Steve Wynn (born February 21, 1960) is a songwriter based in New York (born… Read Full Bio ↴Steve Wynn (born February 21, 1960) is a songwriter based in New York (born in California). He led the influential band the Dream Syndicate from 1981 to 1989 and afterward began a solo career.

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

Smooth
Steve Wynn Lyrics

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Listen to the wireless
They say they'll catch you nonetheless
No disturbance, no duress

Smooth
Water off your back
You never had to fight
Because you've never been attacked

Surrounded by the heat again
The flames are rising from your feet again
And lady Eve is looking sweet again

Smooth
Water off your back
You never had to fight
Because you've never been attacked

Smooth
Man without a trace
You never leave a calling card
Never leave a trace

There was a partner in Versailles
Who never looked you in the eye
And when the whole thing went awry
You never stopped to wonder why

You just kissed him on the cheek
And then you said goodbye

Overall Meaning

The song “Smooth” by Steve Wynn is a captivating tune that discusses a person who is seemingly able to avoid trouble. The lyrics suggest that the person referred to in the song is able to effortlessly evade danger and controversy. The first verse explains that they are always informed about any possible threats and are never forced into any unpleasant situations. The chorus, “Smooth, water off your back / You never had to fight / Because you’ve never been attacked,” highlights that this person has had some advantage from not having to fight through life. The relevance of this person's character at the end of the song tells us why he has remained unchallenged: he has a mysterious, carefree attitude and never leaves any trace, making it hard to find him when things go wrong.

Moreover, the second verse furthers the idea that this person is always managing to stay out of trouble. They're described as being surrounded by heat again and again, yet they effortlessly evade it. The mention of Lady Eve towards the end of the verse implies that the person is even able to charm his or her way out of many situations. The final verse of the song reveals a bit more information about the person's past. They once had a partner in Versailles who never looked them in the eye. Although a revolution of some sort occurred, this person didn't seem to care or at least pretended not to. Instead, the person kissed the partner on the cheek and walked away quietly. The song ends by following the theme of the person's character and disposition, which Steve Wynn executes beautifully.

Line by Line Meaning

Listen to the wireless
Pay attention to the radio broadcasts/news

They say they'll catch you nonetheless
Despite your efforts, you can still get caught

No disturbance, no duress
There is no conflict or stress

Smooth
Cool, calm, and collected

Water off your back
Things don't affect or bother you

You never had to fight
You haven't faced any challenges or obstacles

Because you've never been attacked
You haven't been targeted or threatened

Surrounded by the heat again
You are in an intense or difficult situation again

The flames are rising from your feet again
The situation is getting worse or more dangerous

And lady Eve is looking sweet again
The temptation to make a risky move is strong

Smooth
Cool, calm, and collected