Before forming the Dream Syndicate, Wynn played guitar in the Davis, California-based band The Suspects, whose members included vocalist Kendra Smith (who later played bass in the Dream Syndicate) and Russ Tolman and Gavin Blair (who would form True West (band)); in 1979 they released a single, "It's Up to You" b/w "Talking Loud." Two years later, under the name 15 Minutes, he self-released another single, "Last Chance for You" b/w "That's What You Always Say" (later performed by the Dream Syndicate), which owed much to Joy Division.
Though they were popular with critics, an influence on other musicians, and signed briefly to a major label, The Dream Syndicate were never really commercially successful. They did establish, however, the fan base on which Wynn built his solo career.
Since 1990, Wynn has released a number of albums exploring various musical styles. His first solo album, Kerosene Man, included backing work by bassist Fernando Saunders (a frequent sideman of Lou Reed, to whom Wynn was often compared early in his career), drummer D.J. Bonebrake from the L.A. punk band X, Howe Gelb of Giant Sand and saxophonist Steve Berlin from Los Lobos. Peter Buck, from R.E.M., played on its follow-up, Dazzling Display, and co-wrote the title song. Backing on Melting in the Dark (1996) was provided by the Boston band Come.
Here Come the Miracles (2001) was his best-selling solo album to date, and the best-reviewed, appearing at year's end on numerous critical Top Ten lists.
In 1985, Wynn wrote a collection of songs with Dan Stuart of Green on Red, and recorded and released them as Danny and Dusty. This collaboration was revisited in 2007 for a second Danny & Dusty album. In the '90s he was a part of the indie supergroup Gutterball along with Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders and Brian Harvey and Johnny Hott of House of Freaks. In 2008 Wynn and his wife Linda Pitmon collaborated with Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5) and Peter Buck (R.E.M., The Minus 5) for a record with songs about legendary baseball players - this collaboration is known as The Baseball Project.
The double CD From a Man of Mysteries: A Steve Wynn Tribute was released by the German label Blue Rose in 2004 and features Wynn's songs performed by the likes of Concrete Blonde, the Silos, Chuck Prophet, The Minus 5 and others.
Wynn also records as Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3.
Wynn is at present more popular in Europe than in the United States. While domestic tours are rare, he continues to perform regularly overseas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Wynn_%28songwriter%29
Drag
Steve Wynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Came with a big surprise
when later came like a runaway train
and smacked you right between the eyes
Staring down the shadows of love
with lust and envy and greed
Well its not too hard when you realize
Bit her lip with precision and wit
Passed out like punctuation
Left me here and trembling
reeling from the situation
What a drag it is
Sometimes you just gotta laugh
What a drag it is
Learned my share of lessons
Held on like a loyal hound
I was torn from the roots in a cobra suit
Never never never never hit the ground
Ch.
Alibis ring tight through the night
I dont believe you but its alright
Look around and then you'll see
all the losers get in free round here
I had a dream last night
The choir was singin "We love you"
Pools of sweat that you cant forget
Place your bets
Goodnight Irene
Ch.
The song "Drag" by Steve Wynn is a reflection on the bitter end of a relationship. The first verse speaks of saving the best for later and the surprise of when the reality finally hits. The second verse explores the complexity of emotions that come with the end of a relationship, specifically highlighting the unquenchable need for more despite already having so much.
The third verse delves further into the emotional toll of the relationship's ending, with a vivid metaphor of biting one's lip and passing out like punctuation, leaving the singer alone and shaken. The chorus, "What a drag it is, sometimes you just gotta laugh," speaks to the need to find humor and lightness in difficult situations.
The final verse reflects on the lessons learned from the relationship and the resilience that comes from surviving it. The use of the phrase "cobra suit" adds an element of danger and suggests that the relationship was perhaps toxic or unhealthy. The chorus repeats once more as a reminder to keep things in perspective and find humor in difficult situations.
Overall, "Drag" is a thoughtful and introspective look at the end of a relationship, offering insight and perspective alongside its catchy rock rhythms.
Line by Line Meaning
Saved the best for later
I held onto the best things in life, and waited to reveal them at a later time.
Came with a big surprise
The reveal I had been waiting on was significant and unexpected.
when later came like a runaway train
When the moment finally arrived, it came so fast and furiously that it was overwhelming.
and smacked you right between the eyes
It hit hard, with immediate and unexpected impact, surprising and even hurting me.
Staring down the shadows of love
I was confronting the challenges and doubts that often accompany romantic relationships.
with lust and envy and greed
These negative and destructive emotions were clouding my perspective on love and relationships.
Well its not too hard when you realize
When you're able to see the situation clearly, it's not as difficult as it seemed before.
there's still a million things that you need
Despite this clearer perspective, there are still countless things that I felt I needed or wanted from my relationships.
Bit her lip with precision and wit
She had cleverly hidden her thoughts and feelings, but I could sense there was more beneath the surface.
Passed out like punctuation
She suddenly fainted, as if punctuating the end of her facade and leaving me uncertain of what was really going on.
Left me here and trembling
She had disappeared, and I was left alone and shaken by the abruptness of the situation.
reeling from the situation
I was struggling to understand and process what had just happened.
What a drag it is
What a disappointing and frustrating experience this has been.
Sometimes you just gotta laugh
Sometimes the best response to a difficult or painful situation is simply to find humor in it.
Learned my share of lessons
I have gained valuable insights and knowledge from my experiences.
Held on like a loyal hound
Despite the challenges, I remained committed and steadfast in my pursuits.
I was torn from the roots in a cobra suit
I was deceived and betrayed by someone close to me, who had seemed trustworthy and loyal but was actually dangerous.
Never never never never hit the ground
Despite being uprooted and destabilized, I never lost my footing or gave up hope.
Alibis ring tight through the night
There are excuses and explanations being offered, but they don't hold up in the face of closer scrutiny.
I dont believe you but its alright
I don't accept the excuses or explanations, but I'm willing to let them go and move on anyway.
Look around and then you'll see
Take a closer look at your surroundings, and you'll realize that even when things seem bad, there are still people and things to be grateful for.
all the losers get in free round here
In this place or situation, those who have struggled or experienced loss are welcomed and even celebrated.
I had a dream last night
I had a vivid and memorable dream that left a lasting impression.
The choir was singin "We love you"
In this dream, I was surrounded by a chorus of voices expressing love and support for me.
Pools of sweat that you cant forget
I was deeply affected by the visceral and emotional imagery of my dream, which stayed with me even after I woke up.
Place your bets
The future is uncertain, and there's no telling what will happen next.
Goodnight Irene
A phrase often used to bring a close to a performance or event, suggesting that this chapter is coming to an end.
Contributed by Reagan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.