Every Moment Has A Song

Ron Sexsmith: “Late Bloomer” (2011)

A few bullet points:

• Until 20 seconds ago, I’d always assumed singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith was from England. He’s actually Canadian.
• If many of our last names–such as Baker, Hunter, Shepherd, Miller–originated from our ancestors’ professions, I’d like to know a little about this guy’s great great great grandfather.
• Ron Sexsmith’s talents have won praise from such songwriting luminaries as Paul McCartney, John Hiatt and Elvis Costello in much the same way that the Beatles once name-dropped Harry Nilsson as a lesser-known artist worthy of more attention.

Although the production on Sexsmith’s 11th LP (by Metallica/Motley Crue producer Bob Rock) brings his talents to the fore a little more than on past records, the quality of the songwriting hasn’t changed. It’s melodic tunes with catchy choruses and heart-touching sentiments delivered by a guy with a touch of melancholy in his voice–just what his fans have come to expect.

“Late Bloomer” is an anthem of resiliency for underdogs everywhere. If no one’s singing along to your song, don’t forget there’s always a side 2 to life!

It’s just a stone’s throw
From here to eternity
From the back roads
To where I long to be
The world has changed
Leaving only the truth  intact
You think it’s a game
To me it means more than that

But I’m a late bloomer
I’m a slow learner
And I’ve turned the record over
I’m a long player
My song is my saviour
I’ve got to raise it up
As far as my spirit can reach
That everyone might see

Within earshot
Of rose-coloured dreamers at best
I don’t mean to eavesdrop
It’s just part of my job I guess
At one glance
They don’t know the truth by half
How announcing your plans
Is a sure way to hear