Case has had a wide-ranging career ranging from new wave music to solo acoustic performance.
In 1976, Case teamed up with Jack Lee and Paul Collins, to form early new wave band The Nerves in San Francisco. The Nerves' 1976 single, "Hanging on the Telephone", was eventually recorded by Blondie.
After The Nerves disbanded, Case moved to Los Angeles and formed pop-rock band The Plimsouls in 1980. The group found success with the song "A Million Miles Away", but disbanded soon after. Case briefly toured with Gurf Morlix, Victoria Williams (Case's first wife), and Warren Tornado Klein in a group called the Incredibly Strung Out Band, which never released a record. Case struck out on his own with a self-titled album released in 1986 on Geffen Records and produced by T-Bone Burnett. The album included a number of songs cowritten by Williams, and also featured the talents of John Hiatt and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds.
In 1989, Case released a second solo disc, The Man With the Blue Post-Modern Fragmented Neo-Traditionalist Guitar, this time with the help of artists like David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, Ry Cooder, and Benmont Tench. While not a hit, the album was a favorite of critics and other musicians: Bruce Springsteen told Rolling Stone that he was listening to Peter Case more than anyone else that year.
Throughout the '90s and early 2000s, Case continued to release discs as a solo performer, moving in an increasingly acoustic-based direction, and playing clubs and small venues. His typical solo performances have featured his own compositions as well as covers of songs by Memphis Minnie, Sleepy John Estes, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and others.
In 1996, The Plimsouls reunited for a few shows and some recording sessions, and they have given occasional performances since then.
Case is also an active musicologist: in the late 1990's, he curated the musical program for the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. In 2001, Case organized, produced, and performed on a tribute album to blues music pioneer Mississippi John Hurt. Case also had the chance to perform Beatles songs at the Hollywood Bowl with Sir George Martin.
In February 2006, Hungry for Music, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, released a three-disc tribute to Case, entitled A Case for Case; the set featured cover versions of Case's songs performed by various artists, including John Prine, Susan Cowsill, and others
That Soul Twist
Peter Case Lyrics
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Another day so far to go
Couple hours, motel room
I'll be back on my highway soon
Forget tomorrow and the jam you're in
You're alive right now as you've ever been
The line you shoot will never miss
The judge ignored your earnest pleas
Truth was buried, lies were eased
Come on down, try to sleep
Rest your eyes stay off your feet
You can walk the moon or swim the sea
If it's not too late it'll never be
You hold the treasure in your fist
Let it go, that's the old soul twist, that old soul twist
Bang it, dang it, hang it on the wall
Throw it out the window, run and catch it before it falls
Used to go like that, now it goes like this
Time to do that old soul twist
Pressures on, money's tight
Everything will be alright
Stay awake, stay alert
Do the things you know will work
The only strength is the strength to live
The only life is the life we give
Live to give, that's the word
And all the wisdom that I've heard
Used to go, now it goes like this
That's the old soul twist
Peter Case's "That Soul Twist" is a reflective song about the life of a touring musician. The song starts with the singer describing another night of playing a show and the long drive they have ahead of them. He urges the listener to forget about their problems and live in the present because the line you shoot will never miss, that's the old soul twist. The chorus ends with a spirited call to dance, and it's hard not to be swept up by the infectious melody.
The second verse has a more melancholic tone with a reference to a judge ignoring earnest pleas and truth being buried under lies. The listener is again invited to try and forget the past and find rest in the present. The bridge of the song is a call to action to take control of your life and to live and give with all the wisdom you've heard. The song concludes with a repetition of the final chorus.
Overall, "That Soul Twist" is a song about the journey of life and how it can be both joyful and painful. It is about living in the moment and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way while also being reflective of past experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Another night, another show
Back to work again, another gig to play
Another day so far to go
Still a long way to go on this music career journey
Couple hours, motel room
Taking a short break in a motel room before heading back on the road
I'll be back on my highway soon
Continuing the journey on the highway of life as a musician
Forget tomorrow and the jam you're in
Don't worry about the troubles ahead, focus on the present moment
You're alive right now as you've ever been
Live in the moment and enjoy the experience of life
The line you shoot will never miss
Believe in yourself and your abilities, you will succeed
That's the old soul twist
It's a classic trick used by old souls to achieve success
The judge ignored your earnest pleas
Justice is not always served even when you plead your case honestly
Truth was buried, lies were eased
The truth is often hidden, while lies and deceit are often used to manipulate situations
Come on down, try to sleep
Take a moment to rest and clear your mind
Rest your eyes stay off your feet
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and allow your body to relax
You can walk the moon or swim the sea
You can achieve anything you put your mind to
If it's not too late it'll never be
Don't wait too long to pursue your dreams
You hold the treasure in your fist
Your potential for success is within your grasp
Let it go, that's the old soul twist, that old soul twist
Release your fears and doubts, it's an age-old trick used by wise souls to reach their full potential
Bang it, dang it, hang it on the wall
Celebrate your achievements and display them with pride
Throw it out the window, run and catch it before it falls
Don't let your successes slip away, take hold of them before they are gone
Used to go like that, now it goes like this
Life changes, and we need to learn to adapt to new situations
Time to do that old soul twist
It's time to use our inner wisdom and skills to overcome challenges and achieve our goals
Pressures on, money's tight
Life can be difficult, especially when facing financial or other pressures
Everything will be alright
Believe that good things will happen, and things will work out in the end
Stay awake, stay alert
Stay focused and aware of your surroundings and situation
Do the things you know will work
Use your knowledge and past experiences to make the best decisions for your current situation
The only strength is the strength to live
The most important thing is to keep going and live your life
The only life is the life we give
Our purpose in life is to share with others and make a positive impact
Live to give, that's the word
Live your life to the fullest by giving back to others
And all the wisdom that I've heard
All the lessons and advice I've received over the years have led me to this realization
That's the old soul twist
It's an old trick used by the wise to achieve success and fulfill their purpose in life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PETER CASE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind