In this underground, this cavern
4 eons I have rested
The soil above my head a stifling dark
Too heavy to grown and too weak to let go
Huddled to the root, a grave, a hollow
Inconstant and weary, enshrined in coiling ivy
The eucalyptus hanging, cold comfort for the damned
Pressing in, sediment, keeping covenant with shadow
The cavern, the citadel is singing
Obfuscated to the bell
They laid their curses well
Blow the lanterns out, grave-cloth laid across my brow
So the right words free me now
Farewell, you shades of madness
Stretch your fine muscles in the sunlight
Roll back my tomb door
Sing joy to the blood in the pine
What winds that blow there be yours
What secrets mine
Blessed are the dead at my side, you offered sweet cakes and wine
Now the lights of the River Lethe are fading
Such a rally cockerel cry, oh it took a long time
Now the Devil weeps to lose me
Limbo is a Bordertown, a chronic callous user
When the gods decide to linger, which light do they leave on?
Electric, an explosion, it’s time to wake up now
I dig no shallow graves, there’s much to climb
Roll back my tomb door
Sing joy to the blood in the pine
What winds that blow there be yours
What secrets mine
Like porcelain, like acid, turn another season
Summer’s been in slumber, and I’ve outgrown this bed of soil
With a temperance, with a reverence (irreverence?) - a balm, a bloody riot
When the heavy rains a-lifted and the hallowed voices cried -
Roll back my tomb door
Sing joy to the blood in the pine
What winds that blow there be yours
What secrets mine
Take the shroud from ‘round my arms
Cry Havoc and Halleluyah
My coffin’s cracked and so I rise
Blood in my roots now
In Hades’ tomb, there grows a rose
A seed reaching up to the stars
Writing ink scrolls in the gloom
And there’s no silencing this blooming heart now
There’s only hunger now, crying “Lover, come back down”
Then calamity wanes, and it awakes me
Farewell you shades in my grave, with your pyrite veins
Whistling epithets, whisper you miss me….
credits
from The Imperfect EP,
released February 5, 2021
Lyrics and Music by DOGWOOD
Mixing and Mastering by Aaron J. Shay
Hailing from the hedge and loam of Seattle's undergrowth, this chimerical songbird aims to weave historical and wax
hysterical in the old-new traditions of mountain men, shantymen, and their fellow men as they tromp and twirl acro'st both ancient myth and accidental malady. This mighty troubadour delights in bringing life to the voices of the past, so come and share a pomegranate seed or two!...more
supported by 14 fans who also own “Roll Back My Tomb Door”
Compelling stories that are well written, not to mention beautifully sung, accompanied by beautiful instrumentation. I found Aaron J. Shay's music under a strange set of circumstances and was instantly fascinated by it, this album contains some of my favorite songs by him. Hyphonetics
supported by 10 fans who also own “Roll Back My Tomb Door”
I walked away from playing music ten years ago, disgusted with music and myself. SJ Tucker's songs have played no small part in bringing me back in a truly strange yet beautiful way. The blisters on my fingers and the gloom in my heart are nearly healed. I sat down my new acoustic guitar to write a comment about some heavy medicine and now I'm going to get back to my therapy. I can't thank you enough SJ! Keep up the good work! roddylloyd
Delicate, plangent indie rock from this Toronto singer-songwriter, who here explores the many aspects of depression. Bandcamp New & Notable May 30, 2018
This sweet, mournful “loose concept” album from folk artist Ian McCuen tracks a journey across the bleak landscape of American life. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 22, 2022
Crafting powerful songs about commitment and love, the Nashville singer-songwriter channels and subverts ’70s country and folk tropes. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 7, 2022
supported by 10 fans who also own “Roll Back My Tomb Door”
3 things go into making a great album. 1) Good songs, 2) Good songs, and 3) Good songs. The Dubious Hat is all of the above, performed with palpable glee by multi-instrumentalist Nathaniel Johnstone. A great album for dancing around the house! vesicangus