Fronted by a powerhouse vocal trio, Upstate Rubdown were a genre-bending chimera of a band, steeped in so many different American musical traditions it's hard to keep track. The three-part vocal harmonies of Melanie Glenn, Mary Kenney, and Allison Olender are an attraction all their own, and the sparse-yet-lively backing of the group's four instrumentalists flesh things out, and give the band's sound a life and soul all its own.
The group toured restlessly for years, playing major festivals and house shows alike. Their sole studio release in 2015, A Remedy, was critically praised.
As of 2019, the band has gone through a major lineup and sound change, dropping the 'Rubdown' and performing simply as Upstate.
Current line-up:
Melanie Glenn - Vocals
Mary Kenney - Vocals
Allison Olender - Vocals
Harry D'Agostino - Bass
Ryan Chappell - Mandolin
Christian Joao - Saxophone, Flute
Dean Mahoney - Cajón
New Life
Upstate Rubdown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These words they bite and they fight back on everything I have to say
Give me some space in my life, let me breathe
Cry me a river, cry me a stream
I'll float down either one and find what I need
No more complaining, you're wasting my time
I got a new life waiting for me to arrive
Can't you see what you've done to me
I'm strung out in doubt about what I believe
This ain't right I should feel much better
But you're holding me back, you're holding me back
From what I need in my life, let me breathe
Cry me a river, cry me a stream
I'll float down either one and find what I need
No more complaining, you're wasting my time
I got a new life waiting for me to arrive
Cry me a river, cry me a stream
I'll float down either one and find what I need
No more complaining, you're wasting my time
I got a new life waiting for me to arrive
Got a new life waiting for me to arrive
The lyrics to Upstate Rubdown's song New Life explore the idea of being trapped in a difficult situation and feeling stuck. The singer sings about feeling like they are losing their mind and struggling to articulate themselves in the face of opposition. The words of others "bite" and "fight back" on everything they try to say, leaving them feeling frustrated and trapped.
The chorus of the song provides some optimism, with the singer singing about the possibility of finding a new life. They express a desire for space and a chance to breathe, and suggest that they will find what they need by "floating down" a river or stream. The repetition of the cry me a river refrain emphasizes the sense of release and renewal that the singer is seeking.
Overall, the song is about the struggle to escape from a difficult situation and find a new beginning. The lyrics are emotive and expressive, and the simple but catchy melody adds to the sense of hope and optimism that the chorus provides.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm stuck in a situation where I'm losing my, losing my mind
I am currently in a difficult circumstance that makes me feel overwhelmed and like I am going crazy.
These words they bite and they fight back on everything I have to say
The words that are being said to me are hurtful and make it difficult for me to express myself.
Give me some space in my life, let me breathe
I need some distance and room to breathe in my life.
Cry me a river, cry me a stream
I am willing to experience and endure any hardship to find what I am looking for.
I'll float down either one and find what I need
I am confident that I will discover what I am searching for, regardless of the obstacles I face.
No more complaining, you're wasting my time
I am tired of hearing complaints and excuses because they do not help me move forward and only waste my time.
I got a new life waiting for me to arrive
I am excited about the future and the new opportunities that await me.
Can't you see what you've done to me
I wish you would realize the impact your actions have had on me.
I'm strung out in doubt about what I believe
I feel confused and uncertain about my beliefs and values right now.
This ain't right I should feel much better
I believe my situation should be better and am disappointed that it is not.
But you're holding me back, you're holding me back
I feel like someone or something is preventing me from achieving my goals and moving forward.
From what I need in my life, let me breathe
I need space in my life to attain what I desire and achieve my goals.
Contributed by Liliana H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mimsy42
Awesome!!!
Malcolm Butler
😍