Great Big Sea — When I'm Up
Album: Rant And RoarAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 518
Length: 3:22
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I am the fountain of affection
I'm the instrument of joy
And to keep the good times rolling
I'm the boy, I'm the boy,
You know the world could be our oyster,
You just put your trust in me,
Cause we'll keep the good times rolling
Wait and see, wait and see....oh wait and see!
His Exhaltation, a sweet disintegration.
A few discolourations, then it comes along
up is why he chooses, the kisses and the bruises
There ain't nothing he refuses, then it comes along
It comes along, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus:
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down, can't get level
When I'm up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down, can't get level
When I'm up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground
He just needs, something to blind him
Something to wind him up
It won't take long to find him
When it comes on strong.
Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning
The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong
It comes on strong, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus
Oh it comes on strong, and I am lifted.
It comes on strong, and I am lifted.
I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus
I'm the instrument of joy
And to keep the good times rolling
I'm the boy, I'm the boy,
You know the world could be our oyster,
You just put your trust in me,
Cause we'll keep the good times rolling
Wait and see, wait and see....oh wait and see!
His Exhaltation, a sweet disintegration.
A few discolourations, then it comes along
up is why he chooses, the kisses and the bruises
There ain't nothing he refuses, then it comes along
It comes along, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus:
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down, can't get level
When I'm up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground
When I'm up I can't get down
Can't get down, can't get level
When I'm up I can't get down
Get my feet back on the ground
He just needs, something to blind him
Something to wind him up
It won't take long to find him
When it comes on strong.
Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning
The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong
It comes on strong, and I am lifted, I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus
Oh it comes on strong, and I am lifted.
It comes on strong, and I am lifted.
I am lifted, I am lifted!
Chorus
Comments (125)add comment
fredriley wrote:
Terrific, seamless segue, right enough, but who the feck's Mr Goldsmith?
I just felt the backdraft of a cultural reference whooshing over my head...
I believe that would be RP's Fearless Leader and DJ, Mr Bill Goldsmith.
Terrific, seamless segue, right enough, but who the feck's Mr Goldsmith?
I just felt the backdraft of a cultural reference whooshing over my head...
I believe that would be RP's Fearless Leader and DJ, Mr Bill Goldsmith.
Bleyfusz wrote:
Terrific, seamless segue, right enough, but who the feck's Mr Goldsmith?
I just felt the backdraft of a cultural reference whooshing over my head...
Brilliant shift from the previous song. Hats off to Mr. Goldsmith!
Terrific, seamless segue, right enough, but who the feck's Mr Goldsmith?
I just felt the backdraft of a cultural reference whooshing over my head...
wow this is bad.
Brilliant shift from the previous song. Hats off to Mr. Goldsmith!
Postively one of the best live bands going today.
Wake me when it's over...
Fun energy at it's musical best! Talented band that is a must to see live. Their studio recordings don't exemplify what they are live. They are very entertaining! Great tune.
MUTE
alanthecowboy wrote:
Sounds like a good deal. For what it's worth, we're no longer judging you by you last pres, but by the redneck population's response to your current one, particularly his attempt to bring you health care system into the 20th century...
Sounds like a good deal. For what it's worth, we're no longer judging you by you last pres, but by the redneck population's response to your current one, particularly his attempt to bring you health care system into the 20th century...
Touché!
Once again, I found myself agreeing with David Frum's analysis of the health care debate. And now am agreeing with Paul Krugman of the NY Times! (The horrors.)
The Republicans really dropped the ball on this one.
I'm not the greatest Great Big Sea fan, but I think this song fits in very nicely to the RP play list. My wife is a Great Big Sea fan, apparently the lead singer, Alan Doyle, is a hunk. By the way, Mr Doyle has become friends with Russell Crow, who is a bit of a musician, this is from Wikipedia:
He continued with a collaboration with Alan Doyle of the Canadian band Great Big Sea in early 2005, which also involved members of his previous band. A new single, Raewyn, was released in April 2005 and an album entitled My Hand, My Heart has been released for download on iTunes. The album includes a tribute song to actor Richard Harris, who became Crowe's friend during the making of Gladiator. In 2002, he directed the music video clip (which starred former child actor Duy Nguyen) for his wife Danielle Spencer's single 'Tickle Me' from her 'White Monkey' album.
