Old 97's have been heralded as a great live band. They included five live songs as a bonus disc on Satellite Rides, and released a live double CD set recorded at historic Gruene Hall in 2005, Alive and Wired. Singer/guitarist Rhett Miller has released three solo albums and singer/bassist Murry Hammond released his first solo effort in April 2008. Ken Bethea plays lead guitar for the band and playing the drums/singing is Philip Peeples.
For photographs and additional information see the official website, www.Old97s.com.
Moonlight
Old 97's Lyrics
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But I shouldn't bring up what I can't put down
She was above reproach in every way
One day I left the town I'm from
And as hard as I tried she would not come along
She left me alone in every way
People are laughing and they're having such fun
This is the moonlight
The very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?
Now I'm alone and I'm at large
What kind of fool puts me in charge?
God, it's a lonely way I'm living these days
There was a girl back in my town
That I couldn't get over she won't come 'round
You know she left me alone in every way
People are laughing and they're having such fun
I wish it was happening to me
This is the moonlight
The very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?
This is the moonlight
The very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?
The lyrics to Old 97's's song Moonlight appear to be about a man who has left his hometown and a girl behind. Although he loves this girl and wishes that she had come with him, he is unable to let go of her memory and find happiness in his new life. He remembers her as being "above reproach in every way," suggesting that she was a perfect girl who he can't forget. However, he admits that he left her alone in every way, as he left town without her. He watches people around him enjoying life, but he can't find happiness because he is haunted by his past and can't let go of the girl he left behind. He seems to be struggling with his feelings of regret and loneliness, as he admits that he is living a lonely life and that he feels like a fool.
The lyrics of Moonlight suggest that the man is unable to move on from his past and is struggling to find happiness in his new life. He appears to be haunted by his memories of the girl and feels a sense of regret for leaving her behind. The song's use of imagery, particularly the repeated reference to the moonlight, creates a melancholy and introspective mood, highlighting the man's feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a girl back in my town
I used to have a significant other in my hometown.
But I shouldn't bring up what I can't put down
I probably shouldn't talk about her since it still hurts to think about.
She was above reproach in every way
She was a great girl and didn't deserve any criticism.
One day I left the town I'm from
I moved away from my hometown one day.
And as hard as I tried she would not come along
However, I couldn't convince her to move with me no matter how much I tried.
She left me alone in every way
She ultimately left me by myself and I had to move on without her.
People are laughing and they're having such fun
I see others around me enjoying themselves and it makes me wish I could have that happiness too.
I wish it was happening to me
I yearn for the happiness that others seem to effortlessly have.
This is the moonlight
The setting of the song is at night, under the moon's light.
The very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?
Despite the beautiful setting, I can't fully enjoy it since I'm still heartbroken and lonely.
Now I'm alone and I'm at large
As time has passed, I'm still alone and free.
What kind of fool puts me in charge?
However, being alone has made me question my own responsibilities and decisions.
God, it's a lonely way I'm living these days
Living alone has been a difficult and lonely path.
That I couldn't get over she won't come 'round
I still haven't been able to move on from my past relationship, and she hasn't reached out either.
You know she left me alone in every way
Ultimately, she left me completely isolated without any form of support.
This is the moonlight
Once again, the singer reminds the listener that the setting is at night under the moonlight.
The very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?
Despite the beauty of the night, the singer reminds us of his lingering heartbreak and loneliness.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Spirit Music Group
Written by: KENDALL DEWAYNE BETHEA, MURRAY HAMMOND, PHILIP WAYNE PEEPLES, STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind