He began playing mandolin in the early career with Nickel Creek, but later switched to guitar. Sean made it to the National Flatpicking Championship in 1993 at age 16. Now Nickel Creek has exploded in the contemporary folk/bluegrass scene. This Watkins has already released 3 solo albums and appeared on many others. Of this experience, Watkins has said, "I've learned now to look back to music that has lasted through the years and to appreciate the timeless value that it has."
Sean's first album Let it Fall consists primarily of bluegrass inspired instrumental tracks. Providing the vocals on the only sung track on the album is former Toad the Wet Sprocket frontman Glen Phillips. Sean's second album, 26 Miles was a much bigger departure from bluegrass. While still mainly acoustic, the album showed influences from jazz, indie rock, and new age music. His third album, Blinder's On continues along many of the same lines as the previous one.
It was recently announced on Nickel Creek's website that the band would go on hiatus at the end of 2007. In an interview with Billboard magazine, Sean states that he plans to make music for movies.
Cammac
Sean Watkins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
things that won't die when they're bled
i can't live this way
nothing gets done in my head
your words they never go
they've made my head their home
though i often scold
but they always stay
and it's getting old
if there's nothing there
then why do i spend all the day
entertaining them
rewind and play them again
it's funny how i put up with all this
like i have nothing to do
and nothing to lose
i've said goodbye so many times
they've stayed too long
i've got thoughts of my own
The song "Cammac" by Sean Watkins delves into the inner workings of the songwriter's mind, and his difficulties in trying to function while battling recurring thoughts and memories. The opening lines mention "roses never red", indicating that even something as simple and beautiful as a rose cannot escape the burden of the mind. Watkins goes on to describe his struggle to rid himself of these thoughts and how they prevent him from getting things done. These thoughts are personified as "words" that "never go" and have taken up residence in his mind, despite his attempts to push them away.
The central theme of the song is the frustration that comes with being unable to control one's thoughts. Watkins questions why he spends so much time ruminating on things that have already happened, replaying them over and over again, and the toll it takes on him. He recognizes that he has said goodbye to these thoughts many times before, but they continue to linger and interfere with his life.
Overall, "Cammac" is a poignant and relatable reflection on the way our minds can be our greatest enemy, and our struggle to regain control over them.
Line by Line Meaning
roses never red
Things aren't always what they seem or expected to be
things that won't die when they're bled
Some thoughts or memories can't be easily forgotten or erased
i can't live this way
Living with a cluttered mind is not sustainable
nothing gets done in my head
Ruminating thoughts can be counterproductive and hinder progress
your words they never go
The impact of someone's words can last longer than expected
they've made my head their home
Someone else's words can take up residence in your mind rent-free
though i often scold
Even though I try to fight them
i try to shoo them away
I try to forcefully forget, but I fail
but they always stay
The thoughts, memories, or voices stay despite my efforts
and it's getting old
It's tiring and draining to constantly be battling your own thoughts
if there's nothing there
If there's no real substance to my thoughts or worries
then why do i spend all the day
Then why do I waste so much of my time and energy on them
entertaining them
Going over the same thoughts or memories repeatedly
rewind and play them again
Reliving the moments and wishing for a different outcome
it's funny how i put up with all this
It's ironic that I tolerate my own mental captivity
like i have nothing to do
As if I have no control over my thoughts or actions
and nothing to lose
As if I have no stake in my own mental health or well-being
i've said goodbye so many times
I've tried to let go and move on multiple times before
they've stayed too long
But the negative thoughts or memories continue to linger
i've got thoughts of my own
I have the power to control my own thoughts and choose what to focus on
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.