Emerging onto the national music scene from his home base of Boston, Ryan Montbleau has been described as something of a Martin Sexton by way of Van Morrison and Stevie Wonder. Yet Ryan Montbleau Band’s music is difficult to pigeon-hole or neatly categorize. It is original yet familiar—a fresh sound full of firmly-rooted ingredients, including Americana, folk, blues, ragtime and ’70’s R&B and soul. Whereas the band’s intriguing instrumentation and arrangements (not to mention top notch chops) help to create this unique sound, all is firmly anchored by Montbleau’s water-tight lyrics and unmistakable voice.
Having begun his career playing Boston’s coffee shops and folk venues as a solo artist with an infectious, percussive, fingerpicking guitar style, the charismatic Ryan Montbleau has evolved into the front man for the eclectic ensemble that bears his name. Make no mistake—this is a band in every sense of the word and is powered by the dynamics of Matt Giannaros (acoustic upright bass, electric bass, vocals), Laurence Scudder (viola), Jason Cohen (piano, organ, clavinet, Rhodes, Moog) and James Cohen (drums).
Their first collective album, One Fine Color, was released on Valentine’s Day, 2006 and shows a cohesive vision rarely seen among young artists today. Several thousand copies have sold so far and the album has been raved about by music lovers of all types and, perhaps most notably, all ages (from senior citizens to infants and everyone in between). One Fine Color showcases the timeless songwriting, invigorating energy, and humble, honest sincerity that has allowed Ryan Montbleau Band to expand its passionate fan base one show, and one listen at a time.
This combination of art and personality creates that magical bond between performer and audience that Ryan Montbleau Band is fortunate to have in these cynical times. Sustaining the band through the years as they toured incessantly, virtually living on the road, they have already established a large, passionate following throughout the country.
It's All Been Done Before
Ryan Montbleau Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Young days filled with affluent affection.
Late nights all alone, walking along those suburban roads,
Searching for some cosmic connection.
And as he walked those tree-lined roads,
He would swear himself a sacred oath
To always reach up endless toward the sky.
He would curse the lack of something new
And he'd stare up at the sky and wonder why'
Why it's all been done before
And so it will again.
'Nothing new left for me to do,' he said.
And it's all been done before
It''s all been tried and true and said,
There must be something somewhere out there someone left.
She was the daughter of a military man,
Each year marked by a different direction.
Seasons spent in the solitude of some transitory plan
Running from any constant connection.
And just as she might settle in
The orders came to leave again
And she'd stare down at the ground and refuse to cry.
Bags packed and off to go
She would swear herself a silent oath
To someday stay in one place just for a while'
Because it's all been done before
And so it will again.
'Nothing new is ever new,' she said.
And it's all been done before,
It's all been tried and true and said,
And it makes no bit of difference in the end.
They met on a moonlit night when the evergreens were waving
Ever so slightly in that misty western wind.
He walked along his usual path
And she sat upon her brand-new, old fence
And through the haze of the streetlight their eyes met.
Their eyes met'
Their eyes met'
And then they started up a conversation,
Just a simple little conversation
And that was it.
And though it seemed like endless nights and days
It did not take long for him to say,
'You''re the one for me, I'll buy you a diamond ring.
And together we will see the world,
Walk every inch upon this earth,
We will climb the highest mountains,
Sail the shining seas,
Do everything.'
And she said,
'No, it's all been done before.
Worry not your head.
Me and you is something new,' she said.
And it's all been done before,
It's all been tried and true and said,
'I want you, not something new,' is what she said.
And he lifted up his head,
Looked her in the eye,
And said, 'I think I understand
For the first time in my life.
That it's all been done before.
And it's all been done before.
Ain't it beautiful
It's all been done before.'
The song "It's All Been Done Before" by Ryan Montbleau Band tells the story of two individuals, each feeling trapped by the mundanity of life and the belief that there is nothing new under the sun. The first character, a young man, comes from an affluent family but feels unfulfilled and seeks something greater beyond his suburban home. He walks alone at night, gazing at the stars, and vows to always strive toward the sky, to create something new and groundbreaking. The second character, a military brat, never stays in one place long enough to form lasting connections or experience a sense of belonging. She, too, feels trapped by the belief that everything has been done before, and refuses to settle for anything less than something truly unique.
The two characters eventually meet and fall in love, but the young man proposes to his love, and she hesitates, citing the belief that "it's all been done before." However, she clarifies that she does not need something new, but rather him, and the two embrace their love, realizing that while the world may be full of recycled concepts and tired ideas, their love is something truly beautiful and unique.
Overall, the song explores the idea of accepting the cyclical nature of life and the possibility that there may be nothing truly new under the sun. However, the characters' realization that their love is something special and unprecedented reminds the listener that while life may be repetitive, love is a consistently novel and breathtaking experience.
Line by Line Meaning
He was the son of a loving business man,
He grew up in a household where his father prioritized work and business but still showed him love.
