In 1995, the band added keyboardist Jeff Pedersen as an official member and signed with MCA/Way Cool Music. After two albums with MCA/Way Cool Music, the band and label parted ways, after which the band independently released a live album and one final studio album before breaking up in mid-2000.
Since the breakup, the band has gotten back together several times to perform occasional "reunion" shows, but have no plans to regroup permanently.
Lead singer Chris Shaffer put together a new band for a few years, Shaffer Street, releasing two albums; he also toured as a solo artist, releasing two solo albums. Michael David Smith, Greg Gardner, & Charlie Bushor formed Lost In Lodi, playing shows around the midwest as well.
Since 2007, Chris has been touring with a new version of The Why Store which includes no other original members and in March 2009 rereleased his most recent solo album, VIM, as a Why Store album.
Their catalog consists of six studio albums and a double live album:
Welcome to the Why Store (1993)
Inside the Why Store (1994)
The Why Store (1996)
Two Beasts (1998)
Live at Midnight (1999)
Life on Planet Six Ball (2000)
VIM (2009)
Lack Of Water
The Why Store Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got to free yourself
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free
Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Before I get old
All I need is the water
Times are changing
Worlds are breaking turning me around
Never run for shelter
Cause I can't hear the sound
Try so hard to leave it
But it takes me away
Pushing back the power
Now it's so sad to say
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free
Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old
The song "Lack of Water" by The Why Store is a powerful ballad that touches on the human condition of yearning for freedom from whatever cages us, be it physical or emotional. The repeated phrase "Lack of Water" serves as a metaphor for the thirst for freedom that the singer is experiencing. He is urging himself, and perhaps the listener, to take control of their lives and break free from whatever is holding them back.
The singer is introspective and acknowledges that he may be the cause of his own lack of freedom, but he is also hopeful that he can resolve his issues and find the inner peace he desires. The line "Shelter is a place that I would like to behold" emphasizes the desire for safety and security, while "Better get to getting before I get old" underscores the urgency to act before it's too late.
The song also acknowledges the external forces that can impede us from achieving freedom. The line "Worlds are breaking turning me around" highlights the chaos and unpredictability of life, while "Pushing back the power now it's so sad to say" alludes to the oppression that can come from those in power.
Overall, "Lack of Water" is a relatable and impactful song that encourages introspection and action in the pursuit of freedom and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Lack of water
I am feeling emotionally dehydrated and unfulfilled, like there is something essential missing in my life.
Got to free yourself
It's important to break free from whatever is holding me back or making me feel trapped.
Maybe I'm to blame
I am willing to take responsibility for my part in my current situation, even if it's uncomfortable.
But it's not too far to see
I have a clear sense of what it will take to make positive changes in my life, and I am committed to taking action.
Got to close the curtains
I need to block out any distractions or influences that could keep me from achieving my goals.
Before I get free
I am afraid that if I don't act soon, I will be stuck in my current situation forever.
Shelter is a place
I long for a sense of safety and security, a place where I can feel protected from the world's troubles.
That I would like to behold
I have a clear mental picture of the kind of environment I need to thrive in, and I am determined to find it.
Better get to getting
I know that in order to create the life I want, I need to take action and start making changes now.
Before I get old
I am aware that time is passing quickly, and I don't want to waste any more of it feeling unfulfilled and unhappy.
All I need is the water
I am searching for something essential that will quench my thirst and provide nourishment for my soul.
Times are changing
The world is constantly evolving, and I need to be able to adapt and change with it in order to thrive.
Worlds are breaking turning me around
The chaos and instability of the world around me are having a disorienting effect on my life.
Never run for shelter
I am determined to face whatever challenges come my way, rather than running away from them.
Cause I can't hear the sound
I am so focused on my goals that I can't be distracted by the noise and confusion around me.
Try so hard to leave it
I am committed to moving beyond my current circumstances and creating a better life for myself.
But it takes me away
Despite my best efforts, I keep getting pulled back into the same old patterns and problems.
Pushing back the power
I am actively resisting the forces that are keeping me from achieving my goals and thriving in life.
Now it's so sad to say
I am disappointed that my efforts to create positive change aren't having more of an impact, and I'm starting to lose hope.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rabidsmurf8710
The Why Store “lack of water” lyrics
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free, yeah
Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
Times are changing
Worlds are breaking turning me around
Never run for shelter
'Cause I can't hear the sound
I try so hard to leave it
But it takes me away
Pushing back the power
Now it's so sad to say
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself, yeah
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free
Yeah, shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself, yeah
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
Yeah come on fill me up
All I need is the water
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself, yeah
Lack of water
Lack of water
Lack of water
@mortygirly
This song should have gotten so much more air play than it did. Went out and bought the CD the first time I heard it.
@johnweiss7950
A wonderful song. In my personal Top 50.
Only heard this song twice on WDVE in Pittsburgh back when it came out. There was no Google in 1996, so I called the station later that day and the DJ answered - back when DJs answered phones if they weren't talking during breaks. He told me the name of the band, but said he was told he wasn't allowed to play it any more, wouldn't give me a reason.
I eventually found a copy of the CD and put it on my iPod. But I never did hear it again on the radio.
Sort of fulfills the old adage "You've never heard 95% of the greatest songs recorded, since 95% of all songs don't get any airplay!"
@hockey365
The songs from this era were THE BEST
@joannabowen635
1990s and listening to this in Arizona, driving a rental Phoenix to Flagstaff. That desert makes Lack of Water real. Great song, fine guitar.
@kylerinaldi8362
It was August 1996. I was on my way home from vacationing in Ocean City, MD with my cousin, her husband and kids. I was in the back seat half asleep when this song came on the radio. The line "all I need is the water" stuck in my head. I only heard the song a few more times over the next month or two, but it still stuck with me all these years. I'm glad I was able to find it.
@kathyklemme3644
The people who disliked this are the ones who don't understand real music am I right
@bucaboy2002
I remember this song as young kid driving down I-95 to dinsey world in the 90’s
@WickedShredsWife
Lack of Water hooked me the first time I heard it on the radio in Savannah, GA. I went out and found what was to be my first cd. Wore that one down & got another. I love everything about this band. Great Song from a Great CD
@bradcallahan5525
This Whole album ROCKS! 🤘
@carolfranklin7072007
Love this band. It’s been a long time but I love them.