When live he has a loop pedal that allows him to record a loop live and then sing/play over the top of the loop. Watch this YouTube video for an idea.
Aside from solo performance he is also well known for the many bands he has been involved with - most notably Totally Gourdgeous, Oxo Cubans and Bomba.
Lots of his songs are available free as MP3 on his Myspace and his website: http://www.malwebb.com/
"You're a freak" said Ani DiFranco of Mal (really!)
"He's like Bobby McFerrin, Aphex Twin and Cole Porter playing scrabble" - B.Freely
Got To Go
Mal Webb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've just got to go, I'm sorry, but I've got to go
I've got to leave you now
I've got to ride into the sunset
I don't know when or how we'll meet again
But it's a sure bet
On returning we'll restart it
Like we never really parted
My mum taught me to say as a lad
Even when things were bad
But I said it as I left a party once
And the dad said "thanks for being had!"
So don't think that I don't like your company
Quite the contrary; I wish that I could stay
For my love for you exceeds the cupful
Exponential each moment I'm away
I've got to leave you now
The time we lose won't be a big loss
'Cos when the fates allow
We'll get together for a good goss
The lyrics to Mal Webb's song Got to Go describe a situation where the singer has to leave someone behind. He repeats multiple times that he has to go and there are apologies embedded in the lyrics. The reason for leaving isn't clear but it seems to be necessary. The singer acknowledges that they may not see each other soon, but they do intend to continue the relationship. They will pick up where they left off as if they never parted. The lyrics have a bittersweet tone to them as the singer expresses his love for the other person but is resigned to the fact that he has to go. The line "I've got to ride into the sunset" is often associated with cowboy movies and the idea of a lone rider leaving a town behind. The line adds to the feeling that the singer is leaving someone he cares about but has to ride off into the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got to go because I've got to go
I have to leave because I have to go
I've just got to go, I'm sorry, but I've got to go
I must leave, regardless of how sorry I am
I've got to leave you now
I must depart from you at this moment
I've got to ride into the sunset
I must go on my journey and move forward with my life
I don't know when or how we'll meet again
I am not aware of when or how we will cross paths once more
But it's a sure bet
I am certain that we will catch up again
On returning we'll restart it
We will resume where we left off on my return
Like we never really parted
It will be as though we never really said goodbye
"Thanks for having me"
I appreciate you inviting and welcoming me
My mum taught me to say as a lad
I learned this expression from my mother at a young age
Even when things were bad
I was taught to say this even in negative situations
But I said it as I left a party once
I used this phrase at a party I attended in the past
And the dad said "thanks for being had!"
The father responded sarcastically, implying that I was fooled in some way
So don't think that I don't like your company
Please do not misunderstand, I thoroughly enjoy spending time with you
Quite the contrary; I wish that I could stay
In fact, I would prefer to stay if I could
For my love for you exceeds the cupful
My affection for you surpasses what can be contained in a single cup
Exponential each moment I'm away
My love for you continues to grow rapidly with each moment that we are apart
The time we lose won't be a big loss
The time we are apart will not have a significant negative impact on our relationship
'Cos when the fates allow
When circumstances permit
We'll get together for a good goss
We will meet up to chat and catch up
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.