He continued with a collaboration with Alan Doyle of the Canadian band Great Big Sea in early 2005, which also involved members of his previous band. A new single, Raewyn, was released in April 2005 and an album entitled My Hand, My Heart has been released for download on iTunes. The album includes a tribute song to actor Richard Harris, who became Crowe's friend during the making of Gladiator. In 2002, he directed the music video clip (which starred former child actor Duy Nguyen) for his wife Danielle Spencer's single 'Tickle Me' from her 'White Monkey' album.
mfassett wrote:
Tell you what... don't judge all us yanks by our last president, and we won't judge you by your illiterate posters on the RP board. :)
Sounds like a good deal. For what it's worth, we're no longer judging you by you last pres, but by the redneck population's response to your current one, particularly his attempt to bring you health care system into the 20th century...
Tell you what... don't judge all us yanks by our last president, and we won't judge you by your illiterate posters on the RP board. :)
Sounds like a good deal. For what it's worth, we're no longer judging you by you last pres, but by the redneck population's response to your current one, particularly his attempt to bring you health care system into the 20th century...
alanthecowboy wrote:
...your cryptic message just make us Canucks look like a bunch of illiterate arseholes.
Tell you what... don't judge all us yanks by our last president, and we won't judge you by your illiterate posters on the RP board. :)
...your cryptic message just make us Canucks look like a bunch of illiterate arseholes.
Tell you what... don't judge all us yanks by our last president, and we won't judge you by your illiterate posters on the RP board. :)
These guys are from Newfoundland, not Cape Breton!
fluffybum wrote:
I'm embarrassed that you're a Canadian.
what the f*#k am i in cape breton?!! this music and band makes me embarrased to be a canadian. shit!
I'm embarrassed that you're a Canadian.
fluffybum wrote:
I'm a little embarrassed that you're a Canadian too. Step up and say you don't like them if you don't, but your cryptic message just make us Canucks look like a bunch of illiterate arseholes.
That said, if I were in Cape Breton, I'd be trying to distance myself from this particular tune. However, most of their less 'pop' songs seem to me to be true 'east coast' fare.
what the f*#k am i in cape breton?!! this music and band makes me embarrased to be a canadian. shit!
I'm a little embarrassed that you're a Canadian too. Step up and say you don't like them if you don't, but your cryptic message just make us Canucks look like a bunch of illiterate arseholes.
That said, if I were in Cape Breton, I'd be trying to distance myself from this particular tune. However, most of their less 'pop' songs seem to me to be true 'east coast' fare.
I just don't get their appeal. People here in Ottawa go gaga whenever the band plays ...
This band sucks in so many different ways, from so many different angles.
mongoose01ca wrote:
I have a friend who is absolutely obsessed with these guys. This track is not winning me over. But I would give them another try.
I really dig these guys. Surprising breadth in their catalogue - everything from pure traditional tunes to heavily-electrified anthems. If you can't find a GBS song you really like, you just haven't looked hard enough.
(I'm most partial to Donkey Riding, btw - easily one of their best)
(I'm most partial to Donkey Riding, btw - easily one of their best)
I have a friend who is absolutely obsessed with these guys. This track is not winning me over. But I would give them another try.
what the f*#k am i in cape breton?!! this music and band makes me embarrased to be a canadian. shit!
BjornPhrei wrote:
Make that three that want to hear the absolutely kicking original. This is lame in comparison. On second thought, not only in comparison.
Oh what fun we had bouncing up and down to that song. 1996?
I'm inclined to agree.
Make that three that want to hear the absolutely kicking original. This is lame in comparison. On second thought, not only in comparison.
Oh what fun we had bouncing up and down to that song. 1996?
