I think in 2009 or so, I actually wanted to murder someone for about a minute or two. Long story, I'll tell you sometime if you're interested.
Anyways, my friend Garrett Schmidt came over and we recorded some of the other tracks on this album. When we were done, we decided to write something, so we recorded the drum machine on this big organ in my basement and built a whole thing around it. Garrett wrote all of the progressions, I believe, and he played synths and the breathtaking trumpet part in the middle.
It was turning out to be a pretty dark song, so he suggested the fire theme. I wrote about six sets of lyrics and then came up with these.
The song's set during a city-wide fire. A man's killing his lover and committing suicide by simply keeping her in a room with him until the city burns.
Yeah, Eminem ripped off my idea for that shit with Rihanna. I want my cut!
lyrics
It started with a spark, turned into an ember
Turned into a fire about the middle of September
It floods the Midwest and now I remember
What happens when the fire winds blow
So welcome to our home, don't mind the embers that fall
You were untrue, that's true, but I'm not innocent at all
And now it's come around, giving our bodies to these walls
See what happens when the fire winds blow
In an hour or two, I'll be buried with the dawn
Firecrackers popping and the summer will be gone
I know
Your lips were made of satin and I was made of bleach
We didn't really blend but really that's all on me
We'll be on the ground when the fire and timber meets
We'll be outside when the fire winds blow
So look around, see what I've done with the place
Watch the little lines that cross across your face
It's so tragic, but that was always your way
Come crashing when the fire winds blow
(Chorus)
I was born again on a cold September night
You want to be somewhere else if you're not looking for a fight
My little Helen, your face is so bright
I know you know what this is all about
Your fists are pumping, but your hands won't clear
You're gonna come with me and I'm gonna stay right here
Or just maybe we'll be going down to the pier
We're gonna see how this fire turns out
(Chorus)
credits
from Sun Dog,
released January 9, 2012
Written by Garrett Schmidt and John Krane. Trumpet and synth by Garrett Schmidt. Piano and lyrics by John Krane.
The violins really make the song. They were arranged and performed by Emma Tiemann and I believe by Katie Jones, who also sings backup.
Carl's songs are incredibly literate and feature great melodies. He sort of sounds like Andrew Bird, except with more of a jazzy take on things, and his songs all have a certain warmth to them. John Krane
Introspective, homespun folk tunes from John Donne that feel informed by the sugary bleakness of '80s and '90s indie pop. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 1, 2023
”Seawheel Acoustic” delivers captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics in songs that are equal parts soothing and enchanting. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 10, 2023
The new EP from Steve Gunn pairs the guitarist with Mdou Moctar, Circuit des Yeux, Bing & Ruth, and more for five evocative songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 7, 2022