While still in high school, he recorded his first solo effort, Mythologies, released on the Carpe Diem label, and produced by future 97 Murry Hammond. Miller and Hammond then formed the group Sleepy Heroes, a power-pop trio that released one CD - Under A Radio Sun - and promptly disbanded.
In the early 1990s, Miller started performing country songs acoustically with Hammond with the moniker Ranchero Brothers - a duo that performs occasionally to this day.
Miller's second solo album The Instigator was released in 2002. In 2006, he released The Believer. Recently he released the self-titled Rhett Miller in 2009.
For photographs and additional information visit Rhett Miller's official website www.RhettMiller.com, or the official website of the Old 97's www.Old97s.com.
Ain't That Strange
Rhett Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Workin' in a shop
I was rollin' around in a ghost town
Waitin' on a record to drop
You say you wanna get happy
In your own skin
Well, you shook it up for awhile
We had a long weekend
And then you were gone
Wanted to be one in a million
Baby, isn't that wrong?
I've had it up to here with nothin'
I need everything for a change
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
You got a sad transmission
From deep, deep space
Tried to keep it hid but I sensed it
And I brought you back to my place
We had a love supreme
As you could find
I wanted to be one in a million
Baby, do you mind?
I've had it up to here with nothin'
I need everything for a change
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
Rock on, yeah
Hurry up and figure it out
'Cause I'm only waitin' 'round for you for so long
And if you want it and you know it that you want
Then you gotta come on, come on, come on, oow, uh
I've had it up to here, I've had it up to here
I've had it up to here with nothin'
I need everything for a change
Ain't' that strange, ain't that strange
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
Alright
The song "Ain't That Strange" by Rhett Miller seems to describe a relationship between the singer and another person. The singer describes how the other person was "sitting on a gold mine, working in a shop" while they themselves were "rolling around in a ghost town, waiting on a record to drop." Despite this difference in circumstances, the two come together and the singer encourages the other person to "shake it up for awhile" and "get happy in [their] own skin" again.
The chorus of the song, "I've had it up to here with nothin', I need everything for a change, Ain't that strange," seems to convey a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo and a desire for more. The singer reflects on the fact that they had a "love supreme" but the other person left, possibly because they wanted to be something more than just one in a million. The singer seems to be saying that they need more than just a fleeting connection and that they are willing to wait, but not forever.
Overall, the song seems to be about the search for something more meaningful and fulfilling, despite the strange and sometimes unpredictable nature of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You were sittin' on a gold mine
You had potential, skills or talents that were valuable but were being underutilized or ignored.
Workin' in a shop
You were employed in a monotonous or low-paying job that did not match your potential or aspirations.
I was rollin' around in a ghost town
I was wandering aimlessly in a place with no life, excitement or prospects.
Waitin' on a record to drop
I was waiting anxiously for something exciting or new to happen in my life.
You say you wanna get happy
In your own skin
You express the desire to be content, comfortable and authentic with yourself and your life.
Well, you shook it up for awhile
And I'm beggin' you to do it again
You experimented, changed or improved something in your life and I am encouraging you to keep doing it or explore further.
We had a long weekend
And then you were gone
We spent some enjoyable or intimate time together, but then you suddenly disappeared or drifted away.
Wanted to be one in a million
Baby, isn't that wrong?
You aspired to stand out, be exceptional or distinct, but I question whether that is a healthy or worthy goal in life.
I've had it up to here with nothin'
I need everything for a change
I am fed up with feeling empty, bored or unfulfilled in my life and I crave for a major or radical shift.
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
Ain't that strange, ain't that strange
I find it ironic, unusual or surprising how life can be unpredictable, unfair or absurd at times.
You got a sad transmission
From deep, deep space
You received a distressing, mysterious or bleak message or signal from someone or somewhere far away or beyond your control.
Tried to keep it hid but I sensed it
And I brought you back to my place
You tried to conceal or suppress your inner turmoil or pain, but I noticed it and offered you comfort, support or understanding.
We had a love supreme
As you could find
We enjoyed a passionate, intense or transcendent love that was rare or exceptional.
I wanted to be one in a million
Baby, do you mind?
I desired to be outstanding, special or exceptional in your eyes, but I wonder if you share the same wish or expectation.
Hurry up and figure it out
'Cause I'm only waitin' 'round for you for so long
You need to make a decision, a move or a change soon, because I cannot wait indefinitely or be patient forever.
And if you want it and you know it that you want
Then you gotta come on, come on, come on, oow, uh
If you truly desire something and you are aware of your own desire, then you have to take action, make a move or express yourself in a bold or decisive manner.
Alright
I am OK with your response, decision or behavior.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEWART RANSOM MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind