“Queen’s Drone” is a nod to the Beatles’ “All You Need is Love,” if sung by a medieval tower prisoner – or a modern high-rise cubicle worker.
lyrics
With my lips sewn and my lungs entwined
I was the queen’s drone, king’s concubine
It was fine mess for the spineless thing I’d become
Up ‘til then I’d never thought of myself as dumb
Yeah, the grindstone loves a spit shine
For the queen’s throne where the king reclines
I was a plaything never getting past the guard
Even knowing all the passwords didn’t get me far
I bit my tongue so many times that I spoke in scars
Then one night through the tower bars
I saw your silhouette against the stars
You sang out revolution’s name
You sang out mine, it was the same
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
As if the gift you handed me
Were a fire branded me
A burning coal to loose the tongue
In a fever I was free
I did speak and I did see
I heard myself singing
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
I broke the queen’s will with a choice word
Split the king’s sword with a song he’d never heard
As it faded I knew I’d made it as they hit the ground
Stiff with shock to find that I could make such a sound
They were really nothing more than their robes and gowns
Shattered, broken, hopeless, choking and clutching crowns
I sang out revolution’s name
I sang out yours, they are the same
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
credits
from Shake the Gates EP,
released July 10, 2012
Production, mixing and overdubs were completed in Fayetteville, Arkansas, by Talley's brother and former band mate, Mark Summerlin, guitarist, backing vocalist, and music director for Grammy Award-winning, international pop star Seal. Brother Paul, also currently touring with Seal, added backing vocals and keyboards to the EP as well.
Basic tracks were recorded and produced by Andy Sharp at Scharf-Sharp Farms in Austin, Texas. Sharp’s previous credits include engineering and production assistance for Sheryl Crow, Spoon, and Blue October. The drumming of Austin’s Chris Searles – formerly with Shawn Colvin and Ian Moore, now on tour with Alejandro Escovedo – is a solid, steady highlight of each track.
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