Pay My Dues

by Crooked Weather

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about

“I wrote ‘Pay My Dues’ whilst touring Australia. It was 43 degrees in the shady spot where I was hiding from the sun before a show and I got reflecting upon life as an independent musician: the investments and the seemingly miserly returns; and the need to find energy on top of the gardening job that helps keep the wolves from the door. These voices get loud sometimes and are made louder still by hard times. But when you really get down to it, you know that’s not what this game is all about. If that creative spark is in you, it's not a choice of using it or not, but rather what voice you give it. The magic of a new song being born or playing a show that changes somebody’s life has an intangible value. What a joy to have that spark inside just waiting. That is why I will keep on paying my dues.” Will Bladen

lyrics

Well the day’s so hot but we hide from the sun,
There ain’t no truth, like truth hard won.
We get our kicks on the run,
And I need you like a bullet needs a gun.
And oh, when the night comes around…

We take to the stage and yell in a can,
We dress ourselves up and dress ourselves down.
We take everything that’s on offer,
As long as we don’t part with our dollars.
And oh, people keep telling me…..

That you’re living the dream while you are still young,
As I fought back the tears from the words they sung.
I just keep on, keeping on.
I just keep on keeping on until it’s done.
And oh it don’t feel like a dream to me.
I said oh, it don’t feel like a dream to me….

When I’ve got to beg for a space at your place,
Where I can lay down and get a days grace,
I’ve got holes in the soles of the shoes I abuse as I run around,
Trying to pay my, pay my dues,
Trying to pay my dues.

credits

released July 10, 2020
Writing credits - Will Bladen

Will Bladen - Acoustic guitar & vocals
Rob Burgess - Drums
Bethany Nicholson - Cello
Marc Schorah - Lead Trumpet
Simon Neligan - Trumpet, French Horn
Peter Robinson - Trombone
Jack Burgess - Tuba

Produced by Will Bladen & Rob Burgess.
Mixed by Rob Burgess at Uber Studios.
Mastered by John Spence at Fairview Studios.

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about

Crooked Weather England, UK

Crooked Weather play earthy, unruly and original folk songs. Often travel and adventure, both without and within, have been a mainstay of the inspiring antics that Crooked Weather draw upon for their craft. The songs echo the ethos of folk songsmiths before them with imagery of escape, companionship and searching, but told from a new heart. ... more

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