1812
Written by Ron Moses
Guitar, bass and vocal by Ron Moses
From Horseshoes and Hand Grenades, produced by Scott Lurowist and Ron Moses
This was a Block Island song, and if you can’t tell, it’s about what happens when you die. Or doesn't happen. It’s always struck me as odd when people can’t conceive of not existing anymore. You didn’t exist for literal eons. It’s just like that. What's with the need to go somewhere? Anyway, it’s not “Dear God” but I think it’s a solid tune with an interesting chord progression and nifty bassline inspired by “Hard Luck Woman” by KISS.
I wish I could offer you a better recording of this; one with a drum part and better tempo maintenance. And a better vocal take for sure, yikes. I actually do have a pretty nice recording of a much better instrumental bed (intended for my aborted Dark project), including tasteful percussion, but I never put vocals on it. Oh well, this is what we have.
Were I to be buried after my death, and please don’t do that, I would want my headstone to quote this song: “Life is not a ray of light, it’s a piece of string. Beginning and an end to everything.” Best line I ever wrote.
In 1812, I wasn’t around
Look as you might, I was nowhere to be found
And when I die and they lay me in the ground
The lights go out and they never come back on
And it’s not like anything
There’s nothing to be experienced
When you’re dead and gone it’s like 1812
Some people worry ‘bout going to hell
Throwin’ all their pennies into God’s little wishing well
They don’t remember that they weren’t always here
And not being later is exactly what they fear
But it’s not like anything
There’s nothing to be experienced
When you’re dead and gone it’s like 1812
Life is not a ray of light, it’s a piece of string
Beginning and an end to everything
You don’t get the satisfaction when you finally leave
Of watching your friends and your family grieve
Unraveling the tangled webs you weave
It doesn’t matter whose book you chose to believe
‘Cause in 1812, you weren’t around
Look as I might, you were nowhere to be found
And when you die and we lay you in the ground
The lights go out and they never come back on
And it’s not like anything
There’s nothing to be experienced
When you’re dead and gone it’s like 1812
When your time has come it’s like 1812
When you’re in the ground it’s like 1812
When you’re dead and gone it’s like 1812