I wanted to write a George Harrison-styled song, and this is what happened. The lyric is based on real-life experience with someone I know, and it's not necessarily flattering. That person once asked me whether the song was about him/her. I lied.
lyrics
03 i forget
many days i cannot hold a thought within my head
it used to be occasional; the tendency has spread
my consciousness is empty like a white and spotless page
that awaits eraser shavings to be brushed back into place
i forgot to do the dishes, i forgot to bag the trash
i forgot to do my taxes, i forgot to save my cash
i forgot to set the clock alarm, i left the cat outside
it’s as if my thoughts have vanished in a pit both deep and wide
and though something was bothering me, i really can't complain
my mind is like a leaky boat i’m rowing in the rain
brilliant thoughts and theories are circling 'round the drain
i've forgotten all my troubles
i forget my blessings, too
but i remember you love me
and i remember i love you
thoughts enter and then leave my brain through greased revolving doors
it broke my mother's heart when i asked, "have we met before?"
i don't remember birthdays 'til at least a day too late
i've forgotten anniversaries and my wife won't tolerate it
so, please don't ask or count on me to recall what you say
when i can't tell you what i had for breakfast just today
i cannot find my way home after work without a map
my mind is like a hidden, steely, rusted-open trap
i don't remember figures and i don't remember facts
i can't remember which to cut, the red wire or the black
pretty soon enough we're finding out - you might want to step back
amid the fragments raining down
i never had a clue
but i remember you love me
and i remember i love you
my ol' hound is begging, he wants his morning chow
i thought i fed him. either way, he still wants to eat now
at the park i'm losing count of disapproving frowns
i get because i'm walking with the fattest dog in town
oh, please don't be offended in the future when we meet
but names vacate my memory with most alarming speed
i'll swear the taste is smoldering and burning through my tongue
and scramble to unlock it 'til the tardy bell has rung
i’ll blank on who i’ve dialed when you're answering my call
if not for fleeting memory then i’d have none at all
but if you need a friend, you can rely on me for sure
remind me (maybe twice) and i’ll be right there at your door
i’m shouting out "eureka!" but it's gone within a flash
i’ll stop and ask directions in a hundred meter dash
truly i’d forget my head if it were not attached
my mind is like a swiss cheese
thoughts are falling through
but i remember you love me
and i remember i love you
i surely would have lost myself
if it were not for you
but i remember you love me
and i remember i love you
jeff elbel + ping: gallery
lyrics written by jeff elbel.
copyright (c) 2012 marathon records.
published by zimbalon (ascap).
credits
from Gallery,
released July 4, 2012
John Bretzlaff – lead and rhythm guitar
Andrew Wesley Carter – lead and rhythm guitar
Mike Choby – Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electric piano, vocal, bass on “Your Wicked Mirror”
Chad Dunn – percussion, vocal
Jeff Elbel – male vocal, rhythm guitar, songwriting, recording, production
Matt Gadeken – violin
Maron Gaffron – female vocal, percussion
Stacey Krejci – bass, vocal
Matt McCabe – mixing, mastering, vocal
Andrew Oliver – drums, percussion, vocal
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