The appearance of Egerton and Alvarez marked a turning point for the Descendents and their allied band ALL; for the first time, drummer Bill Stevenson found himself alongside players with the same manic, obsessively-correct technical virtuosity as he. Egerton's guitar playing is marked by a dexterity, precision and inventiveness rarely equalled in the pop-punk genre. This virtuosity was immediately evident on songs like Iceman, Schizophrenia and Van from the Descendants 1987 album "All". Egerton has continued to refine and develop his style in each subsequent release by consciously adopting lashings of retro-rock riffage and slurred soloing to balance the near-scientific quality of his playing.
In 2006, Egerton began recording for a new project, featuring former ALL vocalist Scott Reynolds. To date, the new band have released one song, Sunny Disposition. They have performed live only once, under the moniker 40 Engine in Tulsa, Oklahoma in August 2006.
South for the Winter
Stephen Egerton Lyrics
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The cold wind is crying just outside these walls*
Standing firm and tall
Through all our years
It whispers warnings of a changing place
But it's all that we've ever known
It's a dream that we can hold so tight
From dusk 'til light
Birth to grave, on roads we've paved
Like a mountain touching the clouds
Like a cold bird escaping south
We crave a home out of harms ways
She says "Be still, child" with a hush of calm
To hide the fear that crawls through every vein
He says "Just breath, child" to a quiet song
Despite the ticking bomb his heart contains
But it's all that we've ever known
It's a dream that we can hold so tight
From dusk 'til light
Birth to grave, on roads we've paved
Like a mountain touching the clouds
Like a cold bird escaping south
We crave a home out of harms ways
This is where we are now
But maybe tomorrow
Maybe tomorrow
Because it's all that we've ever known
A home in the eve of a storm that takes her breath away
It rains with greed but still we need
Like a mountain touching the clouds
Like a cold bird escaping south
As we hold on to what we've made
The song "South For The Winter" by Stephen Egerton featuring Tim McIlrath of Rise Against is a contemplative piece that reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the constant change that comes with it. The lyrics are rich in metaphor, using the imagery of the natural world to illustrate the human experience. The cold wind crying outside the walls of the singer's home represents the uncertain future, while the mountain touching the clouds and the cold bird escaping south represent the yearning for safety, security, and a sense of permanence in a world that is constantly in flux.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as it captures the tension between the desire for stability and the inevitability of change. The repeated refrain of "It's all that we've ever known" speaks to the comfort and familiarity of the present moment, while the final line, "As we hold on to what we've made," suggests a stubborn refusal to let go, even in the face of impending change. The song ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with the possibility of a brighter tomorrow, but it also acknowledges the bittersweet beauty of the present moment.
In summary, "South For The Winter" is a poignant reflection on the human experience and the complex emotions that come with it. The song uses rich imagery and evocative language to capture the essence of our universal desire for safety, security, and a sense of belonging, even in the midst of uncertainty and change.
Line by Line Meaning
The cold wind is crying just outside these walls*
The biting wind is howling outside, but we are standing resolutely within the boundaries of our home, come what may
Standing firm and tall
We remain steadfast and resolute in the face of whatever challenges we may encounter
Through all our years
We have been through a lot together, and have remained strong despite the trials and tribulations of life
It whispers warnings of a changing place
The wind carries with it a sense of foreboding, signaling to us that the world around us is transforming, and we must brace ourselves for what is to come
When we are asked to make way or disappear
There are those who would seek to displace or even eliminate us, and we must be on guard against them
But it's all that we've ever known
This home is where we have always lived, and it is dear to us
It's a dream that we can hold so tight
Despite the challenges and difficulties we face, we hold onto the hope that our home will continue to be a haven for us
From dusk 'til light
Day and night, we are always aware of the potential threats around us
Birth to grave, on roads we've paved
From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we navigate the paths we have created in our lives
Like a mountain touching the clouds
We stand strong and firm, like a towering peak reaching towards the heavens
Like a cold bird escaping south
But we also seek refuge, like a bird flying south to avoid the harsh winter
We crave a home out of harms ways
Above all, we want a safe and secure place to call our own
She says "Be still, child" with a hush of calm
In the face of adversity, we strive to remain calm and composed, taking solace in the soothing words of our loved ones
To hide the fear that crawls through every vein
But beneath the surface, we are all afraid, and need comfort and reassurance
He says "Just breath, child" to a quiet song
We take deep breaths and listen to music to calm our nerves
Despite the ticking bomb his heart contains
Even with the fear and anxiety we feel, we force ourselves to keep going, to keep living each day to the fullest, even in the face of danger
This is where we are now
We are in this moment, in this place, dealing with the challenges that confront us
But maybe tomorrow
But we hold onto the hope that tomorrow will bring relief, that things will get better
A home in the eve of a storm that takes her breath away
Our home is a refuge even during the most tumultuous times, when the storm clouds are gathering and we can barely breathe
It rains with greed but still we need
Even when the world seems cruel and heartless, we cling to the things that sustain us, that give us hope and comfort
As we hold on to what we've made
We cherish the things we have built and created, from our homes to our families, as they anchor us and give us purpose
Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.