I really dig these guys. Surprising breadth in their catalogue - everything from pure traditional tunes to heavily-electrified anthems. If you can't find a GBS song you really like, you just haven't looked hard enough.
(I'm most partial to Donkey Riding, btw - easily one of their best)
(I'm most partial to Donkey Riding, btw - easily one of their best)
no no no
Booo. Big time.
MrDill wrote:
eff you asswipe! This is east coast Canadiana. All celtic settlers out there and completely legitimate. Eat it.
*sighs*
more "plastic paddies"
more "plastic paddies"
eff you asswipe! This is east coast Canadiana. All celtic settlers out there and completely legitimate. Eat it.
Laptopdog wrote:
Can he get out of here?
Can he get sideways?
Can he get out of here?
Can he get sideways?
He can't get it up? And he can't go down? Poor guy.
*sighs*
more "plastic paddies"
sans wrote:
Then you should try Black 47, Dropkick Murphys, Tempest, Cheiftans... Do you prefer Coors Light or Breckenridge IPA?
THE POGUES!!!
Our previous Mayor, Glen Murray was obsessed with these guys. I've been to far too many "free" events featuring these guys, compliments of the Winnipeg tax payer. Just can't get in to this.
hippiechick wrote:
I really dig this kind of Irish folk music sound, like Carbon Leaf, and the Lash, which came before this
Then you should try Black 47, Dropkick Murphys, Tempest, Cheiftans... Do you prefer Coors Light or Breckenridge IPA?
I really dig this kind of Irish folk music sound, like Carbon Leaf, and the Lash, which came before this
Meh, everyone from the British Isles is pretty similar genetically anyway.
meydele wrote:
I have a true blue Irish friend who loves these guys, and he gave me a cd of theirs years ago. I guess technically, since I'm English by descent, I shouldn't like their music much :LOL:, but the fact is that it stirs my heart.
You know, for those days when I'm not feeling so cerebral (i.e. most days) I like to watch GBS instead.
Quite likeable tune, though I'm still smarting from The Lash.
Great Big Sea...there East Coast Canadian guys, great band!
Wow! Is this CRAZY FOLK-ROCK DAY or what? I approve; whatever Bill's drinking, he should have more of it.
"When I'm up, I can't get down!"
(...though I still prefer the Oysterband original, I have to admit; not one of GBS' best.)
I have a true blue Irish friend who loves these guys, and he gave me a cd of theirs years ago. I guess technically, since I'm English by descent, I shouldn't like their music much :LOL:, but the fact is that it stirs my heart.
MichaelCrawford wrote:
These boys are from Newfoundland, which is also the home of my wife Bonita.
When we were just dating - at a three-thousand mile distance - she put this on a mix tape for me.
I later got to hear them perform live at the St. John's millenium celebration.
Excellent story - thanks for that!
OYSTERBAND!!!!
vandal wrote:
"Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning
The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong
It comes on strong, and I am lifted. . ."
Don't try to make sense of it, its rock and roll for Christ's sake; just take the part that means something to you and celebrate that. If you can't find anything that has meaning for you, keep looking, you will. . .
or just ignore the lyrics and listen to the music. I do that a lot too.
Ed: most likeable. Actually, I quite like those lyrics you quoted there.
"Wise guys are grinning, street lights are spinning
The night is just beginning, and then it comes on strong
It comes on strong, and I am lifted. . ."
Don't try to make sense of it, its rock and roll for Christ's sake; just take the part that means something to you and celebrate that. If you can't find anything that has meaning for you, keep looking, you will. . .
These boys are from Newfoundland, which is also the home of my wife Bonita.
When we were just dating - at a three-thousand mile distance - she put this on a mix tape for me.
I later got to hear them perform live at the St. John's millenium celebration.
Woohoo! For those of you not wanting to get up and dance to this, you have my sympathies. Great segue, Bill!
Sorry to see so many RPers don't like this. I found myself chair dancing but not really listening and then the light went on and I realized it was GBS. Love 'em. Maybe its a Canuck thing?
In case there was any confusion, when he's up? He can't get down.
Got it? Not sure? Then let's repeat it.
When he's up, he can't get down.
Funny, I can rate them down.
Ohhhhh, Play the Pogues or something. This is crap. 
Mine as well be NSYNC!!
This was the last straw. I'm going to have to turn the station off for a while.
Mine as well be NSYNC!!
This was the last straw. I'm going to have to turn the station off for a while. It sounds like the last song, just faster. HELP!!!!!!!!!!! Where's my mute button.
Two celtic sounding songs in a row. Like this one better than the last.
stickers11 wrote:
It'd be nice to hear the original version of this song by the Oysterband, in my opinion a better band than GBS....
I'm inclined to agree. Little Rock To Leipzig is a marvelous album, as is their Freedom And Rain with June Tabor.
Still, GBS can be quite enjoyable, and I really liked their latest effort, The Hard and the Easy.
AphidA wrote:
Had to downgrade this. It's irritating as hell.
In fact, most (but not all) Irish folk sounding music falls into that category.
That's because you're a yank and you don't 'get it'. More for the rest of us.
nah. not today. maybe some other time.
True, this isn't really "smart" music, but it would be really fun at a pub with some friends brews.
AphidA wrote:
Had to downgrade this. It's irritating as hell.
In fact, most (but not all) Irish folk sounding music falls into that category.
You must qualify that by stating that that is merely your opinion. I on the other hand feel the exact opposite.
Does the world really need another mediocre psuedo celtic soft rock band?
eh...if i never hear this again in my life, I won't miss it. Must be a slow day on RP.
NewFee wrote:
'Spose with a handle like mine I need to weigh in on this one.
GBS are a fine, fine group. Music can have many moods - and these gentlemen do 'exuberant' very well.
That kind of music can be tiresome in large doses, but on occasion, and here on a Paddy's Day 2006, 'tis most welcome indeed...
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Had to downgrade this. It's irritating as hell.
In fact, most (but not all) Irish folk sounding music falls into that category.
The studio version does not do justice to the band's amazing energy on stage. Still pretty good anyway!
It'd be nice to hear the original version of this song by the Oysterband, in my opinion a better band than GBS....
I saw GBS and Oysterband perform the song together on the same stage at the Edmonton Folk Fest...
...a magical moment.
Luna2 wrote:
Icky yuck blah
Absolutely.
Rubbish.
'Spose with a handle like mine I need to weigh in on this one.
GBS are a fine, fine group. Music can have many moods - and these gentlemen do 'exuberant' very well.
That kind of music can be tiresome in large doses, but on occasion, and here on a Paddy's Day 2006, 'tis most welcome indeed...
Had to chuckle when hearing this.
Radio Paradise turned me on to GBS a few years ago. Then I saw GBS at the Belly Up (Solana Bch) a few years ago. Then I bought most of their CDs. Then I saw GBS in LA a few weeks ago. My sister and best friend are seeing GBS next week in Rochester on my recommendation.
Thanks, Bill for bringing good music to me. I make a weekly trip to Lou's Records (Encinitas, CA) for more influences from you.
It'd be nice to hear the original version of this song by the Oysterband, in my opinion a better band than GBS....
What a fantastic segue! Love this song too! 
it can take me from a really dark place, and remind me the Wheel Turns.
it can take me from a really dark place, and remind me the Wheel Turns.Luna2 wrote:
Icky yuck blah
Hugga wugga wooga womp.
Icky yuck blah
Boys from the Rock that have done good. the whole Maritime Celtic thing can get a little too much from time to time (not as bad as French Canadian music
my God how does that get any airplay) but its nice to see that someone from the rock is making money.
GBS - way to go
They should have done more work with the Irish Celtic bands like the Chieftains etc...
Ahhh, the manic theme song.
Personally, I don't think Alan Doyle/GBS is much of a songwriter, such that their radio songs are pretty cheesy. Particularly those from the last two albums
(Ie. Sea of No Cares, When I am King).
But GBS's most recent album, The Hard and the Easy, is all-traditional. Spirited (if not all that musically impressive) arrangements of traditional songs are their strength. They also deserve credit as cultural ambassadors for Newfoundland...
This is a great cover of a song by the Oyster Band. Both groups do a great job with it. GBS's live version on the Great Big CD/DVD package is especially good. 
Sounds too much like Christian Contemporary I listened to when I was 14 at youth group.
These guys are corny!
but whatever your thing.
Reminds me of The Lash, which I like better.
yippee!! gbs! can't hear them on a radio anywhere else (where i am at least)... the mainstream hasn't discovered them yet.
yay!
GBS!
My fellow Fruhead's turned me on to these guys. Great tune.
:-({|=
:-({|= flandersdog wrote:
I like Great Big Sea...except for this song
squarky wrote:That's odd. I don't like GBS except for this song. 
I guess together you form exactly one fan. Marriage is advised.
One of my favorite songs EVER!
flandersdog wrote:
I like Great Big Sea...except for this song
That's odd. I don't like GBS except for this song.
I like Great Big Sea...except for this song
Coming from Cape Breton, a HUGE breeding ground for this genre of tunes, GBS makes me cringe. "Radio-Paradise" - it's half right on this song.
I cannot quote anyone else on this song.
It is GREAT in its own right. but It can't get down with me, or my Irish roots.
Ben Scanlan
Y'all have a great night.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Maritime provinces, as it turns out, are Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Newfoundland, contrary to US logic, is not one of the Maritimes, probably due to its late incorporation into Canada, in 1949.
Its a lIttle known fact that Newfoundland (and Labrador) are *not* in the maritimes, see this picture from the Canadian Government Atlas.
(click here)
So there you have it - Great Big Sea are not from the maritmies! They are from Newfoundland! Or... as my newf friend corrects me... "Its Newfin-lan boiy"
This is one of GBS's 'radio play' songs, they have many other traditional songs that are great to listen to!
physicsgenius wrote:
Irish fiddle jumped the shark several years ago.
I'm usually all about the accordion at this point, but I'll let it slide this time.
Irish fiddle jumped the shark several years ago.
rulebritannia wrote:
There was a subway poster of a guerilla climbing a famous New York skyscraper. The caption read, "It's Hard to Be Down When You're Up!" I loved it so much I stole it, with some effort, out of a subway car. As happens, mom chucked it out while I was off at college. I miss that tourist poster for the World Trade Center even more now that the Center is gone.
You sure it wasn't an ad for Levitra??
Carbon Leaf and GBS often tour together, in fact I've seen them together twice this spring. They have their similarities, but each is terrific in their own way.
I saw GBS live just a couple months ago. They were awesome!
nolands wrote:
The midwest is generally considered to be Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
But for New Yorkers, it's defined as the area between 10th avenue and Los Angeles.
And Colorado too, even though Colorado won't admit it.
Agreed on the New Yorkers point.
I'm surprised that this is the only Great Big Sea track on here. But it's one of their best, so I can't complain.
I've seen Carbon Leaf compared to this band.
I first heard GBS in NewFoundland. The combination of a great band and great people left a lasting impression. Go see them live if you can.
I just saw these guys live for the second time, and it was spectacular.
There was a subway poster of a guerilla climbing a famous New York skyscraper. The caption read, "It's Hard to Be Down When You're Up!" I loved it so much I stole it, with some effort, out of a subway car. As happens, mom chucked it out while I was off at college. I miss that tourist poster for the World Trade Center even more now that the Center is gone.
GBS is not necessarily the best that Newfoundland has to offer, but they can be rollicking good fun, especially live. And just hearing them brought a smile to this wandering Newfie's face.
I'm so stoked to hear Great Big Sea on Radio Paradise!
When I first met the Newfie woman who was to become my wife, she recorded this song on a tape she gave me.
I heard them live in St. John's when we were there for the millenium celebration.
Art_Carnage wrote: Help! I've fallen, and I can't get down!
help! i've tripped and i can't get down!
Grambo wrote:
Nah, I'd say it's more that they are way the hell away from NS, PEI, and NB. The grouping of all 4 are referred to as the Atlantic Provinces.
