Averaging over 200 gigs per year for the past few years, Ryan Montbleau Ban… Read Full Bio ↴Averaging over 200 gigs per year for the past few years, Ryan Montbleau Band has generated the kind of buzz that only surrounds a talented artist on the verge.

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.

Stretch
Ryan Montbleau Band Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Take me under and make me understand.
Block my lungs off and make me appreciate the air.
Show me the way to touch my toes.
Make it a little bit easier, now, this pain it ever grows.
Show me the way to do the things I've always wanted to do,
To do.

Open up my eyes, tell me all about these lies that I've been telling.

Buying into fantasies and dreams my own demons were selling.
Show me the way to spread my wings.
Make me wonder how I never trusted those things.
I know that I could fly the highest if I'm only given the time,
The time.

And it's going to take microphones and stages,
Many people rearranging what their plans are for the night time
Hope they show up at the right time
And I'll sing them my song
And I hope they sing along
I know they always sing along in my imagination.

Take me under and make me understand.
Block my lungs off and make me appreciate the air.
Show me the way to touch my toes.
Make it a little bit easier, now, this pain it ever grows.
Show me the way to do the things I've always thought that I could do,
Could do.

And it's going to take microphones and stages,
Many people rearranging what their plans are for the night time
Hope you show up at the right time
And I'll sing you my song

And I hope you sing along
I know you always sing along in my imagination.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ryan Montbleau Band's song "Stretch" convey the theme of pushing oneself to overcome self-limitations to achieve growth and progress. The singer asks to be taken under and made to understand, indicating a willingness to learn from difficult experiences. The line "Block my lungs off and make me appreciate the air" suggests that sometimes one may need to feel discomfort to fully appreciate the positive aspects of life. The repetition of the lines "Show me the way to touch my toes" and "Show me the way to do the things I've always wanted to do" emphasize the desire for guidance in achieving personal goals.

The second verse highlights the negative impact of believing lies and giving in to self-doubt. The line "Make me wonder how I never trusted those things" expresses regret for missed opportunities and suggests a newfound confidence. The chorus repeats the idea that the singer needs "microphones and stages" to share their music and reach an audience, implying that success requires effort and perseverance.

The last lines, "I know you always sing along in my imagination," acknowledge the importance of imagination and visualization in achieving one's goals. The song overall encourages the listener to embrace challenges, aim high, and believe in themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

Take me under and make me understand.
Guide me deeply into something and help me comprehend it.

Block my lungs off and make me appreciate the air.
Physically restrict me and then allow me to value something simple.

Show me the way to touch my toes.
Lead me to accomplish something I once thought impossible.

Make it a little bit easier, now, this pain it ever grows.
Soothe my discomfort or resistance as I attempt to attain a goal.

Show me the way to do the things I've always wanted to do, to do.
Demonstrate the path towards achieving my deepest desires.

Open up my eyes, tell me all about these lies that I've been telling.
Expose my self-deception and help me confront my falsehoods.

Buying into fantasies and dreams my own demons were selling.
Giving in to delusions and desires fueled by my inner demons and negativity.

Show me the way to spread my wings.
Direct me towards unlocking my potential and taking chances.

Make me wonder how I never trusted those things.
Provide a new perspective that makes me question my past doubts or fears.

I know that I could fly the highest if I'm only given the time, the time.
I am capable of achieving great heights, given the necessary resources and opportunities.

And it's going to take microphones and stages, many people rearranging what their plans are for the night time. Hope they show up at the right time.
I'll need to perform publicly and draw in audiences who are willing to be flexible with their schedules.

And I'll sing them my song, and I hope they sing along. I know they always sing along in my imagination.
I will share my musical expression and hope that it resonates with others, even if only in my mind.

And it's going to take microphones and stages, many people rearranging what their plans are for the night time. Hope you show up at the right time.
I'm counting on individuals to attend my shows and witness my performances for them to be successful.

And I'll sing you my song, and I hope you sing along. I know you always sing along in my imagination.
I want to share my musical expression with listeners and inspire them to join in with my artistry.

Take me under and make me understand.
Guide me deeply into something and help me comprehend it.

Block my lungs off and make me appreciate the air.
Physically restrict me and then allow me to value something simple.

Show me the way to touch my toes.
Lead me to accomplish something I once thought impossible.

Make it a little bit easier, now, this pain it ever grows.
Soothe my discomfort or resistance as I attempt to attain a goal.

Show me the way to do the things I've always thought that I could do, could do.
Assist me in realizing the potential I've always known was within me.

Contributed by Ruby B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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