He then released two solo albums, 12 Song Program (2010) and Sad Bear (2011), as well as another split album with Joey Cape in 2012, Acoustic Volume 2.
On August 1, 2012 it was announced that he had passed away.
Dark Corner
Tony Sly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Still in my head but out of mind
But there's something inside I can't resolve
A portrait of a perfect life
Two lovely kids, a loving wife
A servant to the things I can't control
In this heart there's a dark corner
With a space for everyone
But i feel like less when everyone moves on
I wonder if I've spent my days
Trapped in an adolescent cage
Just pondering the future of us all?
Stated opinion, given back
The best that I can, stay on track
For most of it I can't remember
Where we took the fall?
In this heart there's a dark corner
With a space for everyone
I give it all and try until my river is dry
But I feel like less when everyone moves on
Yes I feel like less when everyone moves on
Tony Sly's "Dark Corner", released in 2013, is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the artist's psyche as he confronts the challenges associated with adulthood. The song begins with Sly stating his age when he wrote it, indicating a sense of self-awareness and urgency to introspect over his life choices. The lines "Still in my head but out of mind / But there's something inside I can't resolve" suggest that while his life might appear perfect outside, he's struggling internally to come to terms with certain things.
The chorus "In this heart there's a dark corner / With a space for everyone" highlights the internal struggle Sly is experiencing as he confronts the shortcomings in his life that will always exist, no matter how hard he tries to fill them. He talks about his family and responsibilities towards them, indicating that he has sacrificed a lot to make sure they are happy. However, he feels like he's missing out on something in life, which is making him question his existence. The lines "I give it all and try until my river is dry / But I feel like less when everyone moves on" indicate a fear of being left behind and of losing relevance in people's lives.
Overall, "Dark Corner" is a moving song that gives insight into the thoughts and feelings of an artist who has lived a long and successful life but is still grappling with the bigger questions of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Wrote this when I was 39
This song was written by Tony Sly at the age of 39
Still in my head but out of mind
The issues troubling his mind are not apparent to others
But there's something inside I can't resolve
Despite efforts, there are feelings and emotions he cannot come to terms with
A portrait of a perfect life
Tony Sly has a family and a good life on the surface
Two lovely kids, a loving wife
He has a spouse and children that he adores
A servant to the things I can't control
He is consumed by and powerless against certain forces in his life
In this heart there's a dark corner
He has a part of himself that he keeps hidden and despite his success, is unhappy
With a space for everyone
All people are welcome in that dark corner of his heart
I give it all and try until my river is dry
He puts all efforts into things he cares about but feels drained, maybe even hopeless
But i feel like less when everyone moves on
He feels like he is less when others move on from situations he still cares deeply about
I wonder if I've spent my days
He considers whether or not his life has been wasted
Trapped in an adolescent cage
He feels stuck in a state of arrested development
Just pondering the future of us all?
He is questioning the course of humanity
Stated opinion, given back
Provided a viewpoint and then heard a response
The best that I can, stay on track
He tries to do the best he can and keep things moving forward
For most of it I can't remember
He can't always recall the details or specifics of what he's done
Where we took the fall?
He's struggling to understand where things went wrong in the past
Yes I feel like less when everyone moves on
Reiteration of feeling like he's less when people he cares about move on
Writer(s): tony sly
Contributed by Molly L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
calgarmaximus
Tony Sly is the only artist I've found that adequately conveys how I feel when I'm depressed. RIP Tony.
Randy Webb
Damn, this whole album hits home.fucking personal brilliance.
Hassan
I only found about NUFAN after you passed away but your music instantly took a special place in my heart and as I write this there's literally tears falling from my eyes. Wherever you are, I hope you're happy and thank you the awesome songs. Goodbye and RIP Tony!
Martin Griffin
One of the true greats. He was the full package. His lyrics are so god damned heartbreaking.
nunya biz
I can't believe I am just hearing of Tiny Sly's passing today. It breaks my heart. He was a VERY talented and VERY underrated artist. Sad stuff.
Michelle Brovey
Wow, this hit the heart hard, why did he have to be taken too soon. He is so real in his music. I saw someone say he wrote the sound track of their youth. I feel that way at 33. We all miss you Tony so frickin much!
JC T
For me, tony sly is the best songwriter ever! he wrote around 150
badnervillain
every winter this album plays almost daily. I love and miss you tony.
tailsyoulose
by far, my favorite songwriter. i still cant believe he is gone...
cindy stratton
Tony you always had a way with your lyrics many of times I wanted to leave this world but it your words that kept me here for a purpose :)