It's said that the musical urge in Kellogg started with a mixture of his dad's records (Cat Stevens/Jim Croce) and his sister's (Mötley Crüe/Bon Jovi). The songwriting of the former and the showmanship of the latter was the beginning of the musical attitude that pervades Kellogg's work today. Kellogg got his start recording and touring while attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 1994-1998. He independently released several solo albums before being signed to Universal Records in 2004.
www.stephenkellogg.com
Sun
Stephen Kellogg Lyrics
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I woke up in a cold sweat and got the urge to go
Daylight Savings lover, how about one more kiss?
Just to get me started, just to get me through this
Use me like you would the Sun
Burn until we burn it out, I'll see you on the run
Use me like I am a lighting bolt
Strike me down
Burning up the highway, I've been dreaming of the day
The sun comes up on Boston and you're so far away
The simpler the thought it seems the more profound cliché
And I'll throw you on the floor and you (I) will listen when I (you) say
Use me like you would the Sun
Burn it till we burn it out I'll see you on the run
Use me like I am a lightning bolt
Strike me down
Leaving in the morning time, leaving noon and night
Remember what you said, well I know now you were right
"It takes a bigger man to stay", if I meant that then we'd be ok
I love it how you understand, I wasn't wired that way
Use me like you would the Sun
Burn me till you burn me out I'll see you on the run
Use me like I am a lightning bolt
Strike me down
The song "Sun" by Stephen Kellogg is a poignant and emotional ballad about a lover's desire to be used by their partner, much like the sun or lightning bolt would be. The opening lines describe the singer's urge to leave and go somewhere else, waking up in a cold sweat somewhere south of Syracuse, or west of Buffalo. He speaks to his lover, referring to her as a "daylight savings lover," asking for one more kiss just to get him through this moment. He then asks her to use him like the sun, to burn until they burn it out and see each other on the run. He even asks her to use him like a lightning bolt, to strike him down.
The lyrics suggest a sense of longing, desperation, and devotion. The singer is willing to be used up by his lover, serving as a source of warmth and light, just like the sun. He even speaks of being "struck down" like a lightning bolt, suggesting that he is willing to be sacrificed in order to bring his lover some sort of enlightenment or moment of clarity. Throughout the song, the singer expresses his profound love and desire for his partner, willing to do anything just to be with her.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere South of Syracuse or West of Buffalo
I woke up in an unfamiliar place, confused and uncertain about my current location
I woke up in a cold sweat and got the urge to go
I felt an intense desire to leave my current situation and embark on a new journey
Daylight Savings lover, how about one more kiss?
Although I am leaving, I want one final moment of affection to hold onto
Just to get me started, just to get me through this
That kiss will give me the strength to begin my journey and overcome the challenges ahead
Use me like you would the Sun
I am willing to be someone's source of warmth and light, to give everything I have until there is nothing left
Burn until we burn it out, I'll see you on the run
Let us go on this adventure together, with passion and intensity until we exhaust ourselves, but we will continue to push forward
Use me like I am a lightning bolt
I know my worth and capability of making an impact, even if it's fleeting and temporary
Strike me down
Even if it hurts, I am willing to take risks and experience the consequences of my actions
Burning up the highway, I've been dreaming of the day
I have been eagerly anticipating this moment, ready to speed towards my destination
The sun comes up on Boston and you're so far away
Even though I am physically far from you, you continue to be a source of motivation and inspiration for me
The simpler the thought it seems the more profound cliché
Sometimes the basic and overused statements can have a deeper meaning and still hold value
And I'll throw you on the floor and you (I) will listen when I (you) say
In moments of intensity or frustration, we will still listen and respect each other, no matter the circumstance
Leaving in the morning time, leaving noon and night
I will leave at any time necessary to start this new journey
Remember what you said, well I know now you were right
I reflect on your advice and realize that it was valuable and correct
"It takes a bigger man to stay", if I meant that then we'd be ok
I acknowledge that my tendency to leave has caused issues, but I am also aware that you have stayed and I respect that
I love it how you understand, I wasn't wired that way
I appreciate your ability to see things from my perspective, even if it's vastly different from your own
Burn me till you burn me out I'll see you on the run
I am ready and willing to give all of myself to you, even if it consumes me in the end
Strike me down
I am still willing to take risks and face the consequences, even if it may be painful
Contributed by Zoe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Doug Webb
Very nice, that's a lot of sound coming from four people!
Doug Webb
The vocals at times remind me of Joe South....that is compliment!