Jason Silver

Friday, December 9th, 2005

That's Why

That's Why is another one of the songs written in the basement of the Wriston's. In fact, it may be the first written that year. It was a particularly difficult song to write.

You see, there are two types of experiences for me when writing: songs that write themselves-- lyrics almost falling onto the page, and songs which sweat the living-daylights out of me. Usually the sweat inducing kind are bad and the 'look ma, no hands!' kind are good. I don't know why that is, but people usually like the easy songs.

Do you know how hard it is to write a song so that every single line rhymes with every other line, and still makes sense? And it doesn't sound as cheesy as you'd think.

I initially recorded this at Doug Bowker(?)'s (Randy's brother?) studio in Saskatoon. He was the first guy I knew of back in 1991 to have a digital recording studio on his PC. I think I used a Korg M1 Workstation for the main instruments, with blues harp and geetar leading the way.

But that recording is long gone so I rerecorded it this fall for the Philpott CD.

This song is important to me because it really describes the inner turmoil deep inside me. I love this verse:

When I'm deep inside of me, looking evil in its eye
I believe I need something to help me just get by
But all I'm really longing for is just what You supply
If only I believed it, I'd fly!

Here's the whole song:

That's Why

Far below the surface you can hear my soul cry
The scream of a child who believes he's gonna die
I thought I knew the answer, I just lived a lie
You're here, You're the answer, that's why

I tried to build a fortress, walls of granite to the sky
A castle meant to save me, just a place for me to hide
But feelings of rejection I could not deny
You were waiting, You're the Answer, that's why.

Chorus:
That's why I live life undefended,
That's why my castle lies in ruins.
Because to hide, I must unveil.
I give it all right up to You.

When I'm deep inside of me, looking evil in its eye
I believe I need something to help me just get by
But all I'm really longing for is just what You supply
If only I believed it, I'd fly!
[chorus]

I fear that I am mortal, I'll die
But you're here, you're the answer, so why?
Still I fear that I am mortal, I'll die
So I protect me, incorrectly, that's why!
[chorus]

Click to Listen

~Jason

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