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.
Queen Jane
The Milk Carton Kids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Making my way through your kingdom on the wrong side of the road
Eating at service stations, sleeping in motel rooms
When I leave I'll miss some friends I made, but this time I won't miss you
No and I won't miss these gray skies
That hang over me like fate
Sometimes you think you need something new
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home to the Golden State to fix all of my mistakes
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I ventured into this foreign land relying on the satellite
Just when you're lost at the roundabout, it tells you to go left or go right
But now l long for familiar roads when I know how to take the turns
I can't wait to get out of this place with all of my lessons learned
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home, whatever the stakes, never's worse than late
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I used to think I could love you
But you have proven me wrong
The only thing you've been right about
Is that we don't belong
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
The Milk Carton Kid's "Queen Jane" is a poignant ballad about a man's journey through a tumultuous relationship and his eventual departure from it. The opening verse sets the scene, describing the arduous journey he took to get to his lover's kingdom. Despite the hardship, he finds solace in the friendships he made along the way. However, he expresses that he will not miss his lover or the "gray skies" that symbolize the gloominess of their relationship. He's ready to return home to his roots, to "fix all [his] mistakes" and start anew.
The chorus repeats the line "Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane," emphasizing the release and catharsis of his departure. The second verse highlights his reliance on technology, personified by the satellite that guides him through unfamiliar roads. Nevertheless, he yearns for the familiarity of known roads, where he knows how to take the turns, metaphorically alluding to the comfort of a predictable life. The final verse is a bittersweet admission that he was wrong to believe he could love his partner, and that they are not meant to be together. The song ends with one last goodbye to the rain and the queen, the symbols of his struggles and pain.
Overall, "Queen Jane" is an introspective song about the journey of a man who has both found himself and lost himself in the same relationship. It speaks to the human capacity for love and our endless pursuit of happiness and comfort.
Line by Line Meaning
It took me 17 days in the pouring rain and 2000 miles alone
I traveled a long and difficult distance, enduring harsh weather and solitude.
Making my way through your kingdom on the wrong side of the road
I navigated through unfamiliar territory, struggling to adjust to new rules.
Eating at service stations, sleeping in motel rooms
I survived on meager resources, spending nights in impersonal accommodations.
When I leave I'll miss some friends I made, but this time I won't miss you
Although I formed some connections, I am eager to escape a toxic relationship.
No and I won't miss these gray skies
I won't miss the dreary atmosphere or the feeling of being stuck.
That hang over me like fate
The clouds seem to symbolize an unavoidable destiny, reminding me of my struggles.
Sometimes you think you need something new
At times, you believe a change of pace will fix your problems.
Then you get it and it's just not the same
However, once you reach your destination, you realize it doesn't meet your expectations.
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I am bidding farewell to the unhappy memories and experiences associated with this place and person.
I'm going home to the Golden State to fix all of my mistakes
I am returning to where I belong in order to correct my past errors and start anew.
I ventured into this foreign land relying on the satellite
I depended on technology to navigate my way around an unfamiliar place.
Just when you're lost at the roundabout, it tells you to go left or go right
However, the GPS can only offer guidance in the moment, not a long-term solution to your confusion.
But now l long for familiar roads when I know how to take the turns
I yearn for the comfort and stability of my regular routines, where I feel more in control.
I can't wait to get out of this place with all of my lessons learned
I can't wait to leave this location, taking with me valuable insights gained through my hardships.
I used to think I could love you
I once believed you were capable of being loved.
But you have proven me wrong
However, your actions have demonstrated that love is not possible between us.
The only thing you've been right about
Ironically, the only thing you were correct about was that we were not compatible.
Is that we don't belong
We are fundamentally different and cannot coexist in a fulfilling relationship.
Contributed by Levi T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
RunForestRun
It took me 17 days in the pouring rain and 2000 miles alone
Making my way through your kingdom on the wrong side of the road
Eating at service stations, sleeping in motel rooms
When I leave I'll miss some friends I made, but this time I won't miss you
No and I won't miss these gray skies
That hang over me like fate
Sometimes you think you need something new
Then you get it and it's just not the same
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home to the Golden State to fix all of my mistakes
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I ventured into this foreign land relying on the satellite
Just when you're lost at the roundabout, it tells you to go left or go right
But now l long for familiar roads when I know how to take the turns
I can't wait to get out of this place with all of my lessons learned
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home, whatever the stakes, never's worse than late
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I used to think I could love you
But you have proven me wrong
The only thing you've been right about
Is that we don't belong
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
garabbott
Every time I come back to these recordings I always end up surprised by hearing the audience at the end. It's amazing that these were live recordings and not from a studio.
SwordoftheEvening
Joey's voice and Kenneth's fills make these guys great. Can't wait to hear what they come up with next.
Paul O'Brien
Love this song! stuck on repeat haha
RunForestRun
It took me 17 days in the pouring rain and 2000 miles alone
Making my way through your kingdom on the wrong side of the road
Eating at service stations, sleeping in motel rooms
When I leave I'll miss some friends I made, but this time I won't miss you
No and I won't miss these gray skies
That hang over me like fate
Sometimes you think you need something new
Then you get it and it's just not the same
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home to the Golden State to fix all of my mistakes
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I ventured into this foreign land relying on the satellite
Just when you're lost at the roundabout, it tells you to go left or go right
But now l long for familiar roads when I know how to take the turns
I can't wait to get out of this place with all of my lessons learned
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I'm going home, whatever the stakes, never's worse than late
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
I used to think I could love you
But you have proven me wrong
The only thing you've been right about
Is that we don't belong
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Goodbye rain, Goodbye Queen Jane
Mr. K
Wow, that was powerful man. I can feel it in my bones...
Frank McPave
wonderful song!!!
J Becker
I saw these guys last night in Central Park. Memorable. Excellent work gentleman.
TheSoulseeder
They are like Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel, Buddy Holly, John Prine, and The Smothers Brothers, with a little Grateful Dead added touch all at the same time. I do love them.
MorganEdger
I have been listening to this on repeat, preparing for the Decatur, GA show! Can't wait!
Nathan Schafer
interesting sound, want to see what other material they come out with