Categories: Blog of Damien S. Riley

Pail and Can – my new song meaning and influences

This song was originally based on a theme of childhood wonderment I powerfully felt influence in in the words of Robert Frost’s poem “Going for Water.”

It also draws from the shortest poem ever written, William Carlos Williams’ epic “The Red Wheelbarrow.”

My lyrics ended up being:

“The well was dry beside the land
And we looked on with pail and can
As children
It’s where I found out who I am
A red wheelbarrow and pail and can

Fake it til I make it
Gonna make it good
Gonna make it to the island where you left me
Staying in my own side of the street

The well was dry …. Repeat all”

Here’s the song:

It’s about wonderment of childhood. Memory of Arizona, the desert smell and my brother and I collected rusted cans and metal stuff in a pail. 🙂

Damien S. Riley

Damien S. Riley is a creator of: music, books, a podcast on at "Riley on Film."All his work can be enjoyed at his blog, Riley Central RileyOnFilm.com Besides being a professional musician, Damien is a college English and logic professor. His style is soft rock akin to the Smiths and REM but also hooky 60’s music like "Peter Paul and Mary." Damien has recorded and performed with 80's -90’s arena rock band “The Alarm” founding member and original guitarist Dave Sharp. From Damien: “I've created, discovered, and refined a meadow along my way online with my books, blog, podcast, and primordial videos. Do jump in and swim around. Like a 60’s movie.” Come on in, the water’s fine.”