The seven piece band – rounded out by Johnny Carey (vocals, guitar), Annie DeTemple (autoharp, vocals), Joey Garibaldi (bass, vocals), Jeff Fuller (drums), Ryan Markley (washboard), John Rosen (banjo, vocals) and Katie Weed (fiddle, vocals) – roared onto the scene in 2010. Their unique blend of punk rock sensibilities, ear for pop melodies and deeply rooted love for bluegrass caught the ear of Fat Wreck Chords, who released OMM’s debut album, Guts n’ Teeth, in 2011. Word quickly spread of the their incredible live shows, and over the next few years the band found themselves scootin boots on stage with the likes of Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, The Reverend Horton Heat, NOFX, The Descendents and Against Me!.
Old Man Markley were quickly embraced by the punk rock community with their incendiary live performances, and at the same time the band were also warmly accepted by bluegrass fans, earning them a #8 debut on the Billboard Bluegrass chart with the release of Guts n’ Teeth. From rivets to rhinestones, even the world of glossy country music embraced OMM, yielding them a slot at California’s country festival mecca, Stagecoach.
After two years of relentless touring and winning over thousands of fans, Old Man Markley returned to the little house in Southern California where it all began to record their follow-up album, Down Side Up.
“We wrote and recorded the new songs last summer, in a studio we built in the house where we have been practicing since the band started,” states Garibaldi.
With Fat Wreck Chords owner and NOFX frontman Fat Mike in the producer’s chair alongside singer/guitarist Johnny Carey, Old Man Markley plucked, bowed, and strummed their way through thirteen galloping new songs.
“With the support of Fat Mike, we went out on a limb with this album,” says Carey. “We didn’t restrict our creativity and can’t wait for the world to hear the variety on our album.”
A more cohesive unit than ever before, Old Man Markley overflows with a passion for their craft and for each other that is both audible and palpable as their instruments dance between seamless harmonies.
“The songs on Down Side Up are the result of touring for two years and waking up together in cities across the world, of discovering new worlds while still missing home, of stories that we’ve wanted to tell for ages, of melodies that permeated our minds and then soundchecks, and of ideas that took shape truly as a collaboration between all seven of us,” adds Weed.
Beyond The Moon
Old Man Markley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It might seem funny and a little wrong
I swear that I'm sincere
But ridicule and laughter might be all you hear
I'll claim it anyway
Can't keep it locked inside another day
Believe me when I say
Once upon a time he was the same as you and me
But if I lose my mind like Gary Busey did
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Don't want my words to be misunderstood
Twisted 'round until they're just no good
But still I'll muddle through
Even though the tune might not appeal to you
Can't see no other way
It's just a silly song, well then okay
I'll sing it anyway
Don't wanna lose my mind like Gary Busey did
Once upon a time he was the same as you and me
But if I lose my mind like Gary Busey did
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
So while he's sailing out beyond the moon
I'd like to take this time to end my tune
And find a place to land
Nothing left to say now that I've tipped my hand
It's probably for the best
Here's hoping you can finish up the rest
Just glad it's off my chest
I don't wanna lose my mind like Gary Busey did
Once upon a time he was the same as you and me
But if I lose my mind like Gary Busey did
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
The song "Beyond the Moon" by Old Man Markley is a plea to be heard and understood. The singer is trying to find the words to write a song and confesses that it might come across as funny or wrong. However, the message is sincere and the singer feels that the song needs to be shared, even if it means being ridiculed or laughed at. The song is about not wanting to lose one's mind like Gary Busey did, and the fear of being isolated and alone in such a condition. The singer begs for company and for someone who will listen and understand them, even if they might not like the tune of the song.
The lyrics of "Beyond the Moon" speak to the universal desire for human connection and understanding. The singer is vulnerable and honest about their fears and insecurities, and seeks the comfort that comes from being with others. The reference to Gary Busey serves as a warning about the dangers of mental illness and the importance of being there for one another in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
Trying to find the words to write this song
I am attempting to express my feelings in a musical way
It might seem funny and a little wrong
My ideas may appear comical or inappropriate
I swear that I'm sincere
I genuinely mean what I am saying
But ridicule and laughter might be all you hear
Others may mock or ridicule my message instead of taking it seriously
I'll claim it anyway
I am willing to take ownership of my words and ideas
Can't keep it locked inside another day
I cannot keep these thoughts and feelings to myself any longer
Believe me when I say
Please trust that I am being honest and sincere
Don't wanna lose my mind like Gary Busey did
I do not want to experience the same mental breakdown as Gary Busey
Once upon a time he was the same as you and me
Gary Busey was once a regular person like the rest of us
But if I lose my mind like Gary Busey did
In the event that I experience a similar breakdown as Gary Busey
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Please be there for me if I am struggling with my mental health
Don't want my words to be misunderstood
I hope that my message is clear and not misinterpreted
Twisted 'round until they're just no good
I do not want my words to become distorted or irrelevant
But still I'll muddle through
Despite the possibility of misunderstanding, I will still try to convey my message
Even though the tune might not appeal to you
Although my music may not suit everyone's tastes
Can't see no other way
I cannot think of a better method to express myself
It's just a silly song, well then okay
Even if my song seems trivial, I am still proud of it
I'll sing it anyway
I am determined to perform my song regardless
So while he's sailing out beyond the moon
As Gary Busey navigates through his own struggles
I'd like to take this time to end my tune
I am concluding my song while reflecting on my own journey
And find a place to land
I am seeking a safe place to express myself openly
Nothing left to say now that I've tipped my hand
I have shared everything that was on my mind, and there is nothing more to add
It's probably for the best
Perhaps it was best for me to speak my mind, regardless of potential consequences
Here's hoping you can finish up the rest
I hope that others can identify with or expand upon what I have shared
Just glad it's off my chest
I am relieved to have expressed my thoughts and feelings
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Please promise to support me if I encounter difficulties like those that Gary Busey faced
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Please promise to be there for me if I am struggling with my mental health
Promise me you'll be around to keep me company
Please promise to support me through thick and thin
Contributed by Jonathan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.