Doughty's sound is that of muted acoustic guitar rhythms and nasally vocals with impeccable melodies. His lyrics are unique, and he can be described as a master wordsmith. He turned to a new direction for his 2008 album, Golden Delicious. Instead of an acoustic gritty sound, he began using things like electric guitars, stronger vocal backgrounds and even a cello.
Doughty's album, Yes and Also Yes, was released in August 2011. In January 2012, The Book of Drugs, Doughty's memoir about his "ugly, drug-doing years", was published by Da Capo Press. In 2012 Doughty recorded a version of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for a fund-raising cd titled "Super Hits Of The Seventies" for radio station WFMU. Doughty's album, The Question Jar Show, was released in late January 2012. It is a two disc set containing highlights from his Question Jar tour.
Discography:
Skittish LP (recorded 1996; released 2000)
Smofe + Smang: Live in Minneapolis LP (2002)
Rockity Roll EP (2003)
Skittish / Rockity Roll double LP (2004): A two disc re-release which includes the out-of-print Skittish, the Rockity Roll EP, and five bonus tracks.
Haughty Melodic LP (2005): Doughty's first full-band album, released on May 3, 2005.
The Gambler EP (2005): Six song EP. Title track is a cover of the Kenny Rogers hit.
Golden Delicious (2008)
Sad Man Happy Man (2009)
Yes and Also Yes (2011)
The Question Jar Show (2012)
The Lo-Fi Lodge (2012)
The Flip Is Another Honey (2012)
Official website: www.mikedoughty.com
Ossining
Mike Doughty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my lord shall match the pounds,
Ten thousand days and a night spelunking
Kill my years in the lightning round,
Confound it
Why not
Seek Ossining
Abounded,
Why not
Seek Ossining
This time around?
No, not a maze, but like blazed-out inner star
Disclosed completely in a plain film canister
The lyrics to Mike Doughty's song Ossining are open to interpretation as the artist often uses abstract language and imagery. The opening line "put my faith in the price of mud" could signify the singer's belief in the value of material possessions or perhaps the transience of life. The line "my lord shall match the pounds" appears to reference a religious figure or higher power that will match the singer's investments or sacrifices. The line "ten thousand days and a night spelunking, kill my years in the lightning round" suggests a sense of adventure or risk-taking lifestyle that may ultimately shorten one's lifespan. The final line "confound it" could be interpreted as an expression of frustration or exasperation with life or a particular situation.
The chorus of the song encourages the listener to "Seek Ossining," which is a town in New York state. The lyrics "these threes and foursomes abounded" and "this time around" imply that the singer has visited Ossining before and is encouraging others to do so as well. Perhaps Ossining represents a place of escape or spiritual renewal for the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Put my faith in the price of mud
I believe in something cheap and worthless
And my lord shall match the pounds,
This thing I believe in will reward me, like a deity
Ten thousand days and a night spelunking
I've spent a long time exploring caves, maybe a metaphor for searching for meaning
Kill my years in the lightning round,
I've wasted a lot of time on meaningless activities
Confound it
I'm frustrated
Why not
Why can't I
Seek Ossining
Look for a place of peace and contentment
These threes and foursomes
Possibly referring to golf; groups of people playing a game
Abounded,
Were plentiful
No, not a maze, but like blazed-out inner star
This place I'm looking for is not confusing, but rather something that will illuminate me
Disclosed completely in a plain film canister
This place or state of being is simple and easily attainable
Why not
Why can't I
Seek Ossining
Look for a place of peace and contentment
This time around?
Perhaps suggesting that the singer has looked before and is still searching
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE DOUGHTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind