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.
Spit On A Stranger
Nickel Creek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Whenever it's real
Whenever it's right
I've been thinking long and hard about the things you said to me
Like a bitter stranger
Now I see the long, the short, the middle and what's in between
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
Whatever you feel
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Honey, I'm a prize and you're a catch and we're a perfect match
Like two bitter strangers
Now I see the long and short of it and I can make it last
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I see the sunshine in your eyes
I'll try the things you never try
I'll be the one that leaves you high, high, high
The lyrics of Nickel Creek's song "Spit On A Stranger" appear to be about a relationship that has its ups and downs. The singer is willing to go through any obstacles or emotions to make the relationship work. They recognize the bitterness and disagreement between themselves and their partner, but they are willing to put in the effort to make it last. They see potential in their relationship and are willing to take risks to make it thrive. The final lines of the song show the singer's commitment to the relationship, as they promise to take risks and push boundaries to keep their partner happy.
The chorus of the song repeats "I could spit on a stranger, you're a bitter stranger," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for how the singer and their partner view each other at times. The phrase "spit on a stranger" could signify the idea of hurting someone who is not involved in the relationship, while "bitter stranger" could imply the animosity the singer and their partner feel towards each other.
One possible interpretation of this song is that the singer and their partner have a volatile relationship that is often filled with arguments and instability. Despite this, they are both deeply committed to making it work, and are willing to go to great lengths to ensure their love endures. The song also suggests that relationships are not always easy, but that the challenges can be overcome with perseverance and dedication.
Line by Line Meaning
However you feel
No matter your emotions
Whatever it takes
No matter the effort required
Whenever it's real
Only when reality sets in
Whatever awaits me
No matter what the future holds
Whatever you need
No matter your needs
However so slight
Even if it's a small thing
Whenever it's right
Only when it's morally sound
I've been thinking long and hard about the things you said to me
Contemplating your words seriously
Like a bitter stranger
Your words were harsh
Now I see the long, the short, the middle and what's in between
I understand everything about the situation
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
I'm so frustrated I could lash out
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
You're equally as frustrated and hostile
Honey, I'm a prize and you're a catch and we're a perfect match
We're a great fit
Like two bitter strangers
Although we're right together, we're still upset
Now I see the long and short of it and I can make it last
I understand everything about the relationship and can make it work
I see the sunshine in your eyes
You make me happy
I'll try the things you never try
I'll go out of my comfort zone for you
I'll be the one that leaves you high, high, high
I'll make you exhilarated and happy
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: STEPHEN MALKMUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Liam Gillis
However you feel
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Whenever it's real
Whenever it's right
I've been thinking long and hard about the things you said to me
Like a bitter stranger
Now I see the long, the short, the middle and what's in between
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
Whatever you feel
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Honey, I'm a prize and you're a catch and we're a perfect match
Like two bitter strangers
Now I see the long and short of it and I can make it last
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I see the sunshine in your eyes
I'll try the things you never try
I'll be the one that leaves you high, high, high
Michael Hunner
Just listened to both the Pavement original and this Nickel Creek cover. Sorry Pavement lovers, but Nickel Creek kills it with this cover. The musicianship is through the roof. The timing on that bass is legit.
Liam Gillis
However you feel
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Whenever it's real
Whenever it's right
I've been thinking long and hard about the things you said to me
Like a bitter stranger
Now I see the long, the short, the middle and what's in between
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
Whatever you feel
Whatever it takes
Whenever it's real
Whatever awaits me
Whatever you need
However so slight
Honey, I'm a prize and you're a catch and we're a perfect match
Like two bitter strangers
Now I see the long and short of it and I can make it last
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I could spit on a stranger (Pull me out)
You're a bitter stranger (Pull me out)
I see the sunshine in your eyes
I'll try the things you never try
I'll be the one that leaves you high, high, high
Henry Drake
So good! Love it :)
Jeremy Schep
nickel creek and pavement are my 2 favorite musical groups. I'd love to hear Malkmus cover "This Side" w/ the Jicks.
Emory Delf
So amazing I love it :D
Texas Gun Collectors Association
Incredible!!!
Family Guy Fieri
I love pavement to death but this is an amazing version of the song
ZycroNeXuS
It took me forever to find this among the sea of Pavement covers.
Phelps110
Many such cases
Henry Ramsey
just wonderful