From the recording MH50
i wrote this in a rehearsal. i think it was the late winter / early spring of 2023. i was prepping for a gig, specifically an emo nite in rehoboth beach.
similarly to "vital steps" this type of rhythm that i'm playing in this song has been in and out of my songwriting rotation since i was in high school. "sweetness" by jimmy eat world comes to mind or "babygirl" by anthony green are some influences my subconscious picks up. one may not notice but "crash into me" by dave matthews also is a major influence in this song considering the chord shapes are similar in the bridge section; except this song is in a baritone tuning.
when I think of what "level" means here... I am thinking of it in the context of a tool (like a literal level). my moms side of the family is very handy and tradesmen/craftsmen. they are electrician, engineers, and carpenters. me on the other hand - i have no such gifts in that regard. but i always remember my grandfather working on projects and using a level to see whats off kilter and whats balanced.
i feel life is similar. it is amazing to think of the power of our words. they can level us, balance us, attenuate us to a proper placement of thought, spirit, and more. tet; they can also send us off kilter and level us like a wave levels a surfer or a linebacker levels an open receiver in football. There is some much potential to what our words can do and ultimately I was thinking about how we all want to be heard one way or another regardless of differences.
Lyrics
all my fortune slips away
leveled by their words again
a common fracture
stand in line candid
here we go
for all who will care
we will find another way
come and see what we will say
but you gotta open the door
the kids were starving in their seats
wondering where to go
dont look now their starry eyed
seeing a distance in space
for anyone who cares
we can find another way
take our had come this way its for all
you gotta open the door
well it seems sometimes we level
it seems our words can level
do you wanna open the door