Adams dropped out of high school at age 16 to work in a shoe shop and make music. He formed a band named Whiskeytown in 1994; they disbanded in 1999 having released two full albums, Faithless Street and Strangers Almanac. Adams went on to put out his first solo record, Heartbreaker, in 2000. After a long delay, in 2001 Whiskeytown's third album Pneumonia was finally issued.
In 2002, Ryan contributed backing vocals on Butterfly in Reverse, from the Counting Crows album, Hard Candy; after Adam Duritz (Counting Crows lead singer) appeared on the album Gold.
Ryan is highly prolific, and in 2005 released one double album and two regular albums: Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights and 29, respectively. His album, 29, was produced by friend Ethan Johns (who also produced his first two albums, Heartbreaker and Gold). In between those two releases and his 2005 triple-header, Ryan released Demolition (a collection of out-takes), Love Is Hell and Rock N Roll. Unreleased studio albums include 48 Hours, Exile On Franklin Street and Suicide Handbook.
In addition, Adams worked with Jesse Malin to form the punk-rock group The Finger (under the pseudonyms, "Warren Peace" and "Irving Plaza" respectively), who released two E.P.s which were collected together to form We Are Fuck You, released on One Little Indian Records in 2003.
In 2006 Ryan went on a minor UK-tour and a minor US-tour along the west-coast and has streamed 11+ mini albums on his website, under numerous jokey pseudonyms (DJ Reggie, Werewolph, The Shit, Rhoda Ro, Ghetto Birds).
The following solo record, entitled Easy Tiger, was released on June 26, 2007. The newest and last record with his backing band The Cardinals, Cardinology, was released in October 2008 and followed by extensive touring through the UK, US and Australia.
In January 2009 he announced that he would be going on an indefinite hiatus from music. The Kindness Songfacts reports that the major reason for Adams’ temporary retirement was his struggles with Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that wrecks havoc on hearing and balance. Adams resumed performing in October 2010, and released his thirteenth studio album, Ashes & Fire, on October 11, 2011. His now ex-wife, pop singer and actress Mandy Moore, contributed some backing vocals.
Easy Plateau
Ryan Adams Lyrics
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Where the cold don't come and the wind don't blow
Moonlight flickers on the water below
The orange grove blossoms
In the orange grove
Bad nights lead to better days
It doesn't matter but I think about it anyway
Some place to rest my head
I want an easy plateau
Some place to rest my head
For awhile, for awhile, for awhile
For a little while
Sleepyhead, come on let's take a ride
To the easy plateau in the back of your mind
Up through the alley, take the door under the stairs
My head ain't feeling nothing but cats and rocking chairs
Bad nights lead to better days
It never happens but I think about it anyway
I want an easy plateau
Some place to hang my head
I want an easy plateau
Some place to hang my head
For awhile, for awhile, for awhile
For a little while
How do I hold on to you
If I can't hold on to me
How do I hold on to you
I want an easy plateau
Some place to rest my head for a little while
I want an easy plateau
Some place to rest my head
I want an easy plateau
Some place to rest my head
An easy plateau
The lyrics of Ryan Adams & The Cardinals' song "Easy Plateau" suggest a yearning for escape from struggles or pain, a desire to find a safe haven in one's mind or in a physical place. The "easy plateau" is the metaphorical destination, and the setting is described as a peaceful, idyllic place where difficulties cease to exist. The first verse sets the dreamy landscape: "Where the cold don't come and the wind don't blow / Moonlight flickers on the water below / The orange grove blossoms / In the orange grove."
The chorus repeats the plea for a reprieve: "I want an easy plateau / Some place to rest my head / For awhile, for awhile, for awhile / For a little while." The second verse expands on this idea of seeking refuge, but with the suggestion that it may not be easy to find: "My head ain't feeling nothing but cats and rocking chairs / Bad nights lead to better days / It never happens but I think about it anyway." The question in the bridge - "How do I hold on to you / If I can't hold on to me" - adds another layer to the meaning, suggesting that personal struggles can strain relationships and the need for self-care in order to maintain them.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's take a ride to the easy plateau
Let's escape from the harsh realities of life and go to a peaceful, tranquil place.
Where the cold don't come and the wind don't blow
Where it's warm and comfortable, and nothing can disturb the peace.
Moonlight flickers on the water below
The atmosphere is serene and enchanting.
The orange grove blossoms In the orange grove
The journey to this place is visually appealing and creates a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Bad nights lead to better days
Sometimes things have to get worse before they can improve.
It doesn't matter but I think about it anyway
Even if there's no immediate resolution or answer, it's important to reflect on past experiences to gain clarity and understanding.
I want a easy plateau Some place to rest my head
The singer desires a peaceful, comfortable place to escape from the challenges of life and simply relax.
Sleepyhead, come on let's take a ride To the easy plateau in the back of your mind
The artist invites someone to join them in their imaginative journey to a serene mental state.
Up through the alley, take the door under the stairs My head ain't feeling nothing but cats and rocking chairs
The journey to an easy plateau is a surreal and imaginative experience for the artist, where they feel free from anxiety and worldly concerns.
How do I hold on to you If I can't hold on to me
The artist struggles to maintain stable relationships with others when they themselves are emotionally unbalanced and unsettled.
An easy plateau
The singer's incorporation of this phrase throughout the song reinforces their deep longing for a peaceful, serene place to escape from the world's chaos and harsh realities.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind