Founding members Chuck Robertson, Sascha Lazor, Todd Rosenberg, Carter Benson and James Malis started the group in high school but the band's membership has changed frequently since its inception. Drummer Todd Rosenberg left the band in 1999, Benson left the band in 2002, and bassist Mark Iversen left the band in 2006. The current lineup consists of:
* Chuck Robertson (lead vocals/rhythm guitar/primary lyricist)
* Sascha Lazor (lead guitar/banjo/primary composer),
* Keith Douglas (trumpet/backing vocals)
* Ed Hernandez (trombone)
* Brian Flenniken (drums/percussion),
* Cris Badham (bass guitar).
The band used to play under the name The Ivy League, but in 1996 they changed their name after signing to the Honest Don's Records label to avoid confusion (and potential litigation) with two prior bands that went by the same moniker. The band's debut album, Quality Soft Core, was released the following year. After the release of the album, the band was signed to Fat Mike's label Fat Wreck Chords, through which the Mad Caddies have since released 4 studio albums, an EP and a live album.
Discography
* Quality Soft Core (1997)
* Duck and Cover (1998)
* Rock the Plank (2001)
* Just One More (2003)
* Songs in the Key of Eh! (Live from Toronto) (2004)
* Keep It Going (5/1/2007)
* Consentual Selections (2010)
EP
* The Holiday Has Been Cancelled (2000)
* 2007 Tour EP (Sold only on their 2007 tour, with 2 new tracks from Keep It Going, plus 4 older songs) (2007)
The Dirge
Mad Caddies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get so tired of the same old songs of change
Who's changing
My time's been paid sure as hell ain't free
But inspiration is sold separately through these beer
soaked tears
Where's the life I started?
Where's the life they promised me?
Nothing's Coming
"The Dirge" by Mad Caddies is a song that speaks about the feeling of disillusionment and disappointment that one experiences after working hard to achieve their dreams but not seeing the expected outcome. The song is written in the first person point of view, and the lyrics depict the singer's feelings of being stuck in a rut, tired of the monotony of his daily life, and feeling like there is no progress or growth in his life. The song's opening lines reflect the singer's frustration with his current situation and his desire for change. He feels like he's been standing in the same spot for too long, and the songs that once motivated him no longer hold any power or meaning.
The chorus of the song, "Where's the life I wanted? Where's the life I started? Where's the life they promised me?", reflect the singer's disappointment with his life's trajectory. He feels like the life he envisioned for himself hasn't materialized, and he's left wondering where he went wrong. The final line of the chorus, "Nothing's Coming," is a sobering reminder that despite all his hard work and effort, the singer's goals might not be achievable, and he is stuck in a purgatory of sorts.
In conclusion, the lyrics of "The Dirge" showcase the frustrations and disappointment that come with life's uncertainties. The singer is left questioning what happened to the life he wanted and feeling stuck in a rut despite his hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I've been standing here for oh so long
I've been in this stagnant position for a while now.
I get so tired of the same old songs of change
I'm tired of hearing about change without actually seeing any real change happen.
Who's changing
I don't see anyone taking action to make a difference.
My time's been paid sure as hell ain't free
I've invested a lot of time and effort, but it hasn't come without a price.
But inspiration is sold separately through these beer soaked tears
I'm not finding any inspiration in my current state, but drowning my sorrows in beer only makes it worse.
Where's the life I wanted?
I had a vision for what my life could be, but it hasn't come to fruition.
Where's the life I started?
I had a plan for my life, but it's gone off course.
Where's the life they promised me?
I was promised a certain quality of life or a certain path, but I'm not seeing it happen.
Nothing's Coming
Despite my efforts, nothing seems to be improving or changing for the better.
Contributed by Kaylee A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Simon Petrus
I want this to be played at my funeral!!!!
pizzamanwannabe
Great song, great band
Jeremy Smith
i love this song!!!!!
EdLippincott
This song sounds like a circus going over a cliff.
nuclearinsanity1
Tired Bones is the best Mad Caddies song, but this comes in second. Mostly because it's so short...
Yourantsally
+nuclearinsanity1 it really should have been longer
Millie Mell
this shit gimme the feels
Archaotic
Every time I listen to this song, I try to see if I can place that horn line that plays in the background right before the main melody kicks in. I know I've played it before, but I don't remember what the song name is anymore. Anybody recognize it?
puckrock
St. James Infirmary
Milo Puffs
Same here, kinda sounds reggae-ish