Co-produced by Thom Monahan (Devendra Banhart, Pernice Brothers, Beachwood Sparks), the self-released Meet Yr Acres spent much of 2001 innocently making its way around the globe while garnering a goldmine of critical accolades and regular comparisons to Beck, Bob Pollard, George Harrison, and Bob Dylan. All of this unexpected critical attention culminated in a spot on Magnet Magazine's "Top 10 Hidden Treasures" list.
Urged to leave the bedroom and share his music with a live audience, Halperin (aka Shai, Son of Eli) recruited Dave Wayne Daniels, Jeff Van Newkirk and Sir Kyle Lloyd on bass, guitar and drums, respectively. Immediately, The Capitol Years sought to do away with the 'one-man band' aesthetic of Meet Yr Acres and began concentrating on new material. With collective backgrounds in noise-rock as well as Beatle-esque pop, this full-band incarnation of The Capitol Years immediately generated a buzz in Philadelphia's growing music scene. Word quickly spread about this maniacal live band whose songcraft suggested Guided By Voices as much as their performances recalled The Who.
Ready to take their show to the national level, The Capitol Years set out on a series of U.S. tours, sharing the stage with bands as diverse as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Rooney, The Kills, Lilys, Daniel Johnston, Crooked Fingers, and Beachwood Sparks. Tours of the UK, Spain, and Israel followed, allowing the band to spread the buzz overseas.
In the midst of this frenzied touring, The Capitol Years sought to capture their live energy on tape and returned to the studio. They once again commissioned Monahan as well as Philadelphia's Brian McTear (Mazarin, A-Sides) to record their first full-band release: the 6 track EP, Jewelry Store. And while Jewelry Store documented The Capitol Years' garage rock tendencies, it also helped to set them apart from the crowd as it featured the goose-bump-inducing harmonies and melodies that typify The Capitol Years' sound. Sonically, the band had moved several worlds away from the subtle and sometimes lush Meet Yr Acres. But the critical praise continued…
In 2003, at the height of a national garage rock craze, The Capitol Years released their 'long lost' album, Pussyfootin. Originally recorded in 2001, it was another homemade and self-produced gem from their one-man band past. The album was as far removed from garage rock as one could travel with an acoustic guitar and a harmonica, and its lush and country-tinged sound helped solidify the respect of local scribes. At year's end, and with their popularity rising, The Capitol Years were named Philadelphia Magazine's "Best Band of 2003."
Continued touring and television appearances, as well as a handpicked opening slot for The Pixies' first show in 12 years, have helped generate a significant buzz for one of Philadelphia's best bands.
In 2004 the band began recording its first true full-length and full-band album. Renting a house in the small town of Northampton, MA for two weeks, The Capitol Years and Thom Monahan created Let Them Drink. Byrds-like harmonies, Stooges riffs, and even ethereal Coldplay atmospherics coexist on Let Them Drink, a record that enjoyed success overseas as well as on American tv and radio.
A year later The Capitol Years began work on the forthcoming Dance Away the Terror, the most realized collection of songs and sounds the band has ever recorded. The self produced album marks a return to the Capitol Years own production style, featuring lush harmonies, interweaving piano and guitar hooks, and a homemade feel connected with so many listeners early in the band's career. The end result is certain to stand the test of tastes and time. Dance Away the Terror is set for release in 2006 on Park The Van Records.
Ramona
The Capitol Years Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Capitol Years' song "Ramona" appears to be about someone making a big change in their life, such as moving to a new city or starting over in some other way. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a shame you changing your name, Ramona" suggesting that the singer is leaving behind something that they may not be proud of, or trying to reinvent themselves in some way. The first verse mentions "the land of the smog," suggesting that the person is moving to a big city, and that they will not be greeted upon arrival. However, the implication is that they have friends who will be with them on this journey, even if no one else seems to care.
The second verse emphasizes the contrast between the singer and the people around them. The lyrics suggest that Ramona has not had to work for her success or her place in the world, and that others will look down on her for this. The line "No one who works would mistake you/For someone who carries his weight" emphasizes this disparity. The chorus repeats the idea that the singer is leaving something behind that they cannot be proud of, but that they are still going forward with their plan. The final lines of the song - "Have a good time/She will/Have a good time/She will/Have a good time/ Have a good time/I won't" - suggest that the singer is leaving behind something that they once enjoyed, but that they cannot return to.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh the trees will all bend down and kiss you
You are leaving for a place where the pollution is so extreme that even the trees will show you affection.
As you head to the land of the smog
You are leaving for a place that is known for its high level of pollution.
No one will be there to greet you
No one is waiting to welcome you when you arrive at your destination.
But your friends are all coming along
Your friends are accompanying you on your journey.
You need a brand new plan
Your current strategy is not working, and you need to come up with something new.
While I need someone with hands
I need help from someone who is capable of performing manual labor.
No one will give a damn
No one will care about your problems and concerns.
'Cause they've already cared too much
People have already invested too much of their time and energy in your situation.
No need to ask your family
You should not ask your family for advice or assistance.
'Cause your family is never right
Your family does not have a good track record when it comes to making sound decisions.
No need to ask forgiveness
You do not need to apologize for leaving or asking for help.
You will get on that bus tonight
You will be leaving for your destination very soon.
I said it's a shame
I feel sorry for you and the situation you are in.
You changing your name
You are trying to reinvent yourself by changing your identity.
Ramona
This is your new name.
No one will ever respect you
People will not admire or look up to you because you have always been privileged.
'Cause you've always been pampered and paid
You have never had to work hard for anything, and people will not respect you for that.
No one who works would mistake you
People who are accustomed to hard work would not recognize you as one of their own.
For someone who carries his weight
Someone who is capable of contributing and pulling their own weight.
You need a brand new scheme
You need a new plan to succeed in your new identity.
And I need a brand new song
I need to create new music that tells a different story than the one I have been telling.
No one will be there to sing it
There will not be an audience to appreciate my new music.
But it's alright
I am okay with this situation.
'Cause it's all wrong
This entire situation is not right and needs to be changed.
Oh no
An expression of disappointment or dismay.
Have a good time
A sarcastic remark suggesting that the person will not actually have a good time.
She will
The person being addressed is expected to have a good time.
Have a good time
A repetition of the earlier sarcastic remark.
Have a good time
A repetition of the expectation that the person will enjoy themselves.
I won't
The singer will not be having a good time.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: L. Wolfe Gilbert, Mabel Wayne
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind