biography:
Mike and Ruthy are a couple who's love was forged in New York City amidst a swirl of rock, anti-folk, and Americana enthusiasm. They harmonized from the first night they met, bringing smiles to their friends faces with original songs and layering raspy fiddle over pop-strummed guitar. It was 1999, and their band, Rhinegold, played to pre-trucker-hat hipsters in the East Village and then gathered to play more songs around the cluttered coffeetable at someones apartment. Richard Buckner played low on the small bedside stereo as these young, nocturnal band-mates got some early morning sleep.
It is true that Mike was originally recruited by his college to play hockey and Ruth had gone to school for acting, but now they began a new path together, crafting songs and recordings and touring the world. Ten years later, Mike and Ruthy are married and living upstate with their new son, William Puck. With 7 years of touring under their belts with folk band The Mammals, they have begun a new chapter, one that still incorporates the best sounds and textures that old-timey and rock music can offer.
Their most recent duo CD has been well received by fans and critics alike. "When most newlyweds take their honeymoons, they jet off to some sunny, all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean. This young couple opted to spend their postnuptials at home in West Hurley making their first album as a duo. 'The Honeymoon Agenda' is a 40-minute expression of love. Heres hoping their anniversaries yield more records this good." - Hudson Valley Chronogram
"Waltz of the Chickadee" is the next recording which will be released on their own Humble Abode Music label in the spring of 2009. With a few guest appearances by their family and friends, the record is full of great new lyrical journeys surrounded by moody mountain sounds and lively twang.
On the heels of the roots-based "Chickadee" session, Mike & Ruthy began collaborating with their friend Craig Santiago whose graceful drumming has already inspired another CD's worth of original folk-rock material. With bassist/producer Jose Ayerve on board, this project, tentatively titled "Rise," will be available in the fall.
Mike and Ruthy love writing, recording and playing shows and music festivals as a duo or 4-piece band. The added joy and demands of parenthood have given them a new appreciation for the power of good music and the fine community of people they have connected with across the country and the world. Enjoying the beauty of the moment is their shared goal, and you can hear it in every song they sing.
More info on Mike: http://www.michaelmerenda.com/
More info on Ruthy: http://www.ruthungar.com/
More info on The Mammals: http://www.themammals.net/
discography:
Mike and Ruthy:
The Honeymoon Agenda (2008)
Michael Merenda:
Trapped in the Valley (2000)
Election Day (2004)
Quiver (2007)
Ruth Ungar:
Jukebox (2002)
Sometymes Why (2005)
The Mammals:
Born Live (2001)
Evolver (2002)
Migration (2004)
Rock That Babe (2004)
Departure (2006)
Bootleg Six-Pack (2007)
All The Way Down
Mike and Ruthy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I go to work while they takin' lunch
I'm in the lab when they in the club
They havin' fun I could give a fuck
I see the stories they makin' up
My guess is they didn't make enough
Most of these people mistakin' us
Bitch I could take a punch
She said I make all her favorite song
She love the numb but she hate the drugs
We don't just fuck girl we makin' love
That dress impressive but take it off
She work on the runway now she takin' off, oh
Just tryin' to be better than the day before, oh
I gotta keep going, yeah
Swear it never looked so good
Swear it never looked so good
Til you on your way down
Your way down, yeah
I swear it never felt so good
Swear it never felt so good
Til you on your way down
Your way down, ohh
I been going through some family shit
It hurts more when you can't be home
I told 'em I got 'em, no they ain't alone
I went vacant for a while
Been too busy fakin' smiles
So forgive me if I haven't been in the mood to make a song
But Marissa just listen though, I won't be there for you
I'll be right here for you
Askin' bout shit that I don't have the answers to
All I can do is love you like no man can do
Spending my nights in a daze
Maybe it's cause I'm afraid
I don't care bout the game I just make my own plays
Ain't it funny you get to the money and that's when they change up
And fuck all the fame, yeah
I just divide it up equal
With all of my people
I balled in another field this is my city, whoa
Swear it never looked so good
Swear it never looked so good
Til you on your way down
Your way down, yeah
I swear it never felt so good
Swear it never felt so good
Til you on your way down
Your way down, ohh
In this song, the artist is reflecting on his life and the various challenges that he has faced recently. He compares his own experiences to those of the people around him, who seem to be happier and more carefree. Despite this, he remains focused on his own path and is determined to continue working hard towards his goals. He acknowledges the difficulties he has faced, including family issues and personal struggles with mental health. However, he also expresses love and support for those closest to him, particularly a friend named Marissa.
