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.
Sweet Illusion
Ryan Adams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got nothing to say to you now
Lose the feelings that are weighing me down
When I'm sane
It's turning morning all the birds sing
I'm not complicating anything
I'll have another and then I'll go to bed
Cause it's almost over
Yeah it's almost gone
I can feel the sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
And I ain't got nothing but love for you now
You and I used to shine like a jewel
But time's been nothing to us but cruel
So play it out and never play the fool
Cause you'll lose everytime
We were nothing,we were only the past
Hard times like that don't last
I've been forgiven,I've been surpassed
By my heart
Have you?
Cause it's almost over
Yeah it's almost gone
I can feel the sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
And I ain't got nothing but love
Love for you that I can't use
Lonely nights multiplied by the blues
I can't resolve
You never knew me but you did you're best
I'm just lonely inside I guess
You gave me everything you really tried
Thanks
If we are nothing and we're only the past
Well I'm just living in a dream I guess
A long black dream that takes me down the river to you
Where it's almost over
And it's almost gone
And I can feel the sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
Sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
And I ain't got nothing but love for you now
The song Sweet Illusions by Ryan Adams/The Cardinals is a poignant reflection on love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of memories. The opening lines "Let me go I'm only letting you down, I got nothing to say to you now, Lose the feelings that are weighing me down, When I'm sane" sets the tone of the song as a reflection on a past relationship in which the singer feels weighed down by the memories and emotions associated with it. The lyrics are marked by a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the singer acknowledges that the relationship is coming to an end and there is nothing left to be said or done.
As the song progresses, the singer reminisces about happier times when "you and I used to shine like a jewel." However, the passage of time has not been kind to their relationship, and they find themselves living in the past, unable to move on. The lyrics "We were nothing, we were only the past, Hard times like that don't last, I've been forgiven, I've been surpassed, By my heart, Have you?" highlight the challenge of letting go of a past relationship and the pain that comes with it.
In the chorus, the singer speaks of a "sweet illusion" that is coming down, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the memories and illusions associated with the past relationship. Despite the heartache and loneliness, the singer concludes the song by affirming their love for the person, even if they can't be with them.
Overall, Sweet Illusions is a deeply introspective and emotional song that captures the complexity of human relationships and the pain of letting go.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me go I'm only letting you down
I don't want to hurt you, so let me go.
I got nothing to say to you now
I don't have anything left to say to you.
Lose the feelings that are weighing me down
When I'm sane
I need to let go of these negative feelings when I'm in a good and clear state of mind.
It's turning morning all the birds sing
I'm not complicating anything
I'll have another and then I'll go to bed
And dream of you
I'm trying to keep it simple, enjoy the present moment and drink away my troubles while still dreaming of you.
Cause it's almost over
Yeah it's almost gone
Our relationship is ending and there's not much time left.
I can feel the sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
And I ain't got nothing but love for you now
Despite our relationship ending, I still feel love for you which might be illusory and confusing.
You and I used to shine like a jewel
But time's been nothing to us but cruel
So play it out and never play the fool
Cause you'll lose everytime
We used to be happy and precious but time has been unkind to us, so we should live out the rest of our relationship wisely.
We were nothing,we were only the past
Hard times like that don't last
I've been forgiven,I've been surpassed
By my heart
Have you?
We were insignificant and our problems are now in the past, I've moved on and forgiven you. Have you done the same?
I can't resolve
You never knew me but you did you're best
I'm just lonely inside I guess
You gave me everything you really tried
Thanks
I'm still struggling to come to terms with our breakup, and though you tried your best I still feel lonely. Thanks for trying anyway.
If we are nothing and we're only the past
Well I'm just living in a dream I guess
A long black dream that takes me down the river to you
Where it's almost over
And it's almost gone
And I can feel the sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
Sweet illusion
Sweet confusion
Sweet illusion coming down
And I ain't got nothing but love for you now
If we're nothing but a memory, then I'm living in a dream that takes me back to you. Our relationship is about to end but I still feel this confusing yet sweet love for you.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRADLEY SMITH PEMBERTON, CATHERINE ANNE POPPER, CINDY CASHDOLLAR, JOHN P BOWERSOCK, RYAN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Woof Dog
Adams music in 20/30 years will stand up there with anyone’s.The quality is incredible.Just a treasure trove of absolute wonders..He has this innate ability to speak right to your heart
Derek T
His songwriting has the power to melt your heart .
RC Carlson
Still listening.... years later. This track is perfection.
Tubebrerry
Could be Ryan's masterpiece. Certainly the best song on this album. And probably his masterpiece, though I'm willing to entertain other candidates and suggestions.
They Call Me Sir
How do you keep love alive and easy plateau are pretty darn good, too
Gage Smith
This is the one.
Blaise Castelli
One of his best…and there are sooooo many!!
Logan dogan
Dang, this guy can write a song.
Jena Lynn Lavigne
Why is this song so underrated.. he is an amazing singer and his songs ... ❤️
Aaron Davis
One of the best breakup songs of all time. Under rated