Welshly Arms owes its unique sound to the collective influences of rhythm and soul, rock and roll, and a hint of classic jazz/blues. From Jimi Hendrix to The Temptations; from Otis Redding to Howlin’ Wolf, the band’s love affair with retro and contemporary work brings a new sound with songs like “Two Seconds Too Late” and “The Touch”.
The band’s musical origins can be traced as far back as early childhood. Sam’s father, a music enthusiast and drummer, had a guitar in Sam’s hands by the age of 6. By the time he was 14, Sam was headlining clubs in the Cleveland Blues circuit and opening for acts like “Peter Green” of Fleetwood Mac and “Mick Taylor” of the Rolling Stones. At about the same time, Jimmy was playing with the Cleveland Youth Orchestra and guitar/bass in various rock bands. “Mikey” was honing his chops in local rock and punk groups, as well as his high school marching band while Brett spent his time mastering his quickly growing repertoire of classic jazz.
“In high school, when I discovered and truly understood jazz, I realized there was a whole different way to play the piano, and that all the rules I learned as an early player didn’t apply,” commented Brett about his early playing.
Eventually, Sam, Mikey, and Brett would meet each other through their local church and began playing Sunday services together. After a few years, the three of them decided to pursue their own creative path. Their individual stories would overlap as Sam, Jimmy, and Mikey played together as part of the Cleveland rock band, Cactus 12. Brett, Sam, and Jimmy then toured the country with various renowned singer/songwriters over the next five years.
Their paths crossed again in the summer of 2011. One afternoon, Sam Getz invited Jimmy, Mikey, and Brett over for what was initially an opportunity to catch up. A few friendly gathering turned into hours of jamming and writing. These jams would help form the foundation for what would become “Welshly Arms
Welshly Arms’ other love is their hometown – Cleveland, OH. The town’s rich musical history is full of great artists who have inspired them, like “the Ojays,” “the James Gang,” and “the Black Keys.” Being home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame doesn’t hurt either. With a varied culture that spans from the Westside to the Eastside of the city, Weshly Arms pays respect to its hometown by writing, producing, and recording all of their material in Cleveland.
When asked what best describes their musical approach, Brett had this to say:
“There is both a human element and spontaneity that we attempt to portray in our music. Listen to many current artists and attend their live shows and much of it can’t be translated. There is a need for it (what we do).”
Locked
Welshly Arms Lyrics
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Bullets to the heart, I can't break ties
Wanna light it up, say goodbye
But I can't let go, oh it's not right
You pull me in, skin on skin
I try to run, you pull me back again
'Cause there's no end, the circle that we're in
I guess I'm yours to guide
Got me where you want me on this twisted ride
Bite me on the lips, a false paradise
I should walk away, keep running for my life
It's taking a hold this time
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a lust, got a touch that I can't seem to lose
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse, yeah it hurts but I can't seem to leave
You got me where you want me on this twisted ride
Bite me on the lips, a false paradise
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse and it hurts but I can never break through
Intoxicate me, exhilarate me
Can't help myself but I don't need saving
Now there's no end, the circle that we're in
Around and round we go
Got me where you want me on this twisted ride
Bite me on the lips, a false paradise
I should walk away, keep running for my life
It's taking a hold this time
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a lust, got a touch that I can't seem to lose
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse, yeah it hurts but I can't seem to leave
You got me where you want me on this twisted ride
Bite me on my lips, a false paradise
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse and it hurts but I can never break through
I can't break free
Good Lord, you got your hold on me
Oh, won't you let me go?
Let me go
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a lust, got a touch that I can't seem to lose
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse, yeah it hurts but I can't seem to leave
You got me where you want me on this twisted ride
Bite me on my lips, a false paradise
Baby, I'm still locked on you
Got a curse and it hurts but I can never break through
The lyrics of "Locked In" by Welshly Arms depict a tumultuous and addictive relationship that the singer is unable to break free from. The opening lines convey the destructive nature of their love, describing it as "foolish love" akin to "suicide." The imagery of "bullets to the heart" emphasizes the pain and difficulty of breaking ties with the person they are entangled with. Despite wanting to "light it up" and say goodbye, there's a deep internal struggle preventing them from letting go, suggesting a sense of emotional entrapment and inner conflict.
The lyrics illustrate the intense pull and magnetism between the two individuals, portrayed as a constant cycle that the singer feels powerless to escape. The repeated imagery of being pulled back in when trying to run reflects the hold this person has over them. The mention of being "yours to guide" implies a sense of surrender and submission to the dynamics of the relationship, even though it may not be healthy or right.
The chorus delves deeper into the intense allure and toxicity of this union. The singer acknowledges feeling "locked on you" despite the negative consequences, such as experiencing pain and being unable to break through the curse that binds them together. The mention of a "twisted ride" and a "false paradise" alludes to the tumultuous nature of the relationship, filled with seduction and illusions that mask the underlying turmoil.
As the song progresses, the lyrics express a sense of resignation and acceptance of their situation. The singer describes feeling intoxicated and exhilarated by the other person, unable to resist despite knowing the harmful impact it has on them. The repeated references to being unable to break free and feeling trapped within a never-ending circle underscore the theme of entrapment and emotional dependency.
In the final lines, the singer pleads to be set free, acknowledging the hold the other person has over them and the internal struggle to escape. The contradictory feelings of lust, pain, and longing underscore the complexity of the singer's emotions, as they find themselves locked in a destructive and consuming love that they cannot seem to break away from. Overall, "Locked In" delves into the complexities of toxic relationships, exploring themes of addiction, power dynamics, and the struggle to break free from something that is ultimately harmful.
Lyrics © Sentric Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Weaver, Rajan Singh Khanijaon, Samuel Thomas Getz, Sheppard J. Solomon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind