After revealing the selection of Fortune as the new INXS front man, INXS guitarist Tim Farriss offered Casey the job of opening act on INXS's upcoming tour, which Casey accepted. During the tour, Casey and his band released their major label debut, Marty Casey & Lovehammers (released 24 January 2006, through Epic Records). The album could be described as a "best-of" compilation of songs from their previous, indie albums, though songs were chosen largely on the basis of accessiblity and to showcase the band to a more mainstream audience. Though some of the songs were re-recorded and remixed for the major label debut, the album featured only one completely new track. There was some fan criticism that the album was sold as "Marty Casey & Lovehammers" as opposed to just "Lovehammers" but, in general, fans understood that the purpose of the album was to capitalize on Marty's exposure on the TV Show and increase their fan base.
Casey & Lovehammers continue to tour, now as headliners. They are avid fans of the Chicago White Sox, and were particularly excited to be asked to play before some of the games in 2005 and 2006.
Wish You Were Here
Marty Casey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?
Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
Marty Casey's "Wish You Were Here" is a beautiful tribute to lost loved ones. The song opens with a question: "So, so you think you can tell heaven from hell, blue skies from pain?" These lines recognize that the boundary between joy and sorrow, life and death, is often difficult to discern. The singer then poses another conundrum: "Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail? A smile from a veil?" The metaphor of a smile hiding behind a veil suggests that things may not be as they seem. It is possible to mistake appearances for reality, and this confusion can cause us to lose sight of what is truly important.
In the next verse, the singer asks if the listener has given up their ideals for empty promises, relinquishing their authentic selves for an illusion. The use of opposites – heroes and ghosts, hot ashes and trees, hot air and cool breeze – reinforces this idea. The third verse is perhaps the most agonizing, as the singer laments a lost opportunity. "Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?" This line speaks to the sacrifice of one's autonomy for a chance at success or security. The final verse returns to the plaintive refrain, as the singer expresses his deep longing for someone who is no longer there. "How I wish, how I wish you were here" is a cry of pain and loneliness that speaks to anyone who has lost a loved one.
Overall, Marty Casey's "Wish You Were Here" is a moving tribute to love, loss, and the human experience. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have touched the hearts of many listeners, offering comfort to those who have suffered a similar loss.
Line by Line Meaning
So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell, blue skies from pain.
Are you confident in your ability to distinguish between joy and sorrow, good and bad?
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
Can you recognize the beauty of natural surroundings from the starkness of industrialization?
A smile from a veil?
Can you tell if someone's happiness is genuine or if it's a facade?
Do you think you can tell?
Are you really capable of discerning life's complexities?
Did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Did society convince you to abandon your ideals for false idols?
Hot ashes for trees?
Did you substitute valuable possessions for worthless, burnt offerings?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Did you settle for empty words instead of honest communication?
Cold comfort for change?
Did you accept temporary consolation instead of embracing necessary transformation?
Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
Did you willingly give up a small but meaningful role in the struggle for a major position of confinement?
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
I yearn for your presence and accompanying insight in this confusing world.
We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year,
We're aimlessly drifting through life, experiencing the same struggles and monotony.
Running over the same old ground.
Encountering the same problems and conflicts repeatedly.
What have we found?
What are we actually accomplishing or discovering?
The same old fears.
We're still haunted by the same fears and anxieties.
Wish you were here.
I really wish you were here with me to navigate this challenging journey together.
Writer(s): DAVID GILMOUR, ROGER WATERS
Contributed by Victoria S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@brandonsaglin4316
Marty your vocals and the arrangement of this classic song are unchangeable! My wife and I watched this and knew you should have been the front man for inxs!
@shmcmillan
🖒
@MySiamesedreams
Here we are in 2017, and I'm still looking up Marty's covers of these songs and saving him to my Spotify playlists. JD was hot but Marty is intensely talented and in that he is magnetic. I think INXS made a mistake but wish everyone well. xo
@jugheadjonesjr
Screw american idol this was the singing competition that ROCKED. We need more comps like this one
@pamfloyd5140
I watched this show when it was on. I'm so not a Pink Floyd fan. But when Marty Casey go on stage, I wish I was there for him and him for me. I loved his version. He's also not bad on the eyes, at all.
@dolphinschild62
Marty gave me goose bumps the night he performed this and he still moves me.
@katwalsh609
I've admired Marty for years now - hope he's doing well. This was such a terrific show with him and Jordis Unga too!
@sltwitness
This was one of the most moving performances ever, and such a perfect voice/heart for this song. Marty Casey rocks!!!!
@InsaneStingFan
His emotion at the end of this is absolutely beautiful.
@WoofWoof2012
This is one of the best performances ever, with the band, strings, baptist-style choir... just amazing.