Diagnosed with diabetes at the age of nine, Jason Rabinowitz has always had a craving for sweets. With schoolchums Brendan O’Grady on bass, Matt Katz on synths, and David Beauchamp on drums, he turned that craving into a sonic wedding cake with the formation of The Bloodsugars. After recording BQEP Beauchamp has parted ways with the group to focus on his duties in The Jeffrey Lewis band. However, the Bloodsugars have been blessed with the addition of Kenneth Salters behind the kit. In addition to maintaining the band’s remarkable chemistry, Rabinowitz describes their newest member as one of the best musicians he has ever played with.
On BQEP, The Bloodsugars’ mastery of songwriting and arrangement manifests in the form of six songs that are each equally unique as they are instantly accessible. Navigating each track is like being a kid on Christmas morning, unwrapping gorgeous melody after melody, being both surprised and thrilled with each new discovery. Though Rabinowitz tended to bring rough versions of the final tunes to his bandmates, The Bloodsugars are a truly collaborative project and each song came to life after all four members fleshed out their parts. “Usually the band creates the song again after it’s been created,” Rabinowitz explains. “Like a makeover for its public life.”
The record was mixed by the highly accomplished Dan Hetzel (Jennifer Lopez, Blondie, Ginuwine), who managed to provide breathing room for all four members to shine while ensuring that their output coalesced into a unified sound at all times. O’Grady takes the box that most bassists are placed in and rips it into shreds. Besides fulfilling his role of snugly locking in with Beauchamp, he is also constantly providing inventive melodic counterpoint, adding a layer of depth to every song. Beauchamp has the immaculate precision of a drum machine and an endless arsenal of creative rhythmic variations. On the keys, Katz not only complements Rabinowitz’s vocals with equally compelling and memorable hooks, but also adds textures that transport the band into multi-dimensional territory. Rabinowitz’s angelic croon has a tremendous range that can shift from a soulful purr into full on rocking-out mode on the turn of a dime. Moments such as his seamless shift into falsetto during the climax of fan favorite “Bloody Mary” are sprinkled throughout each song, always providing a satisfying sense of catharsis.
Some of the standout moments include the serene backup-vocal harmonies on “Uh Oh,” which play with negative space while fitting together like puzzle pieces, as well as the existential yet relatable lyrics of “Purpose Was Again.” Another lyrical highlight is on the aforementioned “Bloody Mary,” in which Rabinowitz passionately denounces George W. Bush as a tyrant, deceptively wrapped in some of the band’s sweetest melodies.
Gigging around their hometown of New York City, The Bloodsugars consistently squeeze enthusiasm out of the most jaded scenesters, surprised to hear dance music that engages their minds as well as their feet. Why? Because people who “don’t like to dance” just haven’t found the right band yet; because every song should have at least three hooks; and because when The Bloodsugars pass through your town, they won’t leave without painting it blood red.
Light At The End Of The Tunnel
The Bloodsugars Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I knew where you lived I'd move to your neighborhood.
But the decision′s done. You can't be another playful one and never will fly.
But there's just enough light to bounce a small reflection off the dark in my eye.
When push comes to shove I′m saying all I can.
And by all accounts I′m taking it like a man.
All I want is good and I'm not afraid to find out this isn′t a test.
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Oh, I could see it but I wouldn't show you.
You know that my heart is true.
Forever I picked my battles. Restrain impulses.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
It′s hard seeing the ending something you know so well.
Though it still is pending baby it rings a bell
Will I be the one who has to show you or take it where it never will go?
We'll just have to drink and toast it up at the reception at the end of the show.
Can you say it loud? ′Cause I can't hear you'll have to shout over the [...] in my head.
It doesn′t make a sound but it′s churning out a sentence that I thought wasn't said.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Bloodsugars’ “Light at the End of the Tunnel” is a song about persevering in the face of difficulties, staying positive even when things seem insurmountable. The song begins by acknowledging the harshness of life, with the line “Your setup with badness more than you’re faced with good.” Despite this, the singer is still moved to move closer to someone who has faced tough times. The song urges people to go after what they want and stay focused on their goals, even when they are faced with obstacles.
At the heart of the song is the idea that sometimes, one’s mind can play tricks on them, convincing them that things are worse than they really are. But despite these mental hurdles, the song suggests that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a metaphor for the hope that people can find even in the darkest of times. The song encourages listeners to remain optimistic and never give up, as they may just find the inspiration they need to pull through.
The Bloodsugars’ “Light at the End of the Tunnel” provokes thought on the nature of perseverance and hope, offering a message of resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Your setup with badness more than you're faced with good.
You have experienced more negativity than positivity in your life.
If I knew where you lived I'd move to your neighborhood.
I value and desire your company.
But the decision's done. You can't be another playful one and never will fly.
The situation is irreversible and we cannot continue to be carefree.
But there's just enough light to bounce a small reflection off the dark in my eye.
Although times may be tough, I still hold onto a glimmer of hope.
When push comes to shove I'm saying all I can.
I am doing my best to communicate my thoughts and feelings.
And by all accounts I'm taking it like a man.
I am handling this situation with maturity and resilience.
All I want is good and I'm not afraid to find out this isn't a test.
I am committed to seeking positivity and growth, even if it means facing challenges.
A revelation book kind of forced me to relax so I could give it a rest.
I have gained new insight that has allowed me to take a step back and relax.
Oh, I could see it but I wouldn't show you.
I am aware of certain truths, but choose not to reveal them.
You know that my heart is true.
My intentions are sincere and genuine.
Forever I picked my battles. Restrain impulses.
I choose my battles wisely and exercise self-control.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is hope for a positive resolution.
It's hard seeing the ending something you know so well.
It is difficult to accept the conclusion of something familiar.
Though it still is pending baby it rings a bell.
Although the outcome is uncertain, it feels familiar.
Will I be the one who has to show you or take it where it never will go?
I am uncertain if I will have to be the one to reveal the truth or if it will remain hidden.
We'll just have to drink and toast it up at the reception at the end of the show.
We will celebrate together once the situation has been resolved.
Can you say it loud? 'Cause I can't hear you'll have to shout over the [...] in my head.
I am preoccupied with my own thoughts and find it difficult to focus on external stimuli.
It doesn't make a sound but it's churning out a sentence that I thought wasn't said.
My thoughts are running rampant, causing me to consider things I never thought possible.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite the challenges, there is hope for a positive outcome.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Hope is present, even in difficult situations.
Writer(s): Andrew Lloyd-webber, Richard Henry Zachary Stilgoe
Contributed by Max W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.