Originally released in 1996 and dedicated to my dear friend Franklin Quezada for his earnest work giving a voice to political prisoners around the world. Nelson Rangell was featured on the original version and this version as well. It's so important to preserve the right to speak one's mind and heart without persecution, no matter how much that voice might offend someone else. A heavy tune with heavy changes.
lyrics
My face against this wall
Waiting for the call
To step beyond the door
And to return to our home where we stay
To wipe the tears from your eyes
In an iron cage
Many miracles away
My faith won't disappear
We were made to stay
We're not the kind that break
My thoughts again return
To prisons made of my words
I never got to explain
Without any context they sang their parade
And then drove me to the grave
In an iron cage
Many miracles away
My faith won't disappear
We were made to stay
We're not the kind that can (ever) break
So now it's been a year
This lonely life in here
I dream of the smiles
Of my wife and children in morning sunlight
'Cause they lied - I'm alive!
credits
from Cerulean,
released August 11, 2016
I played Wurlitzer electric piano (200A model) through a bunch of old equipment at Dave Beegle's studio, keyboards, sang vocals, produced and mixed the tune. Christian Teele played drums and percussion and recorded those himself. Mike Olson did the same with bass. Nelson Rangell played soprano saxophone which was recorded at Dave Beegle's place. Ian Argys played electric guitar including the solo and the soundscape at the end.
A classic of late 90s psychedelic rock from San Francisco stalwarts Mushroom gets a reissue with bonus tracks and rarities. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 22, 2021