Now if only someone can explain to me "midwest"... :)
The midwest is generally considered to be Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska.
But for New Yorkers, it's defined as the area between 10th avenue and Los Angeles.
Yeehaw! GBS! Shot 'o Screech, anyone?
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Maritime provinces, as it turns out, are Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Newfoundland, contrary to US logic, is not one of the Maritimes, probably due to its late incorporation into Canada, in 1949.
Nah, I'd say it's more that they are way the hell away from NS, PEI, and NB. The grouping of all 4 are referred to as the Atlantic Provinces.
Now if only someone can explain to me "midwest"... :)
A nice pick-me-up after a few sleep-inducing tunes.
I can't get down now! :bananabanger: 
Yeah for Newfie stuff. Try something by the Fables who are even better than GBS. 
PS. Send me a case of Dominion Ale...the ol' smoothie with the hearty flavour.
PS. Send me a case of Dominion Ale...the ol' smoothie with the hearty flavour.Originally Posted by bookbabe:
Gawd I love this song!!! GBS is awesome and ...they're from Newfoundland!!! I'm going to see them with Cowboy Mouth in Austin 9/13!!!!! 
I've seen both in concert. Both put on a great show! Together would be worth the ticket to Austin! Enjoy!
:D
yeeeeeeehhaaaaaaah !
Originally Posted by nexxia:
?? NF is part of the Maritime provinces... you didn't know that? hehe
Maritime provinces, as it turns out, are Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Newfoundland, contrary to US logic, is not one of the Maritimes, probably due to its late incorporation into Canada, in 1949.
Originally Posted by gilmour:
Actually, GBS are from Newfoundland - not the Maritimes - but thanks for including them! Now how bout some celtic folk to help balance out the 60s psychadelic tunes and those odd african rhythms...
?? NF is part of the Maritime provinces... you didn't know that? hehe
Originally Posted by lyn:
Oh Bravo. You've discovered Maritime music. It's a treasure trove, and Great Big Sea are right up there with the best. I was about to suggest some Spirit of the West and then you played them too. Why do i have to listen to an American station to get the best of (our) Canadian music? You make my work day!
Radio without borders!!!
Originally Posted by lyn:
Oh Bravo. You've discovered Maritime music. It's a treasure trove, and Great Big Sea are right up there with the best. I was about to suggest some Spirit of the West and then you played them too. Why do i have to listen to an American station to get the best of (our) Canadian music? You make my work day!
Originally Posted by pazzat:
The subject matter is a bit like Chumbawamba's 'Tubthumping': that would be good to play back-to-back with this one.
And lo -- only a few days later and Bill has done just that!
tho I must admit to not being much of a Chumbawumba fan. Too 'frat house' for me. :)
Wow, ask and ye shall receive, eh?
These guys fascinate me - lots of musical styles intertwined in the final outcome - folk, traditional, modern, Celtic, etc. - keep playing \'em!
About every fourth or fifth song from this band is awful. The rest are pretty neat like this or even great. To give them the benefit of the doubt, I\'m sure the record label is forcing them to do some mainstream pop. I just wish that would stop because this band is a lot of fun live--yet I can\'t bear to play this cd straight through.
-scott
Originally Posted by lyn:
Oh Bravo. You've discovered Maritime music. It's a treasure trove, and Great Big Sea are right up there with the best. I was about to suggest some Spirit of the West and then you played them too. Why do i have to listen to an American station to get the best of (our) Canadian music? You make my work day!
lyn, it's becoming a well-known fact that Bill can read our minds! Your story is just more proof of that! :D
Oh Bravo. You\'ve discovered Maritime music. It\'s a treasure trove, and Great Big Sea are right up there with the best. I was about to suggest some Spirit of the West and then you played them too. Why do i have to listen to an American station to get the best of (our) Canadian music? You make my work day!
This is what I love about RP.
Bill, how do you determine the playlist order for individual's favorite caches?
Sometimes it is the same as I've heard on other RP channels.
But that is not usually the case from my prospective.