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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The Imposter
Ryan Ferguson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have I forgotten to put something back in?
No time to think about my own reaction
You're playing with my head
Playing with my head
And what's the point of this security?
I've fallen victim to another man's scheme
Shedding all my skin, the guilty party wins
It's after midnight you've been identified
Half asleep you sent me on my way again
And I've wrestled with my principles
Everyone's persuading me to turn you in
A violation of my privacy
Never imagined this would happen to me
So have I failed to live anonymously?
Blending in we mask, the targets on our backs
It's after midnight you've been identified
Half asleep you sent me on my way again
And I've wrestled with my principles
Everyone's persuading me to turn you in
Woah, oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh
Half asleep you sent me on my way again
Woah, oh, oh
Woah, oh, oh
Everyone's persuading me to turn you in
The lyrics of Ryan Ferguson's song The Imposter take a closer look at the feeling of being a victim of identity theft. It begins with the artist realizing that their account has been overdrawn, and someone has already taken off with their money. At this point, the artist is confused and trying to rationalize what has happened. They feel like they have fallen victim to someone else's scheme, and the idea of identity theft triggers a reaction that they can't shake off. The repeated lines, "You're playing with my head, playing with my head" show the artist's increasing frustration at seeing their life being played with by a stranger.
The second stanza discusses how violating it feels to be robbed of one's privacy. The artist says that they never thought something like this would happen to them and wonders if they have failed in keeping their personal information anonymous. The feeling of being a victim of a crime is prevalent throughout the song and is the basis of the artist's feelings of being conflicted. The final lines of the song highlight the confusion that the artist feels, as they are unsure whether to turn in the thief or not.
Overall, the lyrics of The Imposter by Ryan Ferguson present a viewpoint on identity theft from the perspective of the victim. The lyrics capture the frustration, confusion, and invasion of privacy that one feels when robbed of their identity. The repeated lines and the melancholic melody highlight the seriousness of the situation and emphasize the feeling of helplessness in such an event.
Line by Line Meaning
So this account is overdrawn again?
I have spent more money than I have in my bank account.
Have I forgotten to put something back in?
Did I forget to deposit money into my bank account?
No time to think about my own reaction
I am too busy to consider my own emotions.
You're playing with my head
You are toying with my mind and emotions.
And what's the point of this security?
Why bother having security measures in place?
I've fallen victim to another man's scheme
I have been tricked by someone else's plan.
It's nothing personal, you're trying to tell me
This is not about me personally, you're explaining.
Shedding all my skin, the guilty party wins
The person who committed the crime has gotten away with it.
It's after midnight you've been identified
The time is late, and you have been recognized.
Half asleep you sent me on my way again
You were not fully awake when you directed me what to do.
And I've wrestled with my principles
I have been struggling with my core values.
Everyone's persuading me to turn you in
I am being pressured by others to report you to authorities.
A violation of my privacy
My privacy has been breached.
Never imagined this would happen to me
I never expected this to occur to me.
So have I failed to live anonymously?
Did I not succeed in remaining anonymous?
Blending in we mask, the targets on our backs
By conforming to society, we make ourselves vulnerable.
Woah, oh, oh
A vocalization of emotion.
Half asleep you sent me on my way again
You directed me even though you were not fully awake.
Everyone's persuading me to turn you in
Many people are urging me to report you to authorities.
Contributed by Caleb O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.