Brothers Oliver and Chris Wood grew up in Boulder, CO, and both left the area after graduating from high school, Oliver moving to Atlanta while Chris ended up in New York. Oliver, a guitarist, discovered he had a knack for writing songs and formed the blues-based King Johnson, which continues to do frequent gigs on the Southern circuit. Chris, a bassist, began playing jazz and rock in New York, eventually teaming up with John Medeski and Billy Martin to form the successful jazz-funk trio Medeski, Martin & Wood. The brothers began jamming together at family functions, and the duo's roots-inflected blend of blues, folk, and rock quickly took shape. They privately released the Live at Tonic EP, which was drawn from their first-ever public concert at New York's Tonic venue on March 5, 2005. Signed to Blue Note Records, the Wood Brothers released their debut album, Ways Not to Lose, in 2006. The album, which features drummer Kenny Wollesen on five tracks, was produced by John Medeski and recorded at Allarie Studios in Shokan, NY.
Pay Attention
The Wood Brothers Lyrics
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Was the last thing I heard before I drifted to sleep
With children to tend to, and worry in mind
Too much to do, and not enough time
I hate to be needy; Selfish and greedy
But please pay attention to me
Please pay attention to me
Was the last thing I heard comin' out of my dream
And if you don't listen, I talk much too loud
I hate to be needy; Selfish and greedy
But please pay attention to me
Why don't you look my way
I'm wavin' my arms and callin' your name
There's too much to mention that grabs your attention
But please pay attention to me
Cuz I could cut myself free
And why should I care if you listen to me
With children to tend to, and worry in mind
Too much to do, and not enough time
I hate to be needy; Selfish and greedy
I hate to keep asking, beggin' and pleading
I'm down on my knees - under your window screaming
Please pay attention to me
Please pay attention to me
Yeah - Please pay attention to me
The Wood Brothers's song "Pay Attention" is a plea for attention, a common human experience that is often ignored in the daily hustle and bustle of life. The first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer describes how he heard the plea for attention as he was falling asleep. The second verse continues in a similar vein, as the singer describes how he has something important to share, but only when the sun has gone down. The chorus is a repeated request for attention, as the singer constantly reminds the listener to pay attention to him.
The third verse adds an interesting twist, as the singer suggests that he can cut himself free and doesn't need the listener's attention. However, the final verse returns to the theme of needing attention, as the singer begs and pleads for it, even going so far as to scream under the listener's window. Overall, the song captures the frustration and desperation that come with needing attention and not getting it.
Line by Line Meaning
Please pay attention to me
The singer is desperate to be noticed and acknowledged by the person they are speaking to.
Was the last thing I heard before I drifted to sleep
The singer is preoccupied with the need for attention, even when they are not conscious.
With children to tend to, and worry in mind
The singer has responsibilities that make it difficult to focus on their own needs.
Too much to do, and not enough time
The artist feels overwhelmed and stressed by their responsibilities.
I hate to be needy; Selfish and greedy
The artist is aware of their own desire for attention and apologetic for it.
Was the last thing I heard comin' out of my dream
The singer's need for attention is ever-present, even in their subconscious thoughts.
I've got something to tell you When the sun has gone down
The singer is trying to communicate something important, but needs the other person's attention to do so.
And if you don't listen, I talk much too loud
The artist becomes louder and more insistent when they feel ignored.
Why don't you look my way
I'm wavin' my arms and callin' your name
The artist is physically trying to get the other person's attention in addition to verbally asking for it.
There's too much to mention that grabs your attention
But please pay attention to me
The artist is aware of the other person's busy life, but still feels a strong need to be heard and seen.
Cuz I could cut myself free
And why should I care if you listen to me
The singer is expressing frustration and a willingness to sever ties if they continue to feel ignored.
I hate to keep asking, beggin' and pleading
I'm down on my knees - under your window screaming
The artist is at the end of their rope and feeling desperate for attention.
Yeah - Please pay attention to me
The singer repeats their plea for attention, underscoring the importance of their need.
Contributed by Daniel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.