This song is my best attempt at writing a Burt Bacharach/Hal David song. “Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head” has always been one of my favorite songs and that is what inspired “For The last Time”. It is about addictions. Specifically, being addicted to another person. Sure, the song mentions drinking but the true addiction comes in the opening lyrics of the bridge. “Standing alone by the window, waiting for you to get me high” shows how much the singer is hooked on the object of their affection. They become an affliction that needs to be abandoned in order to truly recover. I love the optimism of both the lyrics and the bouncy rhythm of the recording. It is a song of triumph over struggle. It can be about overcoming any addiction or adversity.
When I originally wrote the song, it had a mellow “Raindrops” groove to it. Then, in the studio, my producer Scott Patton (Sugarland) had me punched up the rhythm guitar strumming and gave the song a much needed bounce. One of my favorite parts of the recording is Scott’s guitar solo, which comes across as both cheerful and melancholy. It’s my go to song to start a show because of the upbeat feel and singable melody.
Your sun refuses to rise
The light is gone from your eyes
You're drunk, now there's a surprise
I don't want you around
'cause you've dragged me down
for the last time, for the last time
The monkey's off of my back
My life is finally on track
I've got my dignity back
I won't run when you call
'cause I've taken the fall
for the last time, for the last time
Standing alone by the window
Waiting for you to get me high
Where did my mind and my will go
All those years just passed me by
I don't regret what I've done
No, I can't blame anyone
But if you're looking for fun
I won't run when you call
'cause I've taken the fall
for the last time, for the last time
Standing alone by the window
Waiting for you to get me high
Where did my mind and my will go
All those years just passed me by
I don't regret what I've done
No, I can't blame anyone
But if you're looking for fun
I won't run when you call
'cause I've taken the fall
for the last time, for the last time
for the last time
I don't want you around
'cause you've dragged me down
for the last time, for the last time, for the last time
credits
from See The World, released December 1, 1999
Lyric Credits: Phil Dutra
Music Credits: Phil Dutra
Producer Credits: Scott Patton
Performance Credits: Phil Dutra- Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, BG vox; Scott Patton- Electric Guitar, Mark Bynum- Bass; Sean O'Rourke- Drums; Tom Grose- Hammon B3; Steve Boyes- BG vox; Rob Aldridge- BG vox
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