Ocasek released his first solo album in 1982. Beatitude is a somewhat more experimental variation of The Cars' New Wave rock sound. A more synthesizer-heavy follow up, This Side Of Paradise, was released in 1986. A minor hit, "Emotion In Motion" accompanied the album.
The Cars split in 1987, and Ocasek disappeared from the public eye for several years, resurfacing in 1990 with Fireball Zone. One track, "Rockaway", enjoyed a brief stay on the charts, but his solo albums have seen disappointing sales, especially compared to his success with the Cars. He subsequently released other solo works throughout the decade, including 1993's Quick Change World, 1996's Getchertikitz (a collaboration with Suicide's Alan Vega), and 1997's Billy Corgan-produced Troublizing (which Ocasek supported with a very brief tour, his first since leaving the Cars). In 2005, Ocasek released another album, Nexterday, to little fanfare but positive reviews.
In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the surviving original members of The Cars to record their first album in 24 years, titled Move Like This, which came out on May 10, 2011.
BalancĂȘ
Ric Ocasek Lyrics
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The night comes on to you
You can go without a word
No long goodbyes for you
But you take it light
And you fly by night
Get your balance
Keep your balance
Get your balance
Keep your balance
Get your balance
You could feel your way around
You could knock on any door
Even when you turn them down
There's someone wanting more
Well you got it made
You better shoot the fade
The lyrics of Ric Ocasek's song "Balance" are about maintaining equilibrium in life, and not getting weighed down by the burdens of the world. The singer speaks to an individual who is able to navigate life with ease, able to see the beauty in the stars and the simplicity of life. This person is not held back by the constraints of society, with the ability to move on without a word. Yet, the singer reminds this person to keep their balance, to not stray too far from what they know and to keep themselves grounded.
Further, the lyrics suggest that this person has a level of freedom that allows them to feel their way around and knock on any door. Even in the face of rejection, there is a sense of confidence and self-assuredness that emanates from them. However, despite this, the singer reminds this person that there is always someone wanting more, and this can unbalance their lives if they are not careful. Therefore, they must shoot the fade and maintain the balance that they have worked hard to achieve.
Overall, the song "Balance" is a reminder that while life may be chaotic and full of challenges, it is essential to retain balance and not be overwhelmed by the pressures of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You can see the simple stars
You have the ability to appreciate the beauty in simple things, like the stars.
The night comes on to you
You welcome the night and all its possibilities.
You can go without a word
You don't need to explain yourself to anyone when you leave.
No long goodbyes for you
You don't like prolonged goodbyes and would rather slip away quietly.
But you take it light
You don't take things too seriously.
And you fly by night
You enjoy taking risks and living spontaneously.
Get your balance
Find a way to keep on track and not lose sight of what's important.
Keep your balance
Maintain your focus and steady yourself.
Get your balance
Remind yourself to stay grounded and true to yourself.
You could feel your way around
You have a good sense of intuition and know how to navigate unfamiliar situations.
You could knock on any door
You're not afraid to seek out new opportunities.
Even when you turn them down
Even if you choose not to pursue something, you know your worth.
There's someone wanting more
There will always be someone who wants something from you.
Well you got it made
You are successful and have everything you need.
You better shoot the fade
It's time to move on and let go of whatever is holding you back.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RIC OCASEK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind