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 Sheriff
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh then it took me, oh then it took me
Back to those old darn days
Oh and I sit by the lake and watch the boats as I think
Oh when I'm looking, oh
Oh and sometimes I hope that they sink
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
Oh and I've learned everything from my mother's hurt
Oh and I listened, oh and I listen
Oh how I followed that burn
Hell I fished the night away with my father on the lake
Oh when he took me, oh when he took me
Oh how I miss that old place
And I say
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
Oh I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
And all good things gone
When all good's gone wrong
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
The lyrics of The Strumbellas' song "The Sheriff" evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for a simpler time. The singer is clearly affected by the things that their loved ones have said and done, feeling transported back to "those old darn days" by their words. The imagery of sitting by a lake and watching boats is poignant, as it suggests a desire to escape from the stresses of life and just be still for a moment. However, even the peaceful sight of the boats brings up conflicting emotions, with the singer admitting that "sometimes I hope that they sink."
As the song progresses, we learn more about the singer's history and how it has shaped them. They have "learned everything from my mother's hurt" and followed the "burn" of pain that they felt within themselves. They also have fond memories of fishing with their father on the lake and miss that "old place." However, amidst all of these emotions and experiences, the singer makes it clear that they are not in control. They are "not the sheriff" of their own life, and the good things can still go wrong despite their efforts.
Overall, "The Sheriff" is a song about the complexities of life and the ways that our past can shape who we are. It represents a longing for simpler times and a sense of resignation that we cannot always control our own fate. Nevertheless, the song ends on a note of perseverance, with the singer repeating "I'm not the sheriff here" as a reminder that they will continue to face life's challenges with strength and determination.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm easily amused by the things you say
I find your words entertaining and captivating
Oh then it took me, oh then it took me, back to those old darn days
Your words brought me back to fond memories of my past
Oh and I sit by the lake and watch the boats as I think
I contemplate life while observing the passing boats on the lake
Oh when I'm looking, oh, oh and sometimes I hope that they sink
Occasionally, I wish misfortune upon others, even random strangers
And I say, I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
I want to make it clear that I am not in charge or responsible
Oh and I've learned everything from my mother's hurt
My life experiences have been shaped by the pain and suffering of my mother
Oh and I listened, oh and I listen, oh how I followed that burn
I paid attention and followed the passion that my mother instilled within me
Hell I fished the night away with my father on the lake
I have fond memories of spending many nights fishing with my father on the lake
Oh when he took me, oh when he took me, oh how I miss that old place
I long for the times when my father would take me fishing at our old favorite spot
And all good things gone, when all good's gone wrong
Everything good disappears when things take a turn for the worse
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
Once again, I want to emphasize that I am not in charge or responsible
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
(I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff)
Repetition of the previous line
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
@mirsey93
Well I'm easily amused by the things you say
oh then it took me
oh then it took me
back to those old darn days
oh and I sit by the lake and watch the boats as I think
oh when I'm looking, oh
oh and sometimes I hope that they sink
and I say,
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
oh and I've learned everything from my mother's hurt
oh and I listened
oh and I listen
oh how I followed that burn
hell I fished the night away with my father on the lake
oh and he took me, oh and he took me
oh how I miss that old place
and i say,
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
Oh I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sherrif here
and all good things gone
when all good's gone wrong
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff here
I'm not the sheriff, I'm not the sheriff
(repeats many times until end of song
@renegadeakela
Hi Strumbellas..you guys are awesome! Saw you in Nelson, BC this year and you were all great. I played the song "Sheriff" for my Scout troop and they really like.
I am making a video from our Go Pro camera footage from our Kokanee Glacier Trek last summer. These 14 boys and girls went on a 5 day mountaineering adventure that was confidence building and courageous!
Question: Would it be okay to use this Song in our video? There would be no use of the video for making any kind of profits. This is strictly for entertainment of those who attended the trek and anyone who would like to see our youth in the Selkirk Mountains doing what kids could be doing in their free time.
Accordingly, your music would be recognized in the credit score along with a couple of other bands.
Thanks for your consideration and keep up the good work. We look forward to your return to Nelson in the future!
Cheers
Jim Garth
kokaneecreek@gmail.com
@BrokenFootRailfan
Anyone still listening in 2023? Saw them in concert 2016 but still listen daily!
@seansweeney810
This band really needs more attention.
@FernandoRodriguez-kb3ww
Yeah, that's true
@user-um1lz4to8v
yes, what a good band
@persiusk
These guys are the best thing since black keys. I have renewed faith in new music.
@SilentKnight43
RIP the Strand Theatre and Hodge Podge Variety in Beaverton - both recently gone during covid. Love the allegorical theme to the video.
@26goahead12
I'm glad I checked this crew out! I used to listen to trap music but now I'm in recovery and trying to watch what I do and listen to. This type of music is brain food makes me feel like I'm eating spinach or some shit
@numbmind120
I love their slight blue grass sound, it was never my favorite genre but it holds a huge place in my heart, my grand father was a fantastic blue grass banjo player, he played with many of the greats, and these guys just take me back to those places in my head, but it is closer to my kinda music as i love folk rock. Great band.
@randywest2591
The Strumbellas Good Band From Canada 🇨🇦.
@grahamnierop7846
Great tune. These guys have a great sound/style. Love the homegrown Canadian talent. Good ol' Beaverton there for yah.