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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Kill My Confidence
Ryan Ferguson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The only words that even matter now, I'll leave 'em out.
This conversation's left me little doubt that she's sorry now.
And she's not allowed to kill my confidence.
So tell me how your story's out and so watered-down.
Bye, bye.
The only reason I am writing you, is reminding you that I know the truth.
You set me up just like you wanted to.
This situation, from my point of view, is all over now.
And she's not allowed to kill my confidence and attitude.
Eye for an eye. Tooth for a tooth.
Bye, bye.
So don't act surprised if I decide to disappear.
And pay no attention to what I have mentioned here.
What a selfish display for a girl as humane and dear.
I should have known this was going to happen.
The lyrics to Ryan Ferguson's song "Kill My Confidence" speak to the aftermath of a tumultuous relationship. The singer is addressing their former partner, pointing out the lies and manipulation that occurred in the past. The singer has come to the realization that the relationship is over and that it's time to move on. They refuse to let their former partner "kill [their] confidence" and are determined to assert their own strength and independence.
The line "The only thing I ever cried about, I lied about… as I'm lying now" highlights the idea that there were things that were kept hidden during the relationship. The singer is now acknowledging that they were not entirely honest in the past, but they are being truthful about their feelings now. The repetition of "bye, bye" throughout the song emphasizes the finality of the relationship.
The line "What a selfish display for a girl as humane and dear" suggests that the singer is trying to come to terms with their former partner's behavior. They realize that their former partner may have been acting out of their own pain or insecurities, but they are still hurt by the way they were treated.
Line by Line Meaning
The only thing I ever cried about, I lied about ... as I'm lying now.
I'm not being truthful with myself, or anyone else. I've cried about a lot of things, but I never admitted it to myself, and now I'm continuing to lie.
The only words that even matter now, I'll leave 'em out.
I don't see the point in saying anything at all, because it won't make a difference. The only words that matter are the ones that go unspoken.
This conversation's left me little doubt that she's sorry now.
I can tell from our conversation that she feels bad about what happened. She might have hurt me in the past, but she's showing remorse now.
And she's not allowed to kill my confidence.
No matter what she does, she can't make me doubt myself. I won't let her take away my self-assurance.
So tell me how your story's out and so watered-down.
I want to know how you've told the story to other people. I bet you've made it sound less severe than it really was.
The only reason I am writing you, is reminding you that I know the truth.
I'm writing this to let you know that I remember what really happened. I know the truth, and I'm not going to forget it.
You set me up just like you wanted to.
You manipulated me so that I would end up hurt. You got what you wanted, but you won't get any satisfaction from me.
Have you figured out I'm not bulletproof?
You thought you could hurt me and I would just brush it off. Well, I'm not invincible. Your actions have consequences.
This situation, from my point of view, is all over now.
I'm done with this situation. I'm moving on, and I won't allow it to consume me anymore.
And she's not allowed to kill my confidence and attitude.
I have a lot of self-belief, and I won't let anyone take that away from me. I won't let her negativity affect my outlook on life.
Eye for an eye. Tooth for a tooth.
I believe in karma. What goes around, comes around. You'll get what you deserve, eventually.
So don't act surprised if I decide to disappear.
I might choose to walk away from this situation. Don't be shocked if I do.
And pay no attention to what I have mentioned here.
Don't take what I've said to heart. It's just something I needed to get off my chest.
What a selfish display for a girl as humane and dear.
You might seem kind and thoughtful on the surface, but your actions have proven otherwise. You were selfish, and it's disappointed me.
I should have known this was going to happen.
I should have seen this coming. I knew that you had the potential to hurt me, and I still let my guard down.
Contributed by Brayden B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.