In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
One more midnight, her man is still goneG C GThe nights move too slowG C She tries to remember the heat of his touchC G D GWhile listening to the Border RadioShe calls toll-free and requests an old songSomething they used to knowShe prays to herself that wherever he is,He's listening to the Border Radiochorus: C"This song comes from nineteen sixty-twoCDedicated to a man who's goneCFifty thousand watts out of MexicoG D GThis is the Border RadioG D GThis is the Border Radio"She thinks of her son, asleep in his roomAnd how her man won't see him growShe thinks of her life and she hopes for a changeWhile listening to the Border Radio(repeat chorus)They play her tune but she can't concentrateShe wonders why he had to goOne more night and her man is still goneShe's listening to the Border Radio(chorus)
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Border Radio Lyrics as written by Dave Alvin
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
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Ed Sheeran
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Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
No comments on Border Radio? 1 comment on the entire Blasters board. Damn...even in this day and age of mass discovery and appreciation of cult bands long ago, seems nobody cares about The Blasters STILL.!?
Ok, maybe the '50s RnR/R&B can grate when listening to them over the course of 2 entire CDs (the length of the Slash Records Anthology), but the great songs are as good as anything from the early 80s. Marie Marie, So Long Baby Goodbye, I'm Shakin', One Bad Stud (from Streets Of Fire OST), Colored Lights...
Border Radio is the tops, though, a tale of heartbreak, love, a fatherless child, desperation and hope, crammed into less than three minutes, some great Dave Alvin guitar work, and great vocals from Phil. And wonderful, tight songwriting. The band, as always, is just as tight as a banjo string.
I could suggest at least a half dozen songs you'll never tire of, even for Blasters newbies, but start small, go hear Border Radio NOW, and you'll ask What's Next. This may be their best, but see my small list above and go from there. If you don't, you're only cheating yourself.