Seth Swirsky has written hit songs for dozens of artists, ranging from Rufus Wainwright (“Instant Pleasure”) to Al Green to Tina Turner, Taylor Dayne (“Tell it to My Heart”) among many others. (He’s also written three bestselling books about baseball and made a documentary playing in film festivals currently called “Beatles Stories”).
As a solo artist, his first album – Instant Pleasure – won for Best Pop Album at the 2005 L.A. Music Awards. His follow-up, Watercolor Day, won Best Pop Song (the title track) at the 2010 Hollywood Music and Media Awards.
Ruekberg’s indie credentials are rock solid: He spent the ’90s as writer and singer for Minneapolis-based pop heroes Rex Daisy, who recorded a CD for Geffen Records with producer Paul Fox. He also wrote the soundtrack for the indie cult film classic “Dummy”, which starred Adrien Brody, Milla Jovovich, and Vera Farmiga. Mike’s music has also been heard in other movies and on TV, as well as in football stadiums and blaring from audio greeting cards!
The two met in 2005 and hit it off immediately; both of them admiring each other’s songs, and sharing a taste for vintage pop.
So, they got together and started writing and recording songs. They found that Swirsky’s tuneful optimism balanced nicely with Ruekberg’s pessimistic but passionate style. Their first album “She’s About to Cross My Mind”, in 2007, was the result of those sessions.
After winning many “year-end” polls for Album of the Year with “She’s About to Cross My Mind” and being dubbed by the influential music Magazine SHINDIG! as the new “Power Pop Princes”, they are back with their second album of original material called “As Far As Yesterday Goes”, released on June 1, 2011.
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Floating by
The Red Button Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just floating by
Lazy cello, painted yellow
Playing out of time.
It doesn't matter what we do
Tomorrow's always something new
But when the well runs dry
The world's just passing you by, ah.
Old sandals, burnt candles
So far away
California, it's so warm here
Think I'm gonna stay
And everytime a cloud goes by
I think about who else is high
So safe and satisfied
But you can't outrun the tide
The world is passing you by
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
You never thought you'd ever live this long
The sun came up and all your friends were gone
You found a note that said "we're moving on
But thanks for all the wine!"
It doesn't matter what we do
Tomorrow's always something new
The weather suits you fine
And you've got so much time
The world is passing you by
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
It doesn't matter what we do
Tomorrow's always something new
The Red Button's song "Floating By" is a melancholic and introspective piece on the passing of time and the realization of one's mortality. Throughout the song, the singer describes a sense of aimlessness and detachment from the world around them, as they daydream and "float by" through life. The gentle melody and slow, somber cello create a sense of longing and nostalgia, which is reflected in the lyrics.
The singer seems to be acutely aware of the fleeting nature of time, and how easily one can fall into a state of complacency or stagnation. The repeated refrain of "the world is passing you by" is a reminder of how quickly life can slip away if one doesn't take action or seize opportunities. The mention of burnt candles and empty sandals, as well as the note left by the departed friends, is a reminder of the transience and fragility of life.
At the same time, the singer seems to find solace in their detachment from the world. The warm climate of California and the satisfaction they feel from simply daydreaming and taking life as it comes is a form of escape from the inevitable passage of time. However, the last verse serves as a final reminder that time will eventually catch up with everyone, no matter how much they try to ignore it.
Overall, "Floating By" is a poignant and introspective piece that captures the bittersweet nature of life and the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Daydreamin', slipstreamin'
Lost in thought, going with the flow
Just floating by
Living in the moment without a care in the world
Lazy cello, painted yellow
A relaxed and simple environment
Playing out of time.
Living life without any type of pressure
It doesn't matter what we do
Life is unpredictable no matter what we do
Tomorrow's always something new
Each day brings a new challenge or change
But when the well runs dry
When our resources are gone
Who's gonna get you high
Who will bring enjoyment and happiness
The world's just passing you by, ah.
Life goes on, whether we are living or not
Old sandals, burnt candles
Memories of the past
So far away
In a distant place, whether in memory or reality
California, it's so warm here
A place of warmth and comfort
Think I'm gonna stay
The feeling of belonging and contentment
And everytime a cloud goes by
Moments of reflection
I think about who else is high
Who else is enjoying life despite its challenges
So safe and satisfied
The feeling of happiness and security
But you can't outrun the tide
Life will always present its challenges
The world is passing you by
Life is short and time never stops
You never thought you'd ever live this long
The feeling of being surprised to still be alive
The sun came up and all your friends were gone
How life and time can change everything
You found a note that said "we're moving on
People and circumstances change without warning
But thanks for all the wine!"
A fond memory amidst change and uncertainty
The weather suits you fine
A contentment with current circumstances
And you've got so much time
The feeling of having enough time
The world is passing you by
Life is always moving forward
Writer(s): Seth Swirsky, Mike Ruekberg
Contributed by Maya R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tamsmith61
Fantastic song. Fantastic band!
Rick Clare
This is refreshing stuff. Excellent!
John Lancaster
Great music!
RIVIERA
great stuff!!!!
avalonmystic
Very Beatlesque - groovy!
Alexandria Farkas
Reminds me of the great band Sloan.
Andy Anderson
Justin Johnson