In the beginning before there were classical orchestras, chamber quartets, … Read Full Bio ↴In the beginning before there were classical orchestras, chamber quartets, jazz combos or rock n roll bands, there was only one instrument: the human voice. Today, an a cappella quartet from the Twin Cities region, called Tonic Sol-fa, is determined to take this most traditional of all musical expressions and make it the next big thing. In their ten years together, Tonic Sol-fa has established itself not only as the most in-demand vocal group in the Midwest, but also as one of the most successful independent acts in America. In addition to substantial CD sales of its own independent releases (1,000,000 copies sold), the group has toured extensively throughout the US and abroad, first building its financial base with a steady list of private, corporate shows that led eventually to numerous tours of theaters and small arenas. Whereas previous a cappella groups have followed the traditional barbershop formula, Tonic Sol-fa has taken the a cappella musical artform to a new pop plateau, building a legion of loyal fans along the way with its solid material, pop arrangements, memorable performances and cutting edge stage presence. Critics and fans alike agree on one thing: Although there are many singing a cappella, NO ONE does it like Tonic Sol-fa.

Members:
Shaun Johnson - tenor
Mark McGowan - baritone
Greg Bannwarth - tenor
Jared Dove - bass

Albums:
On Top Of The World (Holiday) Compact Disc (2007)
Christmas DVD (2006)
Boston to Beijing Compact Disc (June 2005)
By Request Compact Disc (2004)
Red Vinyl Compact Disc (2003)
Sugarue (Holiday) Compact Disc (2002)
Style Compact Disc (2001)
Left Turns (re-release) Compact Disc (2000)
Carol (Holiday) Compact Disc (1997)
Left Turns in Cross Traffic Compact Disc (1996)
4 hours and 12 days Compact Disc (1995)

Video/DVDs:
Tonic Sol-fa: Christmas (2006)
Front Row (2001)

Boston to Beijing
Tonic Sol-fa Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

From Boston to Beijing
In a worn out time-machine
We tripped to stardust
Dressed up like kings
We drank to finer things
Boston to Beijing

Lately I'm thinking there's nobody 'round

To love or to comfort me
Yesterday's filled with adventures that end
And that's no kind of company

From Boston to Beijing
In a worn out time-machine
We tripped to stardust
Dressed up like kings
We drank to finer things
Boston to Beijing

Those days were brighter than most I suppose
Better than I deserve
But time brings redemption, you know it brings the truth
Though most days I know I'd prefer

From Boston to Beijing
In a worn out time-machine
We tripped to stardust
Dressed up like kings
We drank to finer things
Boston to Beijing

Gonna climb the mountain
Gonna reach the top
Gonna'sing my song
And I'm never gonna' stop

Gonna climb the mountain
Gonna reach the top
Gonna'sing my song
And I'm never gonna' stop

Looking back I see the four of us then
Stronger than any one man
Filled with intentions to right all the wrongs
Beautiful, noble and grand

From Boston to Beijing
In a worn out time-machine
We tripped to stardust
Dressed up like kings

We drank to finer things
Boston to Beijing

Overall Meaning

The song "Boston to Beijing" by Tonic Sol-fa is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet memories of a group of friends who journeyed from one end of the world to another. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a past that was filled with adventure, excitement, and companionship. The reference to a "worn out time-machine" suggests that the journey was not a literal one, but rather a metaphorical one, highlighting the power of imagination and the human spirit to transcend distance and time.

The lyrics are filled with contrasts: between the bright days of youth and the darker, more uncertain days of the present; between the simple pleasures of friendship and the more complex, often painful realities of life; between the lofty ideals of youth and the harsh realities of adulthood. The image of the four friends "dressed up like kings" suggests a sense of playfulness and innocence, while the reference to "finer things" implies a certain level of sophistication and material success. The final lines of the song, with their repeated refrain of "Gonna climb the mountain, gonna reach the top/Gonna sing my song and I'm never gonna stop," suggest a sense of determination and resilience, as the singer looks back on his past with both nostalgia and a resolve to move forward with his life.

Line by Line Meaning

From Boston to Beijing
Travelling from the city of Boston in America to the city of Beijing in China

In a worn out time-machine
Using an old and battered time machine to make this journey through time

We tripped to stardust
We experienced the magical feeling of stardust, perhaps suggesting a wonderful moment of ecstasy or wonder

Dressed up like kings
We were dressed in our finest clothes, feeling like royalty or important figures

We drank to finer things
We celebrated the better aspects of life by taking a drink to commemorate them

Lately I'm thinking there's nobody 'round
I have been feeling lonely and longing for someone to love and comfort me

To love or to comfort me
I desire someone who can provide love and comfort to me in my life

Yesterday's filled with adventures that end
My past was filled with memorable experiences, but those days are long gone and cannot be pursued further

And that's no kind of company
Those memories can't keep me company when I'm feeling lonely

Those days were brighter than most I suppose
The past is remembered as being exceptionally good when compared to life currently

Better than I deserve
The good times I experienced were better than what I thought I deserved

But time brings redemption, you know it brings the truth
As time continues, it brings healing and perspective that allows for understanding and seeing things in a different light

Though most days I know I'd prefer
Despite the positive changes that time may bring, most days I still long for those times in the past

Gonna climb the mountain
I am determined to reach new heights in life

Gonna reach the top
I am aiming to achieve my goals and ambitions

Gonna'sing my song
I plan to express myself through my music or other creative pursuits

And I'm never gonna' stop
No matter what obstacles come my way, I will not give up

Looking back I see the four of us then
When I reflect on the past, I remember myself and three other people who shared in those experiences

Stronger than any one man
The bond between the four of us was powerful and unbreakable

Filled with intentions to right all the wrongs
We were motivated to correct any injustices or problems we saw in the world

Beautiful, noble and grand
Our goals were lofty and admirable, with pure intentions

Writer(s): shaun johnson

Contributed by Jonathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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