A performance by The Milk Carton Kids is a quiet and intricate affair. The duo have enjoyed intently listening audiences across the country and abroad in their respective solo careers, but an even greater sense of urgency and demand of attention is palpable now that they've come together as The Milk Carton Kids. Their songs are written together, but you won't know there is more than one author. Their history together spans only one short year, but you won't know that either. They stand close together when they play, facing each other and using microphones instead of plugging their guitars in. And if they looked more alike, they'd fool you that they were brothers.
Their songs disguise the youth of the members of the band. Befittingly, so do the old guitars they play and old clothing they wear. But to be sure, The Milk Carton Kids have something new to present: harmonies & minimalist instrumentation which are a clear reference to times passed, but with an eye intently on the future; a perspective on coming-of-age in the eye of a present-day storm; and the chronicling of an American struggle for simplicity, at least musically. To present it they use two guitars and two voices, they labor over the arrangements, they record themselves live, and they release their music on their own label, and for free.
As solo artists they have 10 releases between them. As a band their career is off to an auspicious start. Starting from a highly regarded position among their peers, they've opened for the art-piano-pop critical darling Vienna Teng, Grammy nominated friend and fan Sara Bareilles, and now will take to the entire U.S. and Canada this summer supporting one of the consummate songwriters of their generation, Joe Purdy. Despite the decision to stick to acoustic guitars in their own show, both Ryan and Pattengale are multi-instrumentalists and will also comprise Purdy's backing band, joining him on bass, pedal steel guitar, piano, and harmonies.
Their first collaborative release, RETROSPECT, is a live album due out March 15th, 2011, that represents the culmination of the past year of live performance. A collection of songs from each of their solo careers, written separately but reinterpreted and performed as the duo now called The Milk Carton Kids, RETROSPECT will be released under the name "Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan".
The first official release of The Milk Carton Kids, entitled PROLOGUE, comprised of original songs written by the duo for this project. It was released in 2011 on their own Milk Carton Records.
One More for the Road
The Milk Carton Kids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, just one more for the road
This world can be so cold
Before I let you go
Just one more for the road
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
Our wishes push and pull
Just one more for the road
Oh, the moon is barely full
Oh, the moon is barely full
Be still my heart and soul
Our long last rock and roll
Just one more for the road
Oh, just one more for the road
Oh, just one more for the road
This world can be so cold
Before I let you go
Just one more for the road
The Milk Carton Kids's song "One More for the Road" is a poignant ballad about the sorrow of having to say goodbye. The repeated lines "just one more for the road" serve as a metaphor for the reluctance to part ways, wanting to hold onto one more fleeting moment before the inevitable separation. The world can be harsh and unfeeling, making these tender moments even more precious.
The lyrics suggest a sense of foreboding, with the singer acknowledging that they have seen the end coming slowly. The "whistle blowing" could be a reference to a train departing, signifying the final goodbye. The moon is also a recurring motif in the song, with its barely full appearance evoking a sense of fleetingness and transience. Despite the sadness of the situation, there is a sense of solace to be found in the "long last rock and roll," a symbol of the memories and shared experiences that will endure beyond the parting.
Overall, "One More for the Road" is a beautifully melancholic song that captures the bittersweet nature of endings. The repeated phrases and simple melody add to the emotional resonance of the lyrics, creating a hauntingly beautiful track.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, just one more for the road
The singer wants to have one more drink before he leaves.
Oh, just one more for the road
He requests for one last drink as he wants to savor the moment.
This world can be so cold
The singer acknowledges that life is unpredictable and can be tough.
Before I let you go
The singer wants to depart from the present company or situation.
Just one more for the road
He reiterates that he wants one last drink before moving on.
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
The singer realizes that a change is impending, and he has been aware of it for some time.
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
He is not surprised by what is happening.
The whistle blowing, oh
The train whistle is a metaphor. It is a reminder of the time when he has to leave.
Our wishes push and pull
People have their motivations and aspirations that influence their decisions in life.
Just one more for the road
The artist repeats his request for a final drink.
Oh, the moon is barely full
The night is young, and he wishes it would last longer.
Oh, the moon is barely full
The lunar phase is a reflection of his mood.
Be still my heart and soul
The singer wants to calm himself and focus on the moment.
Our long last rock and roll
This could either mean their long-lasting friendship or the music they used to enjoy together.
Just one more for the road
He repeats his desire to have one last drink before leaving.
Oh, just one more for the road
The singer pleads to have one last drink before he ends the occasion.
Oh, just one more for the road
He emphasizes his desire to prolong the moment as he may never have this opportunity again.
This world can be so cold
The final stanza is a reminder of the harsh reality of life and how fleeting moments of happiness can be.
Before I let you go
The singer reiterates that he must leave the place or the person he is with.
Just one more for the road
The final line emphasizes that the artist is still hopeful that he can have one last drink before he ends the night.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kenneth Pattengale, Joseph Edward Ryan, Garrison Starr, Mark Stepro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maria Diaz
Oh, just one more for the road
Oh, just one more for the road
This world can be so cold
Before I let you go
Just one more for the road
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
Oh, I've seen it coming slow
The whistle blowing [?]
Our wishes push and pull
Just one more for the road
Oh, the moon is barely full
Oh, the moon is barely full
Be still my heart and soul
[?] rock and roll
Just one more for the road
Oh, just one more for the road
Oh, just one more for the road
This world can be so cold
Before I let you go
Just one more for the road
Ron Mann
Hey TMCK... this is just great. I'm so glad to see you guys taking chances, exploring sound and structure further ... Way to go. This recording puts you on a different level comparing to so many folk acts. Stay groovy my friends
Suchnothing
The new album comes out two days before I leave for a 3 week road trip. My road trip companions are not ready for how many times I'm going to make them listen to this album.
rivinish
Companions: we've listened to the album six times already! Can we listen to something else?
You: ooooooooohhh just one more for the rooooad
Kay Kat
Is it possible to be elated and sad at the same time? So good.
Bman1973
Whoa, this is a masterpiece! the wonderful middle instrumental section with Kenneth's trippy playing, I knew he was a great guitarist but that was a step above...
Paul
Felt like a long time waiting for this album! Loving what I hear.
Jeffrey A. Ward
Thank the good lord, if there is any such thing, for TMCK and this glorious track. More, please!
Susan Anater
I love how weird and beautiful it is. Can't wait to hear the whole album.
Lenor Rodriguez
Espectacular, ya quiero escuchar todo el album
Holger Luth
Sounds absolutely great guys. The subtle way you introduce some extra instruments, adds extra pleasure to this wonderful piece of music. Kenneth's playing really shines and the percussion is spot on. Looking forward to the album!