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
Ghosts
Steve Wynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The fog has lifted and the haze has shifted
But the magic's really not the same
And now there's nothing left to blame
I hear you're sending letters now
Apologies and explanations
And though it's all forgiven now
It's only ghosts
And ghosts can't touch me now
I hear you're looking younger now
Better than you ever were
Though late at night when there's no one there
You feel every rip and tear (ch)
I hear you're walking lighter now
The sun is shining from your eyes
And even though it's brightly lit
It's not the way you picture it (ch)
I hear you're feeling wiser now
And telling it to all your friends
And though you're really not that sure
You kind of miss the way you were (ch)
The song "Ghosts" by Steve Wynn explores the aftermath of a relationship that has ended. It seems that the person who was hurt in the relationship is now feeling better and has moved on but not without feeling the pain of the past. The opening lines suggest that the fog has lifted and the haze has shifted, probably indicating that the person who was hurt can now see things clearly and has come to terms with the situation. However, despite feeling better, the magic and excitement of the relationship are no longer there, and there is a sense of loss that remains. The lyrics, "And now there's nothing left to blame" indicate the acceptance of the situation and a release of resentment towards the other person.
The second verse speaks to the fact that the other person who caused the pain is now seeking forgiveness and apologizing. While the apology has been accepted, the hurt caused will not be forgotten. The chorus, "It's only ghosts, and ghosts can't touch me now" implies that the pain and hurt of the relationship are only mere memories, and they are not strong enough to affect the present. The bridge seems to suggest that although the person who was hurt has now healed, they still hold memories of the past which sometimes creep up during lonely moments.
Overall, "Ghosts" is a reflective and introspective song that explores the emotions and thoughts that come with the end of a relationship. It shows that even when we have moved on and forgiven those who have hurt us, the memories still linger.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear you're feeling better now
I've heard that you've recovered and are doing well.
The fog has lifted and the haze has shifted
The confusion and uncertainty that surrounded you has dissipated.
But the magic's really not the same
Despite the improvement, things are not as wonderful as they used to be.
And now there's nothing left to blame
No one is at fault for what happened and there's no one to hold responsible.
I hear you're sending letters now
I've heard that you're apologizing and trying to explain what happened.
Apologies and explanations
You're expressing regret and attempting to clarify the situation.
And though it's all forgiven now
Even though I've let go of the past and forgiven what happened.
It's not forgotten anyhow
It's not something that can be erased from memory or easily forgotten.
It's only ghosts
The past events and memories are like ghosts haunting you.
And ghosts can't touch me now
Though the memories and past events still exist, they no longer have an emotional impact on me.
I hear you're looking younger now
I've heard you're more youthful in appearance.
Better than you ever were
You're looking better than ever before.
Though late at night when there's no one there
However, in moments of solitude late at night, you feel the weight of your troubles.
You feel every rip and tear
You feel every bit of pain and suffering that you've experienced.
I hear you're walking lighter now
I've heard that you appear more carefree and unencumbered.
The sun is shining from your eyes
There's a brightness and spark in your eyes that wasn't there before.
And even though it's brightly lit
Despite the positive appearance, things are not as bright and sunny as they seem.
It's not the way you picture it
Things are not as perfect or ideal as you may have hoped or imagined.
I hear you're feeling wiser now
I've heard that you've gained more knowledge and insight from your experiences.
And telling it to all your friends
You're sharing your newfound wisdom and insight with those closest to you.
And though you're really not that sure
Despite your claims of newfound wisdom, you're still uncertain and questioning things.
You kind of miss the way you were
You have moments of nostalgia and longing for the person you used to be.
Contributed by Caroline O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MrPzhamz
@FalconUploads I especially love the guitar work, it adds to that desolation feeling
Jasmyn Sharif
get well soon