Nickel Creek is an American progressive acoustic music trio formed in 1989 … Read Full Bio ↴Nickel Creek is an American progressive acoustic music trio formed in 1989 and consisting of Chris Thile (mandolin), Sara Watkins (fiddle) and Sean Watkins (guitar). Following an extended hiatus from 2007 (during which there were numerous solo projects from the band members), Nickel Creek reformed in 2014 with a new album and subsequent tour. The band released six albums between 1993 and 2006, winning a 2003 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

The two families, the Watkinses and the Thiles, met after Sean Watkins and Chris Thile had mandolin lessons with the same music instructor, John Moore. Sara Watkins studied with Moore's bandmate, Dennis Caplinger. The band name came from a song by Byron Berline, who was Sara Watkins' fiddle instructor.

Nickel Creek's first performance was at That Pizza Place in Carlsbad, California in 1989 with Scott Thile, Chris's father, playing string bass. Sean Watkins was only twelve years old at the time. At the start Chris Thile played guitar and Sean Watkins played mandolin but later they decided to switch instruments. The band played many bluegrass festivals throughout the 1990s, and the band members were home-schooled to accommodate their tour schedule. Nickel Creek's first two albums were Little Cowpoke (1993) and Here to There (1997).

The group received two Grammy nominations: Best Bluegrass Album and Best Country Instrumental for the song "Ode to a Butterfly". The trio was nominated at the CMA Awards for Best Vocal Group and the Horizon Award and were named one of the "Five Music Innovators of the Millennium" by TIME Magazine in May 2000. Nickel Creek's "The Lighthouse's Tale" video was nominated for a CMT "Flameworthy Video Award" for Group/Duo Video of the Year.

In 2002 the band released their fourth album, This Side, produced by Alison Krauss. It was a departure from their previous releases which were purely bluegrass. Although the core influence of bluegrass remained, other genres such as indie rock and folk rock were present in their music included cover songs Spit on a Stranger by Pavement, and Should've Known Better by Carrie Newcomer.

In 2005 the band released their fifth album, Why Should the Fire Die? with more rock and pop influences. The album debuted and peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard bluegrass chart.

In late summer 2006, via Billboard and their official website, Nickel Creek announced that at the end of the year they would no longer be recording as a group and their tour, scheduled through 2007, would be their last for an indefinite period of time so band members could expand their musical horizons.

The band had plans to record its final performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in November 2007 but the idea was later "scrapped".

The band released a new album in the spring of 2014. They also played a handful of live shows and festival dates, including a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, the last venue the band played when it played its last show.

13- Brand new sidewalk
Nickel Creek Lyrics

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Five years ago
You pressed your hand
Into a brand new sidewalk
It's well worn now
And though some tried
Yours is the only print there

You might not have meant to but

Its time you can't take it out
You're shy about what fortune lent you
Is that what this is about?

Smile while you can
'Cause when they find
You're not amused, not really
They rob you blind
Of what they gave
Yes you gave them that power

You might not have meant to but
It's time you can't take it back
You cry about where fame sent you
Without a plan of attack

Five years ago
I warned you, dear
As a concerned admirer
You never new, you never heard
The veil was still in place

Thank god you hate to listen
'Cause I would not be here

Lifting the veil to kiss you
Next to a brand new sidewalk

Overall Meaning

The song "Brand New Sidewalk" by Nickel Creek describes the irreversible effects of time and fame on an individual. It begins by referencing a person's handprint on a brand new sidewalk, which has become well-worn over time. The handprint belongs to someone who is now famous, but it is clear they did not anticipate the amount of attention they would receive. The singer encourages the person to smile while they can, because when others discover they are not truly happy or amused, they will take advantage of them. The famous person has given others the power to control them, and they regret not having a plan of attack.

The chorus repeats the idea that the person may not have intended to become famous, but they cannot take it back. They "cry about where fame sent you" - indicating that fame has taken them somewhere they never wanted to go. Towards the end of the song, the singer reveals that they warned the person about the consequences of fame. However, because the person "hates to listen," they were unsuccessful in convincing them. The veil on the person's eyes has been lifted, but it is unclear whether this is a positive or negative thing.

Line by Line Meaning

Five years ago
It has been five years since something happened

You pressed your hand
You left an imprint of your hand

Into a brand new sidewalk
On a pavement that was freshly made

It's well worn now
After much use, it is now worn out

And though some tried
Others have attempted to leave their mark

Yours is the only print there
Your handprint is the only one that remains visible

You might not have meant to but
Perhaps you did not intend to do it, but

Its time you can't take it out
You cannot undo what you have done

You're shy about what fortune lent you
You are hesitant to acknowledge what luck has brought you

Is that what this is about?
Is that the reason for your reluctance?

Smile while you can
Be happy while you have the chance