Simpkin Project plays a multi-faceted blend of reggae and Americana that va… Read Full Bio ↴Simpkin Project plays a multi-faceted blend of reggae and Americana that varies greatly on its exterior layers but only atop the organic rhythms of reggae music. Their sound has been described as “uncompromising… blend[ing] authentic roots rock rhythms with a wall-of-sound production style,” and the lyrical compositions of frontman Phil Simpkin range “from the simply truthful to the stirringly anthemic.” Their dedication and respect for reggae music is both seen and heard through their non-stop, enthusiastic live performances, songwriting style and studio recordings.

Rich guitar work that draws from influences in blues and rock ‘n’ roll is rarely in dull company, propelled steadily forward by the band’s thumping drums, bass and percussion, and the clockwork sound of rhythm guitar that defines Jamaica’s most culturally celebrated music. Their keyboard arrangements are lush and vibrant, providing a melodic backdrop against which three-part vocal harmonies shine brightly.

These pieces come together to form a kind of living machine comprised of seven cogs that change shape and size and tempo, and it moves not only bodies on a dance floor, but the hearts and minds inside them.

Simpkin Project’s music can be likened to a dialect of its parent language – culturally adapted to make sense in its place and time. It is music that addresses the struggles we all face; showing us that there is beauty in all things, from love to loss to injustice, and thus remaining true to the messages of traditional roots-reggae without which it would not exist.

“We love reggae music period. It is what we were all raised on. Strictly roots, rock, reggae music. What other genre of music exists solely as the vehicle that carries with it messages of peace, positive vibes, respect, love, empowerment, and spiritualism?”~The Simpkin Project~

Bad Things
The Simpkin Project Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Back in time, man we would feel so fine, but something in your mind took hold of you.
Day turned night, you're never feelin' right, oh the things you fight they surface through, you know they do…

You hold on to the bad things, you hold onto the bad things,
You hold on to the bad things, you hold onto the bad things.

Askin' why, you give it another try, into yourself you pry, can't stand the view.
Gone away, back in a darkened state, yes you know the place. I'm tellin' you,

you know you do…

When things seem to get too far ahead of yourself.
Seems at times like these can't turn to no-one else.
Say you better pick yourself back up from off the ground.
It's all on you now, it's all on you right now, now…

Off you go, into a world unknown, never have you been shown this side before.
Things go wrong, you sing a different song, lasting for so long you build a store,
you go back for more…

Life's too short for you to watch it pass from afar.
Every moment we define just who we are.

No one gonna take your place, there's no time like right now.
Stand up and show them how, stand up and show them how, how…

Overall Meaning

The Simpkin Project's song Bad Things is a beautifully crafted piece about the lingering effects of negative experiences and holding onto them. The lyrics take us on a journey of self-discovery, urging us to break free of the past and be present in the moment.

The first verse sets the stage by describing a time when everything was fine but something took hold of you. It's unclear what that thing is, but it's clear that it has a hold of you. The second verse delves deeper into the aftermath of this experience, described as never feeling right and constantly fighting the things that surface from it. It's a struggle that many of us can relate to – trying to push past the negative thoughts and memories that echo through our minds.

The chorus is repeated multiple times and serves as a reminder of the central message of the song: holding onto bad things is not productive and only serves to hold us back. The lyrics are urging us to let go of negative experiences and move forward. The bridge encourages us to take ownership of our lives and define ourselves in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past.

Overall, the lyrics of Bad Things are a powerful call to action, reminding us that we have control over our own lives and can choose to let go of negative experiences and move forward.

Line by Line Meaning

Back in time, man we would feel so fine, but something in your mind took hold of you.
We used to have good times in the past, but then some negative thoughts and feelings started dominating your mind.

Day turned night, you're never feelin' right, oh the things you fight they surface through, you know they do…
You have a hard time distinguishing between day and night because you always feel uneasy due to the negative things you fight with, and you know they are affecting you.

You hold on to the bad things, you hold onto the bad things, You hold on to the bad things, you hold onto the bad things.
You cling onto the negative aspects of your life, refusing to move on or find the good in things.

Askin' why, you give it another try, into yourself you pry, can't stand the view.
You keep asking yourself why things are the way they are, but the more you look inside, the more it hurts to see the truth.

Gone away, back in a darkened state, yes you know the place. I'm tellin' you, you know you do…
You have retreated to a dark and negative place, and you know it all too well.

When things seem to get too far ahead of yourself. Seems at times like these can't turn to no-one else. Say you better pick yourself back up from off the ground. It's all on you now, it's all on you right now, now…
When things get overwhelming, it feels like there is nobody you can turn to. However, you need to pick yourself up and take control of your life, as it is solely your responsibility to do so.

Off you go, into a world unknown, never have you been shown this side before.
You are entering a brand new and unexplored territory, never having experienced this side of life before.

Things go wrong, you sing a different song, lasting for so long you build a store, you go back for more…
When things go wrong in your life, you end up adopting a negative attitude, perpetuating the cycle of negativity and only seeking more of it.

Life's too short for you to watch it pass from afar. Every moment we define just who we are. No one gonna take your place, there's no time like right now. Stand up and show them how, stand up and show them how, how…
Life is too precious to let it slip away while you keep a negative mindset. Every moment counts, and you need to take charge of your life right now and show the world what you are truly capable of.

Contributed by Victoria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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