Going solo, Ferguson issued the acoustic based Three, Four in 2005. Self-released and supported by a U.S. tour with Switchfoot, the five-song EP sold thousands of copies through mail order and touring. The album’s lead track, Suddenly, was interpreted for The Sims 2 (Electronic Arts) and swiftly added to regular rotation at San Diego’s trendsetting 91X and Indie 103.1 Los Angeles. Three, Four scored a San Diego Music Award for ‘Best Pop Album’, with a tight collection of songs that set the bar even higher for future albums.
Ferguson’s latest work is the culmination of a lifetime of influences. With Only Trying to Help, he expands his sonic palette and pop sensibilities, but loses none of his intensity. A lifelong San Diegan, Ferguson grew up in the 80’s. He was a songwriter by the time he hit 7th grade, having absorbed the music of previous decades. “I was way into The Boss when I was a kid,” laughs Ferguson, “And my uncle made me an instant Beatles fan by the time I was 12.”
Fans of hook-filled songwriting in the grand tradition of Jellyfish and Brian Wilson on one end, and Wire or Superchunk on the other, will find Only Trying to Help essential listening. Ferguson has crafted a unique sound full of swirling acoustic six strings, double tracked vocals and chimes, all fused with his signature bombastic electric guitar. The effect is breathtaking as he wrings every last bit of melody out of each song. Over a year in the making, Only Trying to Help hits a little harder emotionally than Ferguson’s past projects. A glance at the lyric sheet shows some heavy times indeed, but the pop edge of the tunes keep them from being melancholy.
“Because of the delicate subject matter, my goal was to write a real powerful record. One that people won’t forget too easily.” Ferguson succeeds. Despite a glossy pop edge and solid hooks throughout, the songs contain an intimacy that’s quite affecting.
In addition to producing, Ferguson plays nearly every instrument on Only Trying to Help, including drums on In the Sea. Now known as a fiery guitarist, Ferguson was originally a drummer. “I really got into Rocket from the Crypt,” says Ferguson, explaining the switch, which saw him helming No Knife through four albums. Inspired by guitarists such as John Reis and aMinature’s John Lee, Ferguson blazed a trail of manic post punk rock ‘n’ roll lasting nearly a decade.
“I’ve always written pop music, so these songs aren’t too far off from what I’ve always done," remarks Ferguson. And while his analogy might ring true on an anthemic rocker like Remission, the string and harmony-laden ballad Must be Friday Night shows a real progression in song craft. “I’m always thinking about new melodies. That’s why I keep a little digital recorder handy.”
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INTRODUCTION
Ryan Ferguson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My head forgets to function
Instead my hands start touching you
As I sleep
No need for intervention
May I make one suggestion?
This doctor’s filling up
So we’re finally getting somewhere
I’ll pack my bags and disappear
With one thing in hand
A faded photograph of her face
It takes me to the safest place
Faster than I can
Why do they hide in the basement?
Pretending everyone’s safe from
This master plan I made up
Inside my head
How foolish do you think I am?
Come on, let’s get with the program
Unsure of my intentions, my good friend
So we’re finally getting somewhere
I’ll pack my bags and disappear
With one thing in hand
A faded photograph of her face
It takes me to the safest place
Faster than I can
As my time slowly winds down
It won’t be long before I turn out right
As my time slowly winds down
It won’t be long before I turn out right
Won’t be long before I turn out right
Won’t be long before I turn out right
In "Introduction," Ryan Ferguson sings about feeling lost and disconnected from reality. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as he apologizes for his inability to function properly and explains how he reaches out for comfort in his sleep. The repeated phrase "So we're finally getting somewhere" suggests a hope for change, yet it is accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and longing, embodied in the faded photograph of a woman that takes him to a "safe" place.
Throughout the song, Ferguson seems to be struggling with mental health issues and a feeling of isolation. He asks why others pretend to be safe from his "master plan" in his head, and expresses uncertainty about his own intentions. The chorus, with its repeated lines about turning out right, hints at a desire for a better future, yet the song ends with a sense of ambiguity as to whether that future will ever materialize.
Line by Line Meaning
Excuse my introduction
Apologies for my lack of coherence
My head forgets to function
I am struggling to form coherent thoughts
Instead my hands start touching you
My instinctual desire takes over
As I sleep
Even in my dreams this persists
No need for intervention
There's nothing you can do to help me
May I make one suggestion?
Can I offer a piece of advice?
This doctor’s filling up
My therapist isn't helping
The wrong prescription for me
I need a new approach
So we’re finally getting somewhere
I feel like we're making progress
I’ll pack my bags and disappear
I'm ready to move on
With one thing in hand
I have one reminder of the past
A faded photograph of her face
This picture of her is a comfort
It takes me to the safest place
It brings me back to a happy memory
Faster than I can
Almost instinctually
Why do they hide in the basement?
Why do people avoid their problems?
Pretending everyone’s safe from
Deluding themselves into a false sense of security
This master plan I made up
These fantasies I've constructed
Inside my head
Are my own creations and do not reflect reality
How foolish do you think I am?
I'm not as naive as you might believe
Come on, let’s get with the program
Time to face reality and deal with life's obstacles
Unsure of my intentions, my good friend
Even I am not sure what I want
As my time slowly winds down
As my life comes to an end
It won’t be long before I turn out right
I believe I will find peace and happiness eventually
Won’t be long before I turn out right
I am hopeful for the future
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES FINK, FREDERICK JOHN HENDERSON ABBOTT, THOMAS ALEXANDER JOHN HOBDEN, MATTHEW EDWARD OWENS, MICHAEL ANDREW PETULLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind