The band consists of singer-songwriter and guitarist Ted Leo, guitarist James Canty, bassist Marty 'Violence' Key, and drummer Chris Wilson. After his previous band, Chisel, broke up in the late 1990s, Ted recorded the Tej Leo(?) Rx Pharmacists [sic] album in 1999, followed by the Treble in Trouble EP in 2000.
His next album, 2001's The Tyranny of Distance, quickly gained him a cult following and critical praise. Dave Lerner and Chris Wilson became permanent members of the band during the tour that year, as did keyboard player Dorien Garry. James Canty (ex-Nation of Ulysses, Make-Up, etc.) also played with the band during this time.
The album Hearts of Oak followed in 2003, which also saw the release of the concert film Dirty Old Town and the Tell Balgeary, Balgury is Dead EP. Garry left the band before the recording of 2004's Shake the Sheets, which has led them into their current setup as a power trio. The new record featured fewer obscure references and more overt political content than his previous releases did, though his music has always been known for its engagement with politics.
The band tours extensively around North America. Leo is a strict vegan. His brother Chris Leo is also a singer/songwriter and a member of The Lapse. Ted Leo graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1994 with a degree in English.
Shake the Sheets
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Lyrics
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while war is raging everywhere under the sky?
I feel defeated here by everything,
cheated here by everyone on every side
I want to take you to a quiet place,
and never ask the meaninglessness to reply
When will we get an hour to celebrate,
find the time to breathe a sigh?
I've been working too hard to be living, and later
Walking all night, until I'm shivering, and is it
Wasting time I've been given, to maybe
Wait for the day of oblivion?
I want to take it to the President
him and all his cabinet, with a broom
I want to sweep the halls of arrogance,
sweep the walls of the excrement of these baboons
But I respect and prize the covenant-
I respect the process, I respect the rules
When will we find a chord as resonant
As to shake the sheets and make us move?
You've been working too hard to be living, and later
Walking all night, until you're shivering, and is it
Wasting the time I've been given, to maybe
Wait for the day of oblivion?" and she said
Roll out and make your mark.
Pull on your boots and march
Then roll on and meet me where
you'll find me doing my own part
Roll out your dented car. Maybe it won't roll far
But if you do everything you can, well babe,
that's more than a start
Roll out and make your mark.
Pull on your boots and march
Then roll on and meet me where
you'll find me good and ready
Sometimes it's going to hurt,
sometimes you're gonna deserve it
But if you hold on to what you've got,
I know you'll keep it steady, keep it steady
So there's no end to work, so there's no end to murk
So everything else is dirt, but I am pure and steady
So cut out the morbid verse, I know you'll make it work
And how're you gonna save the world, when the world ain't ready? (world ain't ready)
The song "Shake the Sheets" by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists is an anthem for those who feel powerless against the injustices of the world. The opening lyrics express a sense of defeat and isolation in the face of war and meaninglessness. The singer expresses a desire to find a quiet place, free from the overwhelming pressures of society, and to be able to celebrate life's simple pleasures.
As the song progresses, the singer begins to reconcile their frustration with the political process. While they acknowledge the importance of respecting the democratic system, they also express a desire for change, to sweep the halls of arrogance and make a resonant chord that will shake the sheets and move people to action.
The song's chorus serves as a rallying cry for those who are disillusioned but refuse to give up. The repetition of the phrase "Roll out and make your mark" encourages people to take action, to pull on their boots and march, even if their efforts feel small or insignificant. The final lines admit that there is no end to the work or the murk, but that by holding onto what we believe in, we can remain pure and steady in the face of chaos and upheaval.
Overall, "Shake the Sheets" is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to fight for what they believe in and to resist complacency and apathy in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I said, "I wonder how it is I'm standing here,
while war is raging everywhere under the sky?
I wonder why I am here when the world is filled with so much war and conflict.
I feel defeated here by everything,
cheated here by everyone on every side
I feel overwhelmed and let down by everyone and everything around me.
I want to take you to a quiet place,
and never ask the meaninglessness to reply
When will we get an hour to celebrate,
find the time to breathe a sigh?
I dream of escaping with you to a place where we don't have to worry about the meaninglessness of life and can take a moment to relax and enjoy ourselves.
I've been working too hard to be living, and later
Walking all night, until I'm shivering, and is it
Wasting time I've been given, to maybe
Wait for the day of oblivion?
I've been working so hard that I barely feel alive, and sometimes I question if what I'm doing is worthwhile or if it's all for nothing.
I want to take it to the President
him and all his cabinet, with a broom
I want to sweep the halls of arrogance,
sweep the walls of the excrement of these baboons
I wish I could confront the President and his administration to rid the government of their egotistical and foolish ways.
But I respect and prize the covenant-
I respect the process, I respect the rules
When will we find a chord as resonant
As to shake the sheets and make us move?
Although I disagree with how things are currently done, I still believe in the power of the system to bring about change. I wonder when we'll find a way to inspire and motivate the masses to act for the greater good.
Roll out and make your mark.
Pull on your boots and march
Then roll on and meet me where
you'll find me doing my own part
Roll out your dented car. Maybe it won't roll far
But if you do everything you can, well babe,
that's more than a start
Get out there and do something, no matter how small or flawed it may seem. If everyone does their part, it can add up to something meaningful and powerful.
Sometimes it's going to hurt,
sometimes you're gonna deserve it
But if you hold on to what you've got,
I know you'll keep it steady, keep it steady
Sometimes doing the right thing can be painful or difficult, but if you stay true to your values and beliefs, you can weather any storm and emerge stronger for it.
So there's no end to work, so there's no end to murk
So everything else is dirt, but I am pure and steady
So cut out the morbid verse, I know you'll make it work
And how're you gonna save the world, when the world ain't ready? (world ain't ready)
The work of fixing the world is never done, and it can be a messy, complicated process. But I'm determined to stay committed and focused, even when things seem bleak. The world may not be ready for change, but that won't stop me from doing everything I can to make a difference.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: THEODORE F LEO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind