When a crowd is singing along with the last chorus after hearing the song for the first time, and Twitter lights up with those same lyrics in the days following a performance, you know it's a song that connects. With poignant yet sing-along-able lyrics and undeniable rock noir musical undertones, Spirits, the first single from The Strumbellas’ forthcoming album, embodies the essence of what has been attracting fans from across North America to this Lindsay, Ontario-bred band.
That journey has been a whirlwind since the release of the band’s 2012 debut album My Father And The Hunter. The Strumbellas' sound — haunting lyrics fused with infectious, danceable melodies — won them both fans and critical recognition. A year later, they followed up with We Still Move On Dance Floors, which earned the band six awards, including a JUNO and Sirius XM
Indie Award, as well as a spot on the Polaris Music Prize Long List. And of course, there’s been touring. Lots of touring.
In early 2015, the Strumbellas, off the road and ready to go into the studio again, set up shop at downtown Toronto’s Lincoln County Social Club to record the new album with LA Producer/Engineer, Dave Schiffman (Johnny Cash, Haim, Weezer). During three recording sessions during the first half of 2015, Schiffman and the band harnessed a vivid sound that was itchin’ to get out of them. Bigger. Bolder. Beckoning.
In This Life
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And everyday it looks like rain
But I keep hoping for that sun
The streets are filled with demons
Lord that's never gonna change
But I still wanna be with everyone
I know there's something for you out there in this life
The rivers are getting low
And the skyscrapers all cover the town
But I still work until the day's done
The people all dressed in black
And all the cars they look the same
But I got nowhere left to run
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I know there's something waiting for us in the light
I know there's something waiting for us in the light
Oh they're all dancing through the darkness of the night
Oh they're dancing through the darkness of the night
Oh they're dancing through the darkness
They're dancing through the darkness
They're dancing through the darkness of the night
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I know there's something for you out there in this life
The Strumbellas' song "In This Life" is an ode to hope in the face of adversity. The first verse refers to the seemingly never-ending rain that has not allowed for the changing of the seasons, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling stuck in a rut. Despite this, the singer still holds onto the hope for the sun, representing better days to come. The second verse talks about the demons that fill the streets and the bleak uniformity of the world, but the singer still wants to be a part of it all. The repeated chorus assures the listener that there is something out there for them and encourages them to keep holding on to hope. The bridge features the words "dancing through the darkness," which could represent a sense of joy and resilience despite the difficult circumstances.
Overall, "In This Life" is a song about persevering through challenging times and finding hope in the face of darkness. It encourages listeners to keep holding on and searching for something better, even when everything around them seems bleak.
Line by Line Meaning
I know the season's ain't been changing
I am aware that the seasons have not changed lately
And everyday it looks like rain
Each day seems like it is going to rain
But I keep hoping for that sun
Despite the dreariness, I am still holding onto hope for better days
The streets are filled with demons
The streets are full of people who cause trouble and pain
Lord that's never gonna change
Unfortunately, this situation is unlikely to improve
But I still wanna be with everyone
Nevertheless, I still wish to be with others despite the negativity around us
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I am certain that there is something waiting for each person to discover in their life's journey
The rivers are getting low
The water levels in the rivers are dropping
And the skyscrapers all cover the town
The tall buildings dominate and obscure the city
But I still work until the day's done
Despite the challenges, I still work hard until the end of the day
The people all dressed in black
Everyone is dressed in dark clothing
And all the cars they look the same
The vehicles seem identical and boring
But I got nowhere left to run
I am trapped and have no escape from this mundane reality
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I am confident that every person has a purpose to fulfill in their life
I know there's something waiting for us in the light
I believe that there is something wonderful awaiting us in the future
Oh they're all dancing through the darkness of the night
Others are dancing and enjoying themselves despite the difficult circumstances of life
They're dancing through the darkness
They are celebrating life despite its struggles
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I reiterate that everyone has a purpose in life
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I emphasize that every individual has something unique to discover in their life journey
I know there's something for you out there in this life
I continue to assert that there is a reason for every person's existence
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeremy Drury, Jonathan Hembrey, Darryl James, Isabel Cunningham Ritchie, David Ritter, Simon Alexander Ward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JansetNilGenc
This band can sing about the oxygen rate in the air and it would still touch my heart, each song is beautiful i think they are my favorite band besides the lumineers
@chriswong8262
These guys are a hundred times better than the Lumineers.
@bhuwanrajkunwer3134
What else do u listen to ....would like to know cause band like this and lumineers are ❤️
@mattybooboo
Such an underrated song. It’s such a banger I can’t believe it isn’t as popular as their other songs tbh
@joolsx
The violin solo gives me shivers everytime I hear it. What a beautiful song!
@TW86
Thank you Winnipeg Folk Fest allowing me to discover this wonderful band it was by far the best performance of the whole festival
@s0mas91
Something about this song just brings me such great peace.
@TheIndieMusicSource
Heard this song in Starbucks during my shift. Had to drop the drink I was making to check what the song was called. :)
@tania5758
Thank you CBC radio for introducing me to this band :)
@TheGlitterGurls1
Heard this in Reign and instantly fell Inlove