Young days filled with affluent affection.
He experienced love in a lifestyle of abundance and prosperity during his youth.
Late nights all alone, walking along those suburban roads,
As a young adult, he often found himself walking alone at night on the quiet streets of his suburban neighborhood.
Searching for some cosmic connection.
He was looking for a deeper meaning or purpose to life, something profound.
And as he walked those tree-lined roads,
While walking along the roads with trees lining his path, he had time to ponder and reflect.
He would swear himself a sacred oath
He made a solemn promise to himself.
To always reach up endless toward the sky.
To strive for something greater and beyond himself, for some kind of spiritual attainment.
Walking through the midnight dew
He walked outside at night when the dew had fallen, leaving a soft moisture beneath his feet.
He would curse the lack of something new
He felt a sense of frustration and disappointment with the repetition and monotony of life.
And he'd stare up at the sky and wonder why'
He would gaze up at the vastness of the sky, feeling small and questioning the meaning of his existence or the purpose of the universe.
Why it's all been done before
Everything in life has already been experienced, nothing is truly new or original.
And so it will again.
The cycle of repetition will continue endlessly.
'Nothing new left for me to do,' he said.
He feels like everything has already been done before, there is nothing new for him to accomplish or experience.
And it's all been done before
Life is just a series of repetitions, nothing is truly unique or new.
It's all been tried and true and said,
Everything has already been tested, proven, and expressed.
There must be something somewhere out there someone left.
Despite the sense of repetition, there is still the possibility of uncovering something new or undiscovered.
She was the daughter of a military man,
She was brought up in a family that had a strong connection to military service or lifestyle.
Each year marked by a different direction.
The fluid nature of military life often meant moving from place to place and starting over with new directions and challenges.
Seasons spent in the solitude of some transitory plan
She found herself in a state of loneliness, moving from place to place.
Running from any constant connection.
She never wanted to stay in one place long enough to establish a lasting relationship, afraid of the pain of leaving people behind.
And just as she might settle in
She would start to feel comfortable and at home.
The orders came to leave again
She received orders to move to a new location once more.
And she'd stare down at the ground and refuse to cry.
She would hold back her tears and stared at the ground, feeling a sense of sadness and frustration.
Bags packed and off to go
She had to pack her bags and leave once again.
She would swear herself a silent oath
She made a secret promise to herself.
To someday stay in one place just for a while'
To one day be stationary and have a sense of stability and permanence.
Because it's all been done before
She feels that everything has already been experienced and done before her time.
It's all been tried and true and said,
All possibilities have been tested and proven or spoken of.
And it makes no bit of difference in the end.
The result is always the same, it doesn't matter what she does.
They met on a moonlit night when the evergreens were waving
They first encountered each other on a mystical and serene evening marked by the gentle movement of evergreen trees.
Ever so slightly in that misty western wind.
The wind blowing from the west was damp and faint.
He walked along his usual path
He took his typical route, as he usually does.
And she sat upon her brand-new, old fence
She sat on a new fence that seemed old and had history to it.
And through the haze of the streetlight their eyes met.
In the dim light of the streetlamp, they made eye contact.
And then they started up a conversation,
They began talking and getting to know each other.
Just a simple little conversation
Their chat was basic but meaningful.
And that was it.
Their connection was instant, and they knew that something special had happened.
And though it seemed like endless nights and days
Their time together felt infinite and lasting.
It did not take long for him to say,
He expressed his feelings for her quickly.
'You''re the one for me, I'll buy you a diamond ring.
He professed his love for her and promised to give her an engagement ring.
And together we will see the world,
They would travel the globe as a couple.
Walk every inch upon this earth,
They would explore the farthest corners of the world on foot.
We will climb the highest mountains,
They'd conquer the planet's tallest peaks.
Sail the shining seas,
They'd brave the open waters as well.
Do everything.'
They would have limitless possibilities and adventure together.
And she said,
She replied to his bold proposition.
'No, it's all been done before.
She feels that everything has already been experienced before her time.
Worry not your head.
Do not stress over this and just love me.
Me and you is something new,' she said.
Their romantic relationship is still unique and new, despite what has happened in the past.
And it's all been done before,
Life is just a repetition of cycles and experiences.
It's all been tried and true and said,
All possibilities have been tested, proven or spoken of already.
'I want you, not something new,' is what she said.
She loves him for who he is and not for the possibility of something new or unique.
And he lifted up his head,
He raised his head and looked at her with a newfound understanding.
Looked her in the eye,
He gazed deeply into her eyes.
And said, 'I think I understand
He feels like he gets it now.
For the first time in my life.
He's never felt like this before.
Ain't it beautiful
Life is beautiful, despite its repetitions.
It's all been done before.'
Even though everything is repeated, it is still beautiful and worthwhile.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALFIE ZAPPACOSTA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Anderson
Saw this band in Duluth, MN years ago. Still absolutely love this song. Would love to see them live again