“SK6ERS,” as the band is affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit “Goose” Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian “Boots” Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. “We’ve all opted to approach our life in the same way – trying to put integrity ahead of ambitions of fame and fortune, though we’d like that too... at least the fortune part,” Stephen says with a laugh.
Many bands talk about “keeping it real,” but in The Sixers’ case, they mean it. “We’re not up there projecting a personality we can’t believe in. I think it’s important to go with the feel of each moment and take chances. If that means we get out of synch or sing out of key once in a while, so be it. The crags are cool because they’re interesting.”
That explains why producer Tom Schick (Norah Jones, Ryan Adams, Rufus Wainwright) signed up for the new record. “Each person in The Sixers really adds a lot,” he says. “They’re so locked in with each other. Stephen is definitely the leader of the gang, but everybody has their say,” he adds of the roles played by Boots Factor and Kit Karlson. “They rise and fall together. It’s amazing to watch them work.”
Schick now understands why the group has a growing legion of loyal fans. “They’re a ‘classic rock’ band in the best sense of the phrase,” he says. “You can hear Neil Young, Tom Petty and John Cougar in there. It brings back a lot of good feelings about growing up and listening to great people who can really play their instruments. It’s not pieced together on a computer. It’s very refreshing.”
The band announced an indefinite hiatus in July 2012 and began a farewell tour that wrapped up in New York City, as the band played to their largest headlining audience ever.
www.stephenkellogg.com
1993
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was only 16 when I met my wife
I took her out on a date, yeah they were good ol' times
I never was late for a Friday night
We lived at least two towns apart
I'd sneak out of my parent's house after dark
Throwing rocks at the window till she'd appear
I fell in love back in 1993
I fell in love and I'm never going back to sleep
So I told her I did and she did too
We got a two room apartment and ate takeout food
It wasn't even a year and we were on our way
The doctor says "It's a girl and have you picked a name?"
And if she meets some boy two towns apart
I'll be up till dawn watching for his car
But for now I'm up every night and day
You know I wouldn't have it any other way
I fell in love back in 1993
I fell in love and I'm never going back to sleep
Sweet little thing got my wrapped around her finger
I fell in love back in 1993
I blink my eyes and I'm thinking that this can't be right
That little miss became a woman over night
She's getting married and she says that he's a lot like me
Maybe I just fell asleep in front of MTV, all I know is that
I fell in love back in 1993
I fell in love and I'm never going back to sleep
Still like your conversation and you still look good to me
This thing all started back in 1993
I fell in love back in 1993
I fell in love back in 1993
This thing all started back in 1-9-9-3
I fell in love and I'm never going back to sleep
This all started back in 1993
The song "1993" by Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers is a nostalgic and heartwarming story about falling in love and starting a family. The song begins with the singer confessing that he was never punctual but he met his wife when he was only sixteen years old. Despite his usual habits, he never missed a Friday night date with her. They were young and lived two towns apart, but he would sneak out of his parents' house in the middle of the night to visit her. He remembers the thrill of throwing rocks at her window until she appeared. Even after all these years, he can still see her face when he closes his eyes.
The song continues with the singer describing how they fell in love and moved in together in a small apartment. They started their life together and soon found out that they were expecting a baby girl. He jokes that if she ever meets a boy who lives two towns apart like he did, he'll be up all night watching for his car. However, for now, he is content with being up all night and day caring for his daughter. He fell in love with his wife in 1993 and it's a love that has lasted for years. The chorus repeats the line "I fell in love back in 1993, and I'm never going back to sleep."
The song ends with the singer realizing that time has passed quickly. He blinks his eyes and remembers his little girl, who is now getting married. He reflects on their journey together and marvels at how fast time has gone by. He mentions that his daughter's soon-to-be husband is a lot like him, and wonders if he fell asleep in front of MTV and missed everything. Regardless, he knows that it all started back in 1993 and he wouldn't want it any other way.
Line by Line Meaning
I was never the one to be on time
I was always late to everything
I was only 16 when I met my wife
I met my wife at a very young age
I took her out on a date, yeah they were good ol' times
When I first started dating my wife, we had a lot of fun
I never was late for a Friday night
I always made sure to be on time for our Friday night dates
We lived at least two towns apart
My wife and I lived far away from each other
I'd sneak out of my parent's house after dark
I had to sneak out of my house to go see my wife
Throwing rocks at the window till she'd appear
To get my wife's attention, I'd throw pebbles at her window until she would come outside
If I close my eyes I can almost see her
I can still remember what my wife looked like when we were young
I fell in love back in 1993
I fell in love with my wife in 1993
I fell in love and I'm never going back to sleep
I am completely in love with my wife and will never look elsewhere
So I told her I did and she did too
My wife and I both confessed our love for each other
We got a two room apartment and ate takeout food
We started living together in a small apartment and often ate takeout food for meals
It wasn't even a year and we were on our way
We quickly began building a life together
The doctor says "It's a girl and have you picked a name?"
When our daughter was born, the doctor asked if we had chosen a name for her yet
And if she meets some boy two towns apart
If our daughter falls in love with someone who lives far away
I'll be up till dawn watching for his car
I'll be keeping a close eye on her and her boyfriend
But for now I'm up every night and day
I'm always there for my daughter
You know I wouldn't have it any other way
I wouldn't want it any other way because I love my family
Sweet little thing got my wrapped around her finger
My daughter has complete control over me and I love her for it
I blink my eyes and I'm thinking that this can't be right
I can hardly believe how fast time has gone by
That little miss became a woman over night
My daughter grew up so quickly
She's getting married and she says that he's a lot like me
My daughter is getting married and has found someone who reminds her of me
Maybe I just fell asleep in front of MTV, all I know is that
I can't believe how quickly time has passed
Still like your conversation and you still look good to me
I still love my wife and enjoy talking to her
This thing all started back in 1993
My life with my wife and family all started back in 1993
This all started back in 1993
Everything important in my life began in 1993
Writer(s): Stephen Kellogg, Mark Weinberg
Contributed by Dominic O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.