Courtney is known for the laid-back, melodically sweet, psychedelia-influenced indie rock he has created on his own and as leader of the band Real Estate, in addition to a short stint as keyboardist for indie punk rock group Titus Andronicus in 2006.
Raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey by parents who were both real estate agents, Courtney got his real estate license after finishing college, around the time he was putting together a band with former high-school bandmates Alex Bleeker, Etienne Duguay, and Matthew Mondanile.
In the fall of 2008, with Courtney on lead vocals and guitar, Real Estate began playing live, and early in 2009 they released the Suburban Beverage 7-inch, which introduced the group's brand of surfy, lo-fi pop. Their self-titled debut followed in the fall via the Woodsist label. The quartet joined the Domino Records roster in 2011 for its sophomore album, Days.
After touring and a couple of lineup changes, Courtney, Bleeker, Mondanile, keyboardist Matt Kallman, and drummer Jackson Pollis released 2014's Atlas, which cracked the Billboard 200's Top 50. In October 2015, with collaborators including Kallman, bassist Jarvis Taveniere of Woods, and lo-fi musician Julian Lynch, Courtney released his solo debut, the mellow Many Moons, via Domino.
Awake
Martin Courtney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
if we're past the point of trying
and what will be will be
and I just need you here with me
I did not mean to interrupt
I did not mean to disturb you
please don't let me wake you up
You will not find me
wasting my energy
composing a eulogy
know if only
You will not find me
wasting my energy
composing a eulogy
know if only
In Martin Courtney's song "Awake," the lyrics explore themes of acceptance and presence in the present moment. The opening lines, "If the past is past its just the point / if we're past the point of trying / and what will be will be / and I just need you here with me," suggest a level of resignation to what has already happened, but also an acknowledgement of the importance of being together in the current moment. The repetition of "here with me" emphasizes the desire for connection and companionship.
The next verse, "I did not mean to interrupt / I did not mean to disturb you / please don't let me wake you up / I'll just be here in the other room," carries a tone of apology and consideration for the other person's needs. While the singer desires presence and connection, they are also respectful of the other person's space and boundaries.
The chorus, "You will not find me / wasting my energy / composing a eulogy / know if only" suggests that the singer is not interested in dwelling on the past or the negative. Instead, they aim to live in the present and appreciate what they have. The phrase "know if only" adds a touch of melancholy to the song, acknowledging that there may be regret or nostalgia for what could have been.
Overall, Martin Courtney's "Awake" is a song that encourages being present and appreciative of the current moment, while acknowledging the past and any potential regrets.
Line by Line Meaning
If the past is past its just the point
The past is something that has already happened and there is nothing that can be done to change it, so it should not be dwelled upon.
if we're past the point of trying
If we have already given up on trying to fix something, then there is no sense in continuing to stress about it.
and what will be will be
There are some things that are beyond our control, and we should accept that what will happen in the future, will happen.
and I just need you here with me
Despite the uncertainty of the future, the artist simply wants someone they care about to be present and supportive.
I did not mean to interrupt
The artist acknowledges their intrusion and may feel apologetic for disturbing someone.
I did not mean to disturb you
The singer is aware that they may have caused some inconvenience and may want to mitigate any negative feelings from the other party.
please don't let me wake you up
The singer does not want to cause any further inconvenience and asks the other person to continue sleeping.
I'll just be here in the other room
The artist is willing to stay nearby in case the other person needs them.
You will not find me
The artist is confident in their ability to handle a situation with composure and grace.
wasting my energy
The artist will not squander effort on something that is not productive or worthwhile.
composing a eulogy
The singer will not spend time memorializing something or someone that is still alive and has the potential to change.
know if only
The artist understands that sometimes missed opportunities are a part of life, but it's important to move on from them.
Writer(s): Steven J. Taveniere, Martin Courtney
Contributed by Jordyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.