bay Area and for lack of something better to do engages Craig in some “jamming.” Since “jamming” is no fun without a bass player to make fun of they call Seth, a kid from Castro Valley who had been coming to shows of their previous band since he was 12. For years they had inadvertently been grooming him for the part (which eventually led to Seth grooming his own parts, but that is another story). Seth turned out to be the perfect bass player – he did what he was told and took abuse with no obvious recourse. Seth would later prove invaluable for his other expertise in such fields as electronics (fixing amps), contracting work (building our studio), and most importantly, van repair. Even later still, when Seth had to be replaced, it was discovered that he was an exceptionally good bass player as proven by the myriad of not–good–enoughs who tried to fill his shoes. Who knew?
2002
After one show it is obvious that two guitars are needed if Love Songs want any chance at climbing the ladder from “sissy” to “moderately loud.” Enter Jackson. At Seth’s behest Jackson was brought in because he had the uncanny ability to “play guitar” and serendipitously “was available” to do so. That August, Love Songs played its first show with this seemingly bloated line–up in a glorified barn in Gilroy. Despite playing to – literally – not one single audience member they felt the inspiring power of potential. Equipment was soon modified and improved, hair was grown out and/or dyed ridiculous colors, more songs were written and they were on their way to annoying the neighbors with the consistency only a ‘working band’ could muster. And thanks to both guitar and bass full stacks, and Seth’s extra half–testicle, Love Songs were finally becoming half–to–three–quarters the rock band to which they aspired.
2003
Most of this year is spent playing any show Love Songs can get. They play very fast songs, they play really slow songs, they have an A capella songs with nothing but vulgarities, they play most of Metallica’s D’yers Eve whenever the request arises. And they are called “Love Songs”. It is no wonder that nobody seems to know what to do with them or, worse yet, how to book them. Desperate and surging with lite rock fury they agree to anything they can find, from pizza joints to sports bars to art exhibits to basements. It can’t be counted just how many funk metal acts and floor–punching macho hardcore bands they shared a bill with but at each show at least one person commented to them something along the lines of, “How did you/why would you get on this show?!”
2004
Catching their stride, 2004 was spent carving their niche out of the tour–able underground scene. By now Love Songs are playing at least once a week and are touring every six weeks. They begin appearing on compilations and release another full length record. They play a veritable buttload of shows all over the western U.S. up to an including Reno, Nevada, whom they loved so much they wrote a song about them. If I’m not mistaken the song is called Reno.
2005—2006
Love Songs puts out more records, tour the U.S, Mexico, and Scandinavia, they can afford strings and drumsticks, and the van runs well’things are good. Right up until New Year’s Eve when Seth says he’s quitting the band and moving to Chicago.
2007—2008
One measly EP is released and Love Songs plays an average of one show every couple months, at best. No luck with the craigslist ad reading “Bass Player / Whipping Boy Needed: Band seeks van maintenance guy. Bass playing a plus, but not mandatory. We sound like this: picture of mustachioed Seth wearing a gold lame speedo.” All in all a pitiful era in the Love Songs timeline.
2009
They asked friends, they posted flyers, they continued putting ads on craigslist’ While the remaining members of Love Songs came across some talented bass players in their search to replace Seth, and while they found some guys they’d happily hang out for extended periods in a van with, they never found both qualities in one person. They came really close a couple times and in a few cases even had some very high profile talents willing to ‘do it in a pinch’ if really needed (which was a nice way of saying, It’s Cool, Man, But Please Don’t Ask Again), but it wasn’t until 14 months after their last show that they came across Brian, whom Bradley quickly dubbed ‘John’ for no discernible reason. One of the few people to respond to the craigslist ad who wasn’t from San Jose, Brian was unafraid, neigh, eager, to enter the 3rd and final elimination round commonly referred to as The Swimsuit Competition. He narrowly edged out 2nd place contender Sam who quit his job, moved back in with his parents, and grew a mosh–tache to be in the band. “John” was showered with congratulations before being quickly reminded that his backup vocals would routinely include the words “balls” “nuts” “shit peepee asshole” and “feces enchilada”. Whether or not he knew the guys were not kidding, even a little bit, “John” still shows up to practice, early even!
And so now Love Songs embarks on the next leg of their journey, tentatively titled “2007—2009 v.2.0.”
Hey There Delilah
Love Songs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's it like in New York city?
I'm a thousand miles away
But, girl, tonight you look so pretty
Yes, you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear, it's true
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
What you do to me
Hey there, Delilah
I know times are gettin' hard
But just believe me, girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good
Hey there, Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
And we'd just laugh along because we'd know
That none of them have felt this way
Delilah, I can promise you
That by the time that we get through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame
Hey there, Delilah
You be good, and don't you miss me
Two more years and you'll be done with school
And I'll be makin' history like I do
You know it's all because of you
We can do whatever we want to
Hey there, Delilah, here's to you
This one's for you
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
What you do to me, oh oh, woah, woah
Oh woah, oh
Oh
In “Hey There Delilah,” Love Songs paints a romantic picture of a long-distance relationship between the singer and the titular Delilah. The song opens with the singer questioning what it’s like for Delilah in New York and confessing how far away he is, but that she still looks pretty to him. He promises her that Times Square doesn’t shine as bright as she does, and she shouldn’t worry about the distance between them, as he is right there with her through his song. The chorus repeats the line “Oh, it’s what you do to me,” emphasizing how deeply Delilah moves the singer.
In the second verse, he acknowledges that times might be tough, but he reassures her that he will someday make it big, paying the bills with his music. He tells her that he has so much he wants to say to her and that every song he writes is just for her. The bridge of the song suggests that the distance between them is vast, but it doesn’t matter, as they will always find a way to be with each other, even if they take ridicules for it. The song ends with the singer promising Delilah that, after two more years of school, they will be able to do whatever they want, and that much of his success is thanks to the inspiration she provides him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey there, Delilah
Addressing the person the song is meant for
What's it like in New York City?
Asking how life is in the city where Delilah lives
I'm a thousand miles away
Reminding Delilah of the distance between them
But, girl, tonight you look so pretty
Complimenting Delilah's appearance despite the distance
Yes, you do
Affirming that Delilah is indeed pretty
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
Using a famous New York landmark to emphasize how beautiful Delilah is
I swear, it's true
Reiterating the truth of the previous statement
Don't you worry about the distance
Encouraging Delilah not to let the distance between them affect her
I'm right there if you get lonely
Reassuring Delilah that the singer is there for her emotionally
Give this song another listen
Suggesting that Delilah listen to the song again for comfort
Close your eyes
Encouraging Delilah to focus on the sound of the singer's voice
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
Claiming that the song is a way for the singer to express his feelings without revealing his true identity
I'm by your side
Emphasizing emotional support for Delilah
Oh, it's what you do to me
Expressing the power of Delilah's effect on the singer
I know times are gettin' hard
Acknowledging that Delilah may be going through a difficult time in her life
But just believe me, girl
Encouraging Delilah to trust the singer's words and promises
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
Aspiring to achieve financial success through music
We'll have it good
Describing the good life the couple will have together in the future
We'll have the life we knew we would
Reassuring Delilah that the future they have imagined together will come to fruition
My word is good
Reiterating the singer's commitment and trustworthiness
I've got so much left to say
Expressing the depth and significance of the singer's emotions for Delilah
If every simple song I wrote to you
Stating that every song the singer writes is dedicated to Delilah
Would take your breath away
Claiming that the singer's love for Delilah is intense and powerful
I'd write it all
Committing to expressing all of the singer's emotions and love through music
Even more in love with me you'd fall
Predicting that Delilah's love for the singer will only grow through his music
We'd have it all
Describing a future where the couple has everything they could want together
A thousand miles seems pretty far
Reflecting on the distance between them, but still expressing love and commitment
But they've got planes and trains and cars
Pointing out the different ways the singer could travel to see Delilah if necessary
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Reaffirming the singer's commitment and willingness to do anything to be with Delilah
Our friends would all make fun of us
Acknowledging that others may not understand the depth of their love
And we'd just laugh along because we'd know
Sharing a deep understanding and connection that others do not have
That none of them have felt this way
Claiming that their love is unique and special
Delilah, I can promise you
Assuring Delilah that the singer's words are truthful and reliable
That by the time that we get through
Emphasizing that the couple will overcome any obstacles to be together
The world will never ever be the same
Stating that their love is so powerful that it will change the world
And you're to blame
Playfully attributing their world-changing love to Delilah
You be good, and don't you miss me
Encouraging Delilah to focus on her own life and goals, while still expressing love and longing
Two more years and you'll be done with school
Anticipating a future when Delilah is finished with her studies
And I'll be makin' history like I do
Celebrating the singer's musical achievements and ambition
You know it's all because of you
Acknowledging Delilah's influence and inspiration on the singer's success
We can do whatever we want to
Expressing the freedom and opportunity they will have to live their lives together
Hey there, Delilah, here's to you
Raising a glass to Delilah and expressing love and appreciation
This one's for you
Dedicating the entire song to Delilah
Writer(s): Higgenson Thomas John
Contributed by Madison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@abc_yenbruh1362
Hey there, Delilah
What's it like in New York city?
I'm a thousand miles away
But, girl, tonight you look so pretty
Yes, you do
Times Square can't shine as bright as you
I swear, it's true
Hey there, Delilah
Don't you worry about the distance
I'm right there if you get lonely
Give this song another listen
Close your eyes
Listen to my voice, it's my disguise
I'm by your side
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
What you do to me
Hey there, Delilah
I know times are gettin' hard
But just believe me, girl
Someday I'll pay the bills with this guitar
We'll have it good
We'll have the life we knew we would
My word is good
Hey there, Delilah
I've got so much left to say
If every simple song I wrote to you
Would take your breath away
I'd write it all
Even more in love with me you'd fall
We'd have it all
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
A thousand miles seems pretty far
But they've got planes and trains and cars
I'd walk to you if I had no other way
Our friends would all make fun of us
And we'll just laugh along because we know
That none of them have felt this way
Delilah, I can promise you
That by the time we get through
The world will never ever be the same
And you're to blame
Hey there, Delilah
You be good, and don't you miss me
Two more years and you'll be done with school
And I'll be makin' history like I do
You'll know it's all because of you
We can do whatever we want to
Hey there, Delilah, here's to you
This one's for you
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
Oh, it's what you do to me
What you do to me
Oh, whoa, whoa
Oh whoa, oh
Oh, oh
@dkumar3770
don't know why but it gives some kind of positive sadness
@timothyjoseph3867
That's how I would describe nostalgia.
@prettyfox1413
Its a nostalgic, melancholy feeling.
@aqungugel6756
ikr
@emmypaig.e6942
Same
@qe2eqe
His raging confidence in making it as a guitarist reminds me of a very talented friend who lost the fine motor skills in his hands as a side effect of chemo, right after graduating high school
Reminds me of relationships that I thought would survive distance but didn't
god damn I'm negative
@unity1532
“I’ll pay the bills with this guitar” my man did it.
@me-eh1zt
🎃
@colleenaplays4565
Olivia haha
@ClosestSunKB
@@me-eh1zt oh hey ots you again lol