Simply sincere and considerably endearing are the lyrics and voice of this Napa Valley native. One can empathize with his lyrical shades of blue like the self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. Each song possesses dream-like attributes, like the carefully placed notes of the glockenspiel in “Hide”, suspending moments in time and molding echoes of his past into living, breathing poetry.
“Going through struggles in my life sometimes makes me write more; I guess it just helps me get things off my chest. But I also get really inspired by places I’ve been people I meet. Traveling usually spawns new material. And going to shows really gets me excited to write and perform too. Hardly ever do I leave a show without a new-found passion for music. And playing with all the great musicians here in Chico. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such talent here.”
Michael has been very active in the Chico music community, where he dwells today. Aside from his solo project, Lee is a member of Surrogate, Mute Witness and Carousel, bands that continue to inspire him and get him excited to play.
Ryan Maker, guitarist of Mute Witness speaks genuinely about his fellow band member, “Mike is a pretty versatile musician who generally likes to keep things simple but can pull out all the stops when need be, similar to his personality, actually. Generally he's a very mellow, collected guy but every once and a while will surprise you with something hilarious or kinda crazy and then lets it roll off like it was nothing.”
Core family members have also greatly influenced Michael’s music and the way he feels about music.
“My dad was in a band back in the day and choir too I think. My mom sang a little bit too. Actually she sings a lot. Every time I visit she just walks around the house singing her heart out all day. It’s funny. And my older brother plays guitar and bass. He’s been in a couple of bands with me .My younger brother just started taking a music class in college. He’s all about it. Every time I talk to him he’s asking me questions about music or guitar or piano or whatever. It’s rad.”
The piano is one of his top three favorite instruments. His other two favorites, cello and the French horn, he feels “bring the listener in and make the songs that much more intimate.” Surprisingly enough he had not mentioned the acoustic guitar as evoking the same amount of intimacy. The finger picking sounds in, “The Jealous Type”, “English”, and “Sad Song” are incredibly indicative of Lee’s deepest nature. He relishes in the feeling he gets when fans connect with him at this level.
“Knowing that your music has affected somebody,” is one of his favorite aspects of the music process. “It’s a great feeling to have played well or to have written a good song. But the most rewarding part is playing a show and having the crowd right there with you, entirely into what you’re doing.”
On top of being a tremendous talent, Rett Mathews, guitarist in Mute Witness describes Michael, “He's easy to get along with and has a good sense of humor. Everyone loves his hair.” What more does one need?
- Andrea Aracil, Binary Sounds
Yesterday and Every Day After is available on iTunes.
Visit Michael Lee at www.parapetrecords.com
2) - Michael Lee (born Michael Gary Pearson; 19 November 1969 – 24 November 2008) was an English drummer best known for touring and recording in the 1990s with Little Angels, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
Lee started his professional career as drummer with Little Angels, a band from Scarborough who became one of the primary British rock acts of the early 1990s. Lee was replaced in Little Angels during their Young Gods tour by Mark Richardson, after it was discovered he had auditioned for The Cult (who were replacing Matt Sorum who left for G'n'R) behind their backs. He went on to play the full Ceremony world tour with the Cult in 1991 and 1992.
After playing with the Cult, he would go on to work with Echo & the Bunnymen and the reformed version of Thin Lizzy. Lee also worked with many other bands including Holosade (with whom he received his first album recording credit as "Damian Lee"), Alaska, and Sweet Janes.
Ultimately, it would be his work with Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant that garnered him the highest profile. As a result of his work on Plant's solo material, he was invited to continue this collaboration when Plant re-joined forces with Jimmy Page. Lee became the drummer for their touring and recording band, Page and Plant, and received writing credit for all songs on the band's 1998 album Walking into Clarksdale. Lee also toured with Jeff Martin and played drums on Martin's solo album, Exile and the Kingdom. He also co-operated on the 2006 Ian Gillan album, Gillan's Inn.
Similarly to Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Lee used large drum sizes, something he attributed to his 6'5" height. His bass drum was 26" in diameter, and his snare drum was a brass 14" x 14" shell.
Lee was found dead in his flat on 24 November 2008. Jepson, Plunkett and the Dickinson brothers were reunited – supposedly for the first time since the band's split – at Michael Lee's funeral in December 2008.
Weeds
Michael Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
TAKIN BLAME BY THE REIGNS
KNOCKIN' THOSE MEMORIES TO THE FLOOR
DARLIN' I WAS TOO BLIND TO SEE
ALL OF YOUR NEEDS
SO I CLOSED MY EYES AND FOUND A NEW ME
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
DARLIN' TIMELESS CHORDS DID SOOTHE
WE WERE DANCING UNDER THE MOON
LIKE OUR FAMILIES USE TO DO
DARLIN' I WAS TOO BLIND TO SEE
ALL OF YOUR NEEDS
SO I CLOSED MY EYES
AND FOUND A NEW ME
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
The lyrics of Michael Lee's song "Weeds" seem to tell a story of someone reflecting on past mistakes in a relationship and wanting to make amends. The imagery of riding in on a white horse symbolizes a grand, dramatic entrance, possibly suggesting that the singer is acknowledging their faults and taking responsibility for their actions. By "taking blame by the reins," they are confronting the past and facing the consequences head-on. The mention of knocking memories to the floor could imply letting go of negative experiences and making room for new beginnings.
The line "Darlin', I was too blind to see all of your needs" suggests a lack of awareness or understanding on the singer's part towards their partner's feelings and desires. By closing their eyes and finding a new version of themselves, it could signify a moment of introspection and self-realization. The repetition of the phrase "Darlin', I will take you home" conveys a sense of commitment and the desire to create a safe and secure space where they can both grow old together.
The reference to "timeless chords" soothing and dancing under the moon evokes a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere, reminiscing about simpler times and shared moments of joy. The mention of their families dancing as well could highlight the importance of tradition and shared experiences in their relationship. The repetition of finding a new version of themselves and being blind to their partner's needs suggests a theme of personal growth and learning from past mistakes.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of reconciliation and a willingness to build a future together despite past shortcomings. The image of watching the weeds grow could symbolize the idea of accepting imperfections and allowing room for growth and change in the relationship. The repeated chorus reinforces the singer's commitment to their partner and their shared journey towards growing old together, embracing both the beauty and challenges that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
DARLIN' YOU RODE IN ON THAT WHITE HORSE
You came into my life with high expectations, like a knight in shining armor.
TAKIN BLAME BY THE REIGNS
Taking responsibility and control of the situation.
KNOCKIN' THOSE MEMORIES TO THE FLOOR
Letting go of the past and moving forward.
DARLIN' I WAS TOO BLIND TO SEE
I failed to see and understand your true needs and feelings.
ALL OF YOUR NEEDS
All the things you required and desired.
SO I CLOSED MY EYES AND FOUND A NEW ME
I chose to ignore the truth and reinvent myself.
DARLIN' I WILL TAKE YOU HOME
I will bring you back to where you belong, where you are loved.
WHERE WE CAN GROW OLD
A place where we can age together and create countless memories.
AND WATCH THE WEEDS GROW
And witness the challenges and obstacles in our relationship.
DARLIN' TIMELESS CHORDS DID SOOTHE
Beautiful, everlasting music eased our souls.
WE WERE DANCING UNDER THE MOON
We were connecting and enjoying each other's company in a serene setting.
LIKE OUR FAMILIES USE TO DO
Similar to the traditions and love our families once shared.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Michael Clemmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind