Conceived in the bedrooms, MUNI commutes, and DJ booths of San Francisco, and recorded in his all-analog studio in Southern California,his self-produced 2010 single Some Place garnered a sell-out pressing and coverage from the likes of The San Francisco Chronicle, LA Record, Aquarium Drunkard, and XM Sirius radio - including play on Lou Reed’s own show.
On the strength of the self-distributed single, Waterhouse assembled a backing group, The Tarots, as well as taking on a trio of female vocalists, The Naturelles.
In May 2012, his debut album, Time's All Gone, was released on Innovative Leisure Records.
His second LP, Holly, was issued in March 2014 by Innovative Leisure Records.
Waterhouse's third studio album Never Twice was released on September 30, 2016.
This Is A Game
Nick Waterhouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wish it wasn't so
Oh, before we get started
There's one thing about it
That you should know:
Well, that this is a game
Please remember my words
And don't get upset
What you think you deserve, oh
Oh, this is a game
You get visions of thieves;
What you deck stack,
Get taken back,
And turned up sleeves, oh
But this is a game
And those who play with skill
Ain't quite saying it's do or die
But anyway
You're gonna get killed
Yeah, this is a game
Well, this is a game
Yeah, this is a game
Well, this is a game
The lyrics to Nick Waterhouse's song "This Is A Game" speak of the nature of life itself as a game, in which there are winners and losers, successes and failures. The artist acknowledges that he wishes that life wasn't so, but explains that it's important to remember that life is just a game. He warns the listener not to get upset when they don't get what they think they deserve because that's just how the game goes. The artist uses the metaphor of card games, where players get visions of thieves and ones whose decks are stacked get taken back and have their turned up sleeves revealed. He acknowledges that even those who play with skill will still get killed anyway.
The artist seems to be reminding the listener that life isn't always fair and we should be prepared for the ups and downs that come with it. He urges the listener to play the game with skill but also to not take the game so seriously since it's not a do-or-die situation. As the song comes to a close, Waterhouse reiterates that this is indeed a game that we all must play, whether we like it or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, this is a game
The situation we are in is not serious, it is just a game.
I wish it wasn't so
I would prefer if this situation was not a game.
Oh, before we get started
Before we start playing this game.
There's one thing about it
There is something important you need to know about this game.
That you should know:
I want you to be aware of this before we start playing.
Well, that this is a game
The important thing you need to know is that this situation is just a game.
Please remember my words
I want you to listen to what I am saying and keep it in mind.
And don't get upset
Do not be angry or frustrated.
When you don't get
If you do not receive.
What you think you deserve, oh
The reward or outcome you believe you should get from this game.
You get visions of thieves;
You imagine people stealing from you.
What you deck stack,
What cards you have in your deck,
Get taken back,
May be taken away from you,
And turned up sleeves, oh
Revealing hidden tactics or strategies.
And those who play with skill
People who have honed their skills
Ain't quite saying it's do or die
Are not implying it's a life or death situation.
But anyway
Regardless,
You're gonna get killed
You are going to be defeated in this game.
Yeah, this is a game
Again, this situation is just a game.
Well, this is a game
The situation is literally just a game.
Yeah, this is a game
This situation should only be viewed as a game.
Well, this is a game
Again, this situation is literally just a game.
Contributed by Caroline M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cristina A
Nice, I simply love the 60s and it is so good to see their music back!
FastCook
Best sax sound I've heard in a longggg time, can't get enough of it!!!
Pierre Cadier
Love this song !
Keith Otis Edwards
I've promised myself that, as I age, I'll keep up with the new styles of music and listen to modern stuff.
But this old R&B sounds sooooo fine!
Devyne Hawkins
One of my favorites <3 love nick
jose Juan
This guy is renovating the soul
Hades
I just met him the night of that fateful Oscars 2022 here in NYC. He seems very nice. I asked him to tell me what his type of music was. I missed the show but was there for the band after party hanging with a friend. I think he should be more out there and noticed. I hope he burst out unot the music scene with way more acknowledgement.
Soulfood
I love Nick Waterhouse's work !! Pity we don't see the organ player
Alfredo Casas
Excelente, genial.
Beth Riches
Love this!