The group was formed in late 1966 in San Francisco. Frontman and rhythm guitarist Alexander "Skip" Spence (the original drummer for the Jefferson Airplane), lead guitarist Jerry Miller and drummer Don Stevenson (both formerly of the Frantics), rhythm guitarist (and son of actress Loretta Young) Peter Lewis (of the Cornells), and bassist Bob Mosley all wrote songs for their debut album Moby Grape (1967). In a marketing stunt, Columbia Records immediately released five singles at once, and the band was perceived as being over-hyped. Nonetheless, the record was critically acclaimed, and fairly successful commercially, with The Move covering its sardonic ode to hippiedom, "Hey Grandma". Spence's "Omaha" reached the lower rungs of the American singles charts in 1967, and Miller-Stevenson's "8:05" became a country rock standard (covered by The Grateful Dead, Robert Plant, Guy Burlage, and others). Moby Grape has today achieved the status of a highly respected rock album.
In addition to the marketing backlash, band members found themselves in legal trouble for charges (later dropped) of consorting with underage females, and the band's relationship with their manager rapidly deteriorated. The second album, Wow, was a critical and commercial failure. During its recording, Spence came to the studio with an axe, intending to kill Stevenson; he was committed, and after being released from Bellevue Hospital traveled to Nashville to record his only solo album, Oar. The band released three more albums: Moby Grape '69, Truly Fine Citizen, and 20 Granite Creek. In 1972 bob mosley released his only solo album, after which he left the group. The remainder soldiered on for two decades, recording and performing to a small but devoted audience.
Moby Grape was an example of a talented band who, through a combination of mismanagement and inexperience, never fully realized their potential. Along with the Flamin' Groovies, they were somewhat of an anomaly in the San Francisco rock scene; their concision and their strong roots in country music and early rock and roll seemed to work against them. In addition, perhaps because they were so versatile, their image was somewhat nebulous; as writer Robert Christgau put it, "All they really lacked was a boss, and what could be more American than that?"
Can't Be So Bad
Moby Grape Lyrics
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She looked so sad, she began to cry
I said dry your eyes, dry your eyes and talk to me
Can't be so bad, it will get better can't you see me
I wanna talk to you, can't you see me, I want to talk to you
I'm not trying to take advantage of you
I see your down, is there anything, anything that I could do?
Can't be so sad, things will get better can't you see me
I wanna talk to you, can't you see me, I wanna talk to you
There's no reason for you to be alone
Come with me and I will gladly take you to my home
Wipe your eyes and talk talk talk talk to me
Can't be so bad, things will get better can't you see me
I wanna talk to you
Can't you see me, I wanna talk to you
The lyrics of Moby Grape's song "Can't Be So Bad" describe the singer's encounter with a woman who looks despondent and is on the verge of crying. The singer approaches her and asks her why she's so sad. She begins to cry, and he tries to console her by telling her that things will get better. He wants her to talk to him and express her feelings, and he assures her that he's not trying to take advantage of her vulnerability. He wants to help her and offer her comfort. He suggests that she shouldn't be alone and offers to take her to his home.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is sympathetic and compassionate towards the woman's emotional state. He is trying to connect with her and offer her hope and support. The repetition of the line "can't be so bad, things will get better can't you see me" reinforces his message of hope and optimism. The lyrics also suggest that the woman is receptive to his offer of help and is willing to talk to him.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of empathy, kindness, and concern for others who may be going through difficult times. The singer is depicted as a caring and compassionate person who wants to help others.
Line by Line Meaning
From across the room, I went to ask her why
Approached the woman who was looking sad and wanted to understand the reason behind her sadness
She looked so sad, she began to cry
The woman was feeling extremely unhappy and as a result, she started weeping
I said dry your eyes, dry your eyes and talk to me
Tried to comfort the woman and asked her to stop crying and talk to me about her problem
Can't be so bad, it will get better can't you see me
Tried to assure the woman that things will get better and her current situation isn't as bad as she thinks it is
I wanna talk to you, can't you see me, I want to talk to you
Repeatedly expressed the desire to talk to the woman and help her with her troubles
I'm not trying to take advantage of you
Assured the woman that he wasn't approaching her with any ulterior motives
I see your down, is there anything, anything that I could do?
Expressed concern for the woman and asked if there was anything he could to do to help her
Wipe you eyes and talk to me
Asked the woman to wipe away her tears and open up about her troubles
There's no reason for you to be alone
Convinced the woman that she didn't have to face her problems alone
Come with me and I will gladly take you to my home
Offered to take the woman under his protection and provide her with a safe space
Can't be so bad, things will get better can't you see me
Repeatedly assured the woman that her situation would improve and that she could trust him
Can't you see me, I wanna talk to you
Reiterated his desire to listen to and help the woman with her issues
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JR., DONALD J. STEVENSON, JERRY A. MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
richdys
A perfect track. Such a unique twist on a blues shuffle. Horn and vocal arrangement are amazing. This band mades some very interesting music before they imploded.
charles cooler
Moby Grape had the potential for being one of the top top bands in that very very busy period. Too bad they just imploded. Jerry Miller should be recognized as one of the greatest guitarists of that time. His work on Cant be so Bad is just extraordinary. I was unhappy when I got to San Francisco in 1970 and just missed them.
Joyce Smith
I love this song it's beautiful and the horns strike a deep cord in my soul. I love the horns. It's Cooool.
Loek Hopstaken
As perfect as a piece of rock & roll can get ... never get tired of listening to it.
C C
Most fans of dual guitar bands unfortunately overlook the stellar interplay between Jerry Miller and Peter Lewis and forget what a great band Moby Grape was. I saw them live at GG Park in SF in 1968. Unforgettable!!
joseph lemko
Great song! Jerry Miller is a fine guitarist. I got the chance to see these guys twice & they were 1st rate both times.
bannork
There were some real gems on this album, 'He' was another great track. An what an album cover! perfect for skinning up on.
Tim Myles
I'm a new fan. I've never heard this music before...but I like it a lot . I'd LOVE to see a band perform this kind of stuff. Great arrangement...who ever produced it... reminds me of how Phil Spector would produce.
Bioniking
@Gary Kukis On a good day, these guys were fantastic live. The Amsterdam sessions from 69, especially "Fall on You" and "Omaha" are phenomenal
Gary Kukis
The band was fantastic, but uneven live. They had the chops and the ability to do it live....but unfortunately, they let too many things get in their way.