"Never Been To Athens" - Self Reflection and Looking Forward

So the next song on "Out of Orbit" to spy through the magnifying glass is "Never Been To Athens", the first single from the album.

"Never Been To Athens", like "Timid Creature", "Without You", "Mystery Loves Company" and "This Time", had existed in some other form in my back catalog of work before winding up on the album. "Athens" didn't deviate much from what I originally mapped out in my demo, the most radical change being the inclusion of live drums. Funny thing with the drums on that song is their inclusion was never planned on ahead of time.We just wanted to warm up Jorge on something before tackling the first tack and decided to pull up the song. During the rest of the recording process the live drums were crucial in inspiring the bass line on the chorus, electric guitar and organ. I don't think the song would have been the same had Jorge not contributed right up front.

The lyric was written when I was in my mid 20's, and even though it doesn't all relate to where my head is at now, I've always wanted to revive the song. The verses are very self reflective and represent me as a young man trying to break from the shyness that plagued my youth. The choruses are more metaphorical, hinting at the need for security and comfort in love.

As an aside, I find it very strange to see the comments from the public on "Athens" and "Rome" in various blogs and social networks after they listen to the song. People are often dissing both places, writing comments about how I'm not missing much by having not been there. I guess it's easy to assume the creator of the song hadn't visited, but let me lay it out here that when I wrote the song I had indeed been to both cities a couple years prior. Not really sure why the names made it to the lyric. It was just one of those moments, as a writer, when words pour out and you don't question why. Let it be said that I loved both cities, though Athens was one of the smoggiest places I had ever been. So much so my eyes burned most of the time. I understand they've cleaned up the city quite a bit and would love to return.


"Never Been To Athens" Lyrics

I'm a man of many words
Though few have been said
I viewed them all perspectively
But hid them away in my head

I've never been to Athens
I've never been to Rome
Never been anywhere that ever felt like home
I never had a compass to show me the way
To the safety of your arms

Tethered to the Earth
In the shadow of my fears
I may have smiled
But I never met their eyes in twenty years

I've never been to Athens…

The wind rises and carries me
To the places I'd dreamt I'd be
I close my eyes, strengthen ties
And see your eyes right in front of me

I've never been to Athens…

I've never been to Venus
I've never been to Mars
I've never been some place
With so many stars
I drift of towards them
And find my own way
Can you see me, can you see me

Purchase a copy of "Never Been To Athens" from "Out of Orbit" on iTunes