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.
The Hired Band
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On a horse with blazing guns
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
This shaky heart is young
But it's learning how to love
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm a trying man
And I want you to know
That I'm a a lion man
I'm the hired band
People say I'm strange
So I'm trying to make a change
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
I don't know what I am
But I'm doing the best I can
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
Spinning out of control
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm a trying man
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm the hired band
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm the trying man
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm the hired band
Singing songs of hope
But I don't know where to go
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
Troubled days are gone
But the nights are still long
Mama don't come looking for me
Spinning out of control
Spinning out of control
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm a trying man
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm the hired band
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm a tired man
And I want you to know
That I'm a lion man
I'm the hired band
The Strumbellas' song "The Hired Band" is an intense track that tells the story of a person's journey and struggle to find their place in the world. The lyrics depict a desperate, almost reckless, determination to discover their true identity and purpose. The opening lines of “Riding off to the sun/On a horse with blazing guns” set the scene for the singer's pursuit of his destiny. The reference to the sun and blazing guns highlights the idea of moving toward something bright and powerful, while the horse symbolizes a journey or a quest.
The lines "And I want you to know/That I'm a lion man/I'm a trying man" emphasize the singer's desire to be seen as bold and courageous, despite feeling unsure and frightened. The phrase "lion man" suggests a sense of strength and ferocity that the character is trying to embrace as they face their fears and obstacles. The repetition of "spinning out of control" throughout the song creates a sense of urgency and chaos, highlighting the singer's feeling of being lost and directionless.
The song ultimately ends on a hopeful note, with the lines "Singing songs of hope/But I don't know where to go" hinting at the possibility of a brighter future, despite the uncertainty of the present. Overall, "The Hired Band" is a powerful song about finding one's way in life, despite the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Riding off to the sun
Leaving everything behind and heading towards a new beginning.
On a horse with blazing guns
Ready to face any challenge with determination.
Mama don't come looking for me
I am following my heart and making my own choices.
Spinning out of control
Feeling lost and unsure, unable to keep things in check.
This shaky heart is young
I am inexperienced in matters of the heart.
But it's learning how to love
I am willing to learn and grow.
And I want you to know
I want to share my true self with you.
That I'm a lion man
I am courageous and strong.
I'm a trying man
I am constantly striving to improve myself.
And I want you to know
I hope you can see the real me.
That I'm the hired band
I am on a journey and willing to work hard to achieve my dreams.
People say I'm strange
I am different from the norm.
So I'm trying to make a change
I am working to break away from stereotypes and find my own path.
I don't know what I am
I am still figuring out who I am as a person.
But I'm doing the best I can
I am trying my hardest to make the most of my life.
Singing songs of hope
Sharing my positive outlook on life with others.
But I don't know where to go
Despite my hopeful outlook, I am still figuring out my direction in life.
Troubled days are gone
I have overcome some difficult times in my life.
But the nights are still long
I still struggle with doubts and fears during the dark times.
And I want you to know
I hope you can see the real me.
That I'm a lion man
I am strong and resilient.
I'm a tired man
I have faced many challenges and am weary.
And I want you to know
Despite my weariness, I am still determined to keep going.
That I'm the hired band
I am willing to work hard and keep pushing forward to achieve my dreams.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brian Pickett, David Ritter, Joanne Setterington, Darryl James, Simon Ward, Jonathan Hembrey, Jeremy Drury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jon Block
on We Don't Know
I just saw Strumbellas in concert tonight in Denver. They were so great!! And this song "We Don't Know" moved me to tears. Made me reflect on my life and the uncertainties I'm facing. Being in the energy of this song and really getting the lyrics for the first time filled me with peace and hope.
Victoria Miller
on Spirits
Where did you find their bio?
Angela J Szucs-PagliariniVictoria Miller
on Spirits
if you read their bio, Simon Ward their frontman has an unhealthy fear of dying . he says most of the songs are based on that.
Dalton Bacon James
on Spirits
This sounds like it's about PTSD. Just listen to the lyrics and think about it