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.
Salvation
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And walk upon the clouds
I like to shout from the rooftops
And surf on top of the crowd
For many years, many years
I was scared of the person I was
And I'm not perfect, they say
But I know that I was born to be loved
Hey, hey, hey, will they love me now?
Hey now kid, you're my salvation
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
All my life, they never told me
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
I like to spend all my money
On things that I don't need
I like to sleep all the day
'Cause this life is easier in dreams
Yeah, in my dreams, in my dreams
Well, I think about the places I have been
And I can't regret what I have done
It's the past that makes me who I am
Hey, hey, hey, will they love me now?
Hey now kid, you're my salvation
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
All my life, they never told me
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
Even when the sun goes down
I'll be there to hold and love you
Even when the day is done
I will be the one you can run to
Even when I'm dead and gone
I will always watch out for you now
Until the day we meet again
Until we meet again
Hey now kid, you're my salvation
Just put it all out, down let your head down
All my life, they never told me
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
The Strumbellas' song "Salvation" is an anthem for those who have felt lost and alone in the world, seeking comfort and acceptance from those around them. The first verse of the song highlights the singer's desire to live a carefree, joyful existence, yet their fear of not being accepted for who they are. The lines "For many years, many years / I was scared of the person I was / And I'm not perfect, they say / But I know that I was born to be loved" suggest self-doubt and insecurity, yet also a willingness to embrace oneself despite one's perceived imperfections.
The chorus of the song speaks directly to the listener, urging them to let go of their own fears and inhibitions, and to be open and honest about who they are. The lines "Hey now kid, you're my salvation / Just put it all out, don't let your head down / All my life, they never told me / They never said that it'd ever be so hard" serve as a reminder that we all need someone to lean on, to lift us up when we are feeling down, and to provide us with the strength to keep going.
The final verse of the song offers a sense of hope and reassurance, with the idea that even after death, the singer will continue to look out for and protect those they love. The lines "Even when I'm dead and gone / I will always watch out for you now / Until the day we meet again / Until we meet again" suggest a faith in some kind of afterlife or eternal connection, and a deep desire to provide comfort and support for others.
Line by Line Meaning
I like to dance under streetlamps
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life like dancing under streetlamps
And walk upon the clouds
I aspire to achieve great things and reach new heights
I like to shout from the rooftops
I express myself boldly and fearlessly
And surf on top of the crowd
I am confident and comfortable being in the spotlight
For many years, many years
I have struggled for a long time
I was scared of the person I was
I had insecurities about myself
And I'm not perfect, they say
People have criticized me for my flaws
But I know that I was born to be loved
Deep down, I believe that I am worthy of love and acceptance
Hey, hey, hey, will they love me now?
I still worry about whether people will accept me for who I am
Hey now kid, you're my salvation
You bring me hope and comfort in difficult times
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
Be yourself and don't be discouraged by the opinions of others
All my life, they never told me
I have faced many challenges without guidance
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
I had no idea that life would be this difficult
I like to spend all my money
I indulge in material possessions
On things that I don't need
I have a tendency to waste money on unnecessary items
I like to sleep all the day
I prefer to escape from reality by sleeping
'Cause this life is easier in dreams
I find it easier to cope with life in my dreams
Yeah, in my dreams, in my dreams
I often find solace and comfort in my dreams
Well, I think about the places I have been
I reflect on my past experiences
And I can't regret what I have done
I have no regrets about my past decisions
It's the past that makes me who I am
My past experiences have shaped me into the person I am today
Even when the sun goes down
I will be there for you through thick and thin
I'll be there to hold and love you
I will provide emotional support and love
Even when the day is done
I will continue to be a source of comfort
I will be the one you can run to
You can rely on me and turn to me for help
Even when I'm dead and gone
My love and support will remain even after I am gone
I will always watch out for you now
I will always be there for you and look out for your well-being
Until the day we meet again
I hope to see you again in the future
Hey now kid, you're my salvation
You are my source of hope and comfort in difficult times
Just put it all out, down let your head down
Be true to yourself and don't be discouraged
All my life, they never told me
I have learned many things on my own
They never said that it'd ever be so hard
I had no idea that life would be so challenging
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Darryl James, David Ritter, Isabel Ritchie, Jeremy Drury, Joanne Setterington, Jonathan Hembrey, Simon Alexander Ward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nemotheexplorer2136
I like to dance under street lamps and walk upon the clouds
I like to shout from the rooftops and surf on top of the crowd
(Oh oh oh, oh oh)
For many years, many years I was scared of the person I was
And I'm not perfect they say, but I know that I was born to be loved
(Oh oh oh, oh oh)
Hey hey hey, will they love me now?
Hey now kid, you're my salvation!
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
All my life they never told me
They never said that it'd be so hard
I like to spend all my money on things that I don't need
I like to sleep all the day 'cause this life is easier in dream
(Oh oh oh, oh oh)
Yeah in my dreams, in my dreams well I think about the places I have been
And I can't regret what I have done, it's the past that makes me who I am
(Oh oh oh, oh oh)
Hey hey hey, will they love me now?
Hey now kid, you're my salvation!
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
All my life they never told me
They never said that it'd be so hard
Even when the sun goes down
I'll be there to hold and love you
Even when the day is done
I will be the one you can run to
Even when I'm dead and gone
I will always watch out for you
Now until the day we meet again
Until we meet again
Hey now kid, you're my salvation!
Just put it all out, don't let your head down
All my life they never told me
They never said that it'd be so hard
They never said that it'd be so hard
@ewebtvchannel2941
Me too!
Un capolavoro di canzone! Bellissima canzone , ma soprattutto la tua voce!
Non riesco a smettere di ascoltare questa canzone, il meglio di sempre!
Non ho visto un videoclip migliore di questo! Risultato impressionante! Molto bene e ben fatto! 🔝🔝💪🔝🔝 Sei uno dei miei migliori artisti dei record.
Awesome!!!
👏🔝💪
How many people love this??
💯0000000000
I can't stop dancing that song, the best of ever!
With ♥ from Italy.
Immediately in the head!
A masterpiece of song!
I haven't seen a better video clip than this! Impressive result! Very good and well done! You are one of my best record artists.
@ewebtvchannel2941
Un capolavoro di canzone! Bellissima canzone , ma soprattutto la tua voce!
Non riesco a smettere di ascoltare questa canzone, il meglio di sempre!
Non ho visto un videoclip migliore di questo! Risultato impressionante! Molto bene e ben fatto! 🔝🔝💪🔝🔝 Sei uno dei miei migliori artisti dei record.
Awesome!!!
👏🔝💪
How many people love this??
💯0000000000
I can't stop dancing that song, the best of ever!
With ♥ from Italy.
Immediately in the head!
A masterpiece of song!
I haven't seen a better video clip than this! Impressive result! Very good and well done! You are one of my best record artists.
@SuperLeyenda21
Last Friday my wife and I were driving our 4 year old to school, we were listening to the radio and this song came on we didn't pay much attention to it (at least my wife and I, someone else was). By the end of the day I picked up my daughter first thing she told me I'd like to listen to the song from this morning. I was so confused we heard many songs how I was suppose to remember one in particular, guess what? She couldn't remember the lyrics but she did remember the beat I was amazed. So I told her we're going to try to find it, we start searchin for it no luck that evening. Lucky for her next day was Saturday, I thought she won't remember about it, (wrong). So she got up came to us an said could you please start looking again( it was kind of a nightmare by now), I could remember a bit of the chorus was something like la la la lala la lala we went to the website of the radio station. and lucky me I found it on the first try I saw Salvation and said to her let's hope this is the one. Now she wants me to play it everyday, she's happy everyone else's happy. ( lesson of life if you have a toddler pay attention to everything that's around them or you will regret it) cool song by the way!
@globalwarmhugs7741
Totally! My little guy that I work with (age 27, downs and autism,) ALWAYS knows what's up, musically. His playlist is full of uplifting, brilliant, soul-filling music.
@karthago1469
Very nice that you're doing so much for your kids! Keep it up!
PS: Alright, will try to keep an eye on everything around my kids.... when I have them:D
@wh2551
I've come a long way and this song helps me reflect. So uplifting.
@yeltsin6817
So cool.
@Nextbigching
Take pride in your kid having a good taste in music.
@brunoventurin2267
Amazing song. Underrated band. So proud they’re Canadian.
@moriocho7220
gross Canada
@kevlu8
señor spooky what the hell I live in Canada and it is way better than you think. Don't judge s book by its cover or you are just a racist [content removed]
@martinderozan231
señor spooky your gross