Part of an ongoing series where I revisit 2003's record, Decide To Stay And Swim. Post #1 is over here.
The fake-false start of this song works well for me as it feels like the song is ready to burst out of the gate, especially after the laid-back vibe of the opening track, Mostly Stellar, Gunning Strong.
The title of the song is in reference to a drunken game I was playing with a friend in a bar in Montreal where I was getting him to ash a cigarette on my hand, just to see how long I could tolerate my burning skin. I was in a bad frame of mind and while I didn't last long, the booze dulled the pain and it wasn't until the scarring of the next day that I realized how dumb the whole thing was.
I like the cheap headphones line which was commentary on a point someone made to me that it didn't matter how well a song was recorded, a good song is a good song and folks will enjoy regardless.
The Wurlitzer piano popping throughout this song is so Dave Draves for those of you who know him. That solo is awfully magical and really makes the song...I can just picture an animated Draves as he lovingly recorded this track.
One final point on this I had forgotten about, at the end of the song, you can actually hear me sing 'Every 'ash' disaster drop is mine'. I guess I thought I was being funny...to myself.
Here's that original from 2003:
Here's my new 2018 version:
You can also find this on your fave streaming services like:
Lyrics:
Take my number and hold this lighter
An exercise to toughen skin
These cheap headphones are making you sound
Better than I think you've ever been.
Promise me you'll let your conscience shine here
Full tilt and peak before your time.
You'll need my cigarettes to count your blessings
When every last disaster drop is mine.
Spotify playlist of this and other songs: