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.
Walking to Do
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists Lyrics
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feet feel wholly in their own time
And the Cathedral of Reason lets the bells chime,
and the lighting is fine?
I'm old enough to know that
people waiting on some big sign
Should quit their waiting on the Devine.
Devine is what's in your mind
I've seen the cruel and hard and I've seen them hard on you
I'll buy you brand new shoes, if you cross to my side
There's a whole lot of walking to do
And if we're near or far from our city by the seaside
As long as we keep our stride,
I believe we'll be fine
You've seen the years roll on,
and you've seen me roll with you
I see the road is long, so get on my side
There's a whole lot of walking to do
And if we stay on our feet we'll make it in our own time
And though the road has got some steep climbs,
I believe we'll be fine
From your house, to my house, to the Mews
There's a whole lot of walking to do
Bethnal Green, to the Tube
There's a whole lot of walking to do
Aoyama to Shobuya
There's a whole lot of walking to do
Rock Creek Park, to the Ave., and out past the zoo
There's a whole lot of walking, whole lot of walking to do
And I'm here (and I'm here) and you're here and it's true
There's a whole lot walking to do
And you're cool (you're cool), and I'm cool, and it's true
There's a whole lot of walking to do
There's no fuss (no fuss!) and I trust, I trust you
There's a whole lot of walking to do
And you're strong (and I'm strong) and I can be too
There's a whole lot of walking to do
And you do, and I do
There's a whole lot of walking to do
The lyrics of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' song "Walking to Do" convey a message of perseverance, optimism, and companionship in the face of adversity. The singer desires to walk into a future that is uncertain but hopeful. He doesn't want to wait for some divine intervention but rather wants to take charge of his own destiny. He seeks someone who will be by his side, and he reassures them that they will make it through whatever comes their way as long as they stay on their feet and keep moving forward.
The song reflects the idea that life is a journey and the importance of having someone to share that journey with. The song also suggests the importance of persistence and not giving up even when the path seems difficult. With lines like "there's a whole lot of walking to do" and "as long as we keep our stride, I believe we'll be fine," the lyrics emphasize the importance of remaining determined in the face of challenges and never losing sight of one's goals.
Overall, "Walking to Do" is a beautifully written song that encourages listeners to keep moving forward in life, despite any obstacles that might come their way. It is a reminder that with perseverance and the right company, one can overcome any challenge and reach their destination.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you take me where my feet feel wholly in their own time
Do you know of a place where I can walk unconstrained and at my own pace?
And the Cathedral of Reason lets the bells chime, and the lighting is fine?
In this place, can we hear the holy sound of reason, amid a well-lit scenery?
I'm old enough to know that people waiting on some big sign
Now I know that people who wait for a sign before moving forward may never make progress.
Should quit their waiting on the Devine.
There's no need to wait for divine intervention, the potential to progress is in each mind.
Devine is what's in your mind
The power of the divine lies in our own minds.
I've seen the cruel and hard and I've seen them hard on you
I have witnessed the harshness of this world and how it has affected you.
I'll buy you brand new shoes, if you cross to my side
I am willing to offer you help and support to get through this tough time.
There's a whole lot of walking to do
There's still a long journey ahead of us.
And if we're near or far from our city by the seaside
Regardless of our proximity to the city by the seaside,
As long as we keep our stride,
We can make progress if we remain consistent and focused.
I believe we'll be fine
The belief in our ability to succeed will help us overcome any obstacles.
You've seen the years roll on, and you've seen me roll with you
You've witnessed our journey together over the years.
I see the road is long, so get on my side
I understand the road ahead may seem overwhelming, but I'm here to help you.
From your house, to my house, to the Mews
There's a long journey to be made, from your house to mine, to the Mews.
And I'm here (and I'm here) and you're here and it's true
We're both here, standing together, and that's a fact.
And you're cool (you're cool), and I'm cool, and it's true
Both of us are relaxed and composed in this moment.
There's no fuss (no fuss!) and I trust, I trust you
No need for unnecessary drama, and I have confidence and faith in you.
And you're strong (and I'm strong) and I can be too
We're both capable of being strong, and we can support each other in being so.
And you do, and I do
We both have work to do, and we're ready to do it.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: THEODORE F LEO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind