"From the prairie city of Saskatoon, Canada come the Sheepdogs, 4 young gentlemen who revel in the joy of rock n roll so wholeheartedly, it's downright contagious. Sporting the long-haired looks of their musical forefathers, the lads make the most of their 2 guitars, bass and drums combo. Soulful vocalizations, everybody harmonizing, old-school guitar chops winding, riffing and chiming, and a grooving rhythm section that keeps it all going. Having already cemented their reputation as dynamic performers in their hometown, the Sheepdogs now turn their attention to spreading their affection for rock n roll cross-country. They have spent the last year covering the great white north, playing from Vancouver island to Montreal. They have played festivals, headlined a bill during 2007's Junofest, opened for the likes of Matt Mays and el Torpedo, and performed before thousands at 2006's Saskatoon Centennial Celebration. In January 2007 they released their debut LP Trying to Grow, a collection of guitar-driven originals that recall classic rockers like the Stones, CCR, and the Kinks. The album's title-track was featured in a province-wide campaign in their native Saskatchewan. Early 2008 has already seen the completion of their follow-up album, which mixes elements of southern rock and moody soul with gleeful straight-forward rockers. Once again, the boys are hitting the road, spreading their rock n roll revival to the rest of Canada."
-Bill Shakespeare, August 2007
Band Lineup:
Ewan Currie - lead vocals, guitar
Leot Hanson - backing vocals, guitar
Ryan Gullen - backing vocals, bass
Sam Corbett - backing vocals, drums
http://www.thesheepdogs.com/
How Late How Long
The Sheepdogs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together (sing it now)
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather, yeah
And when I'm by myself
That's when I think of no one else
I got to keep to my own
Yeah, I got to keep to my own
And when I stay out late
I say to myself, you're a nutso baby
Why don't you keep to your own?
Yeah I got to, keep to my own (yeah)
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together
How late? How long? (Yeah)
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together
And when I'm by myself
That's when I think of no one else
I got to keep to my own
Yeah, I got to keep to my own
And when I stay out late
I say to myself, you attempted fate baby
Why don't you keep to your own?
Yeah I got to, keep to my own (yeah)
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather, yeah
We're together (sing it now)
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together (ooh)
The Sheepdogs's song "How Late How Long" is a tale of a man who struggles with the balance between his urge to 'keep to himself' and the joy that comes with being a part of a community, in this case embodied by the stormy weather they find themselves in, and 'singing your song'. The repeated questioning of "how late? How long?" becomes a reflection of the man's internal battle, his desire to stay out late and the temptation it brings, contrasts with his desire to stay in and 'keep to his own'. The stormy weather that unites the group also reflects the internal strife of the singer. While he warns himself that he needs to 'keep to his own', he is also drawn to the sense of belonging that comes with being a part of the community.
The chorus of the song is a call and response where the band seems to be coaxing the singer, and perhaps the listener, to join in and sing the song, despite any internal resistance. The singer seems to have some level of understanding that being with others, even in the midst of stormy weather, is ultimately a positive experience. The line "singing your song" is an invitation to participate in the unifying experience of coming together through music.
Overall, "How Late How Long" is a reflection on fighting one's internal battles and the ongoing struggle to strike a balance between the desire for independence and the desire for community. It is a reminder that sometimes, even in the midst of stormy weather, it is good to come together with others and sing a song.
Line by Line Meaning
How late? How long?
Asking how much time will it take to complete the song.
Singing your song
Performing or playing the song written by you.
Stormy weather
Difficult times, challenges, and struggles in life.
We're together (sing it now)
Celebrating the togetherness or unity of the band and audience.
And when I'm by myself
That's when I think of no one else
I got to keep to my own
Yeah, I got to keep to my own
And when I stay out late
I say to myself, you're a nutso baby
Why don't you keep to your own?
Yeah I got to, keep to my own (yeah)
Being introverted and self-reliant, staying true to oneself, and avoiding being reckless.
And when I'm by myself
That's when I think of no one else
I got to keep to my own
Yeah, I got to keep to my own
And when I stay out late
I say to myself, you attempted fate baby
Why don't you keep to your own?
Yeah I got to, keep to my own (yeah)
Reflecting on one's decisions, realizing the risk, and choosing to be responsible.
How late? How long? (Yeah)
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together
Repeating the chorus to emphasize the idea of working together during challenging times.
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather, yeah
We're together (sing it now)
Reassuring that the band and the audience are united to face whatever comes along the way.
How late? How long?
Singing your song
Stormy weather
We're together (ooh)
A final affirmation of the band and audience's solidarity and support for each other.
Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.
Written by: Ewan James Currie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SPICY DADDY
Sheepdogs rule. Been a fan ever since I saw them open for Rival Sons and they sorta stole the show. Absolutely incredible live act--their energy and tightness on stage was just stunning. Top notch boys.
Kyle Schicker
DUDE, SAME!!! Been listening to them more than Rival Sons, haha.
shallow water sailor explorer
They sound great.
Enzo
Gran sound. Mi piacciono tantissimo, yeah!!!
Kilimanjaro
It's like being back in the '70's!!!!
Rock on guys!!
Joe Friesen
You guys rock! I will be buying your albums. From a store. Support Canadian Bands Y'all!!!
Rod's Vintage Guns N' Gab
These guys are awesome
Ka Mac
I LOVE this band!
FlyPistol
Nice Rock'n Roll song!!!
Bubby Clark
Sheepdogs ROCK 🤘🤘