The last time I featured a Steven Page song on the blog, it was a big hit. That song was ‘Leave Her Alone,’ a big band update on The Beatles’ ‘She’s Leaving Home,’ and impressively it drew high praise from all corners.
That’s a rare enough occurrence on Meet Me In Montauk that I figured I’d go back to the well and give Page another shot.
‘Over Joy’ is another track off of his solo debut, Page One, an album that I’ve had in constant rotation since I picked it up a few months ago.
‘Over Joy’ showcases Page’s instinct for pure pop melodies — I can easily imagine this song being written by The Beach Boys or The Beatles. This is ear candy at its finest.
Lyrically, however, ‘Over Joy’ is among the more bleak songs on the album. It’s about a guy whose negativity is killing his relationship and he’s fully aware of it but powerless to do anything about it. “My depression has got me choosing doom and gloom over joy,” he sings in the chorus. And later, “things get easier when I’m not there.”
The juxtaposition between the music and the lyrics is an interesting one, and got me thinking… what’s the peppiest song with the saddest lyrics?
Is there nothing I can do
To escape this feeling blue
Except for leaving?
Tell me a lie
Like we’re never going to die
Like we’ll win with one more try
Or like I love you.
I am falling
I know you feel it
I am calling
You’d best not heed it
My depression
Has got me choosing doom and gloom
Over joy
Where did we fail?
It’s not simple, there’s no trail
We can’t trace our steps and sail
Back where we started
You’re not to blame
And it’s nothing we can name
We’ll just hang our heads in shame,
Broken-hearted.
I am falling
I know you feel it
I am calling
You’d best not heed it
My depression
Has got me choosing doom and gloom
Over joy
I know it’s hard
I know it’s not fair
But things get easier
When I’m not there
I am falling
I know you feel it
I am calling
You’d best not heed it
My depression
Has got me choosing doom and gloom
Over joy
Meet Me In Montauk 
This one certainly has a shot at taking that title 😉
I’m betting you’ll have another “hit” on your hands with this selection. I’m loving this “ear candy” despite its gloomy lyrics.
Another candidate I’d offer for consideration is the first song that came to my mind when I read your challenge – Bruce Springsteen’s “Tunnel of Love.” I’m not sure if it’s “peppy,” but it’s certainly upbeat and the content of the song a bit ominous (though I happen to love the “message”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF2Y8umAyaI&feature=related
This song blows chunks….
Just kidding:)
Another good one. I think his voice is a large reason for the likeability of his songs, though that is not to take away from the fine songwriting.
I’ll have to give further thought to your challenge, though Amy’s pick is a pretty good candidate.
Would “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” fit into that category?