The chorus of the song is particularly interesting, as it speaks to the idea that sometimes things need to fall apart before they can come back together again. The artist suggests that it is only when we hit rock bottom that we can truly appreciate the good things in life. This sentiment is echoed throughout the rest of the song, as the artist reflects on his own journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Overall, "All The Way Down" is a powerful and introspective song that speaks to the human experience of struggle and perseverance. It offers a realistic and relatable perspective on life's challenges, while also celebrating the importance of love and connection in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I go to sleep when they wakin' up
I have a different schedule than most people - I sleep during their waking hours.
I go to work while they takin' lunch
While others are taking a break for lunch, I'm still working hard.
I'm in the lab when they in the club
While people are out having fun and partying, I'm working on my music in the studio.
They havin' fun I could give a fuck
I don't care about what other people are doing for fun - I'm dedicated to my work.
I see the stories they makin' up
I notice that others often fabricate stories or exaggerate to make their lives seem more interesting.
My guess is they didn't make enough
I assume that those who make up stories are likely not happy with their lives or accomplishments.
Most of these people mistakin' us
Many people don't understand the hard work and dedication that goes into making music.
Bitch I could take a punch
I can handle criticism or negative feedback.
T Swift I shake it off
I'm inspired by Taylor Swift's ability to ignore criticism and keep working towards her goals.
She said I make all her favorite song
Taylor Swift enjoys the music that I create.
She love the numb but she hate the drugs
Taylor Swift likes the feeling of being numb from the music, but isn't a fan of the drugs that often come with the party scene.
We don't just fuck girl we makin' love
My relationship with my partner is more than just physical - we have a deep emotional connection.
That dress impressive but take it off
I appreciate the beauty of my partner's clothing or appearance, but prefer when they are naked and vulnerable with me.
She work on the runway now she takin' off, oh
My partner is a runway model and is now leaving to go to work.
Just tryin' to be better than the day before, oh
I'm constantly striving to improve myself and my music, and don't want to be stagnant.
I gotta keep going, yeah
I have to keep pushing forward and working hard.
Swear it never looked so good
Despite the struggles and challenges, success never felt so satisfying and worthwhile.
Til you on your way down
This feeling of accomplishment and success is only truly appreciated when one is facing difficulties or failure.
Your way down, yeah
When everything is falling apart, success seems like a distant and unrealistic dream.
I been going through some family shit
I've been dealing with difficult situations with my family.
It hurts more when you can't be home
When you are away from your family during difficult times, the pain can be even greater.
I told 'em I got 'em, no they ain't alone
Despite being away, I promise to support and help my family in any way I can.
I went vacant for a while
I was absent or unavailable for a period of time.
Been too busy fakin' smiles
I've been pretending to be okay or happy when I'm really struggling inside.
So forgive me if I haven't been in the mood to make a song
Given the personal struggles I'm facing, it's been difficult to find inspiration or motivation to create music.
But Marissa just listen though, I won't be there for you
I tell my friend Marissa that I may not be able to provide the support she needs, but I still care about her and want her to be okay.
I'll be right here for you
I may not be physically present, but I'm here in spirit and will do what I can to support my friend.
Askin' bout shit that I don't have the answers to
My friend is asking me questions about things I can't fully explain or understand.
All I can do is love you like no man can do
Even if I can't fully help or explain everything to my friend, I can love and support her in a way that others can't.
Spending my nights in a daze
I've been feeling disconnected or mentally foggy lately.
Maybe it's cause I'm afraid
This feeling of disconnection might stem from a fear or anxiety about the future or other factors.
I don't care bout the game I just make my own plays
I'm not interested in following the typical or expected path - I want to carve my own way.
Ain't it funny you get to the money and that's when they change up
People often act differently or treat you differently when you have money or success.
And fuck all the fame, yeah
I'm not interested in becoming famous or well-known for my music.
I just divide it up equal
When I have money or success, I share it equally with those who helped me get there.
With all of my people
I share my success and wealth with my closest friends and supporters.
I balled in another field this is my city, whoa
I achieved success in a different area before becoming a musician, but now I'm focused on making my mark in my home city.
Swear it never felt so good
Despite the challenges and sacrifices, success and achievement have never felt so satisfying.
Til you on your way down
This feeling of success and accomplishment is only truly appreciated when one is facing difficulties or setbacks.
Your way down, ohh
When things aren't going well and everything seems to be falling apart, success and accomplishment seem like distant and unattainable goals.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOUIS BELL, MICHAEL SEANDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind