After several years playing in bands around the Atlanta area, Cramer decided to forge ahead as a solo act, adopting the Old Sea Brigade name in 2015. Self-released in 2016, his eponymous debut EP earned him enough buzz to land key support slots for Hiss Golden Messenger, Julien Baker, and Benjamin Francis Leftwich during his first U.S. tour. Later that year, he inked a deal with Nettwerk and began work on a follow-up release. Cramer's first single for Nettwerk, the rousing "All the Same," dropped in September 2016 and was later included on 2017's Wash Me Away, the first of three EPs he would issue that year. The song "Tidal Wave," from his next EP, Cover My Own, notched significant play on streaming networks. Cramer closed out a banner year with the Christmas EP Songs for the Holidays. Scattered throughout 2018 were the singles "Hope," "Feel You," and "Sinkhole," which preceded Old Sea Brigade's 2019 full-length debut, Ode to a Friend.
Once Again
Old Sea Brigade Lyrics
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I've been numb enough to lose my head
So you're trying not to say my name
Like we don't know what we did alright
Try to keep me down
On my own somehow
I've been walking on my own now
So the middle of the night is not so bad
Go on give it up
I've been working on my own too
So I'm willing to try once again
Now I'm far enough to understand
You've been running around to lend a hand
So it's safe enough to runaway
We could call it up like yesterday
Go on tell me a lie
Go on live it up
I've been walking on my own now
So the middle of the night is not so bad
Go on tell me love
You've been working on your own too
So I'm willing to try once again
The lyrics to Old Sea Brigade's "Once Again" speak of the struggle to let go of the past and move forward. The first verse shows the singer's willingness to change and not be stubborn in their ways. However, they have also experienced emotional numbness and confusion that has caused them to lose their sense of direction. They mention the other person in the song, perhaps a former lover, who is also avoiding saying their name. It's as if they are trying to move on and not dwell on what has happened between them.
The chorus of the song is about the singer's determination to make it on their own, even though they may have stumbled and fallen along the way. They mention the middle of the night, a time when one may feel the most vulnerable and alone, but they seem to have found strength in their independence. The second verse speaks of the other person's efforts to help and be there for the singer, but perhaps it was too late, and the damage had already been done. The singer suggests that they could try again, but only if both parties are committed to making it work.
Overall, the song is a reflection on the ups and downs of relationships and the importance of self-reliance.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been trying not to set my ways
I've been making the effort to change for the better.
I've been numb enough to lose my head
I've felt so little that I've lost touch with reality.
So you're trying not to say my name
You're avoiding naming me as if to avoid stirring up past issues.
Like we don't know what we did alright
Acting as if everything is okay despite the underlying tension.
Try to keep me down
Attempting to hinder my progress.
On my own somehow
Despite every obstacle in my way, I manage to stand alone.
Go on live it up
Continue on with your life without worrying about my well-being.
I've been walking on my own now
I've grown accustomed to being self-sufficient without any need for help.
So the middle of the night is not so bad
Being alone in the dark is not as scary as it used to be.
Go on give it up
Let go of your reservations and live as you please.
I've been working on my own too
I've been taking care of myself without relying on others.
So I'm willing to try once again
I'm open to giving things another chance.
Now I'm far enough to understand
I've gained enough distance from the situation to finally comprehend it.
You've been running around to lend a hand
You've been constantly helping others without much regard for yourself.
So it's safe enough to runaway
It's possible to escape from our past mistakes and move on.
We could call it up like yesterday
We could start over as if yesterday was just another day.
Go on tell me a lie
Say something false if it'll make things easier for us.
Go on tell me love
Address me lovingly despite our previous issues.
Contributed by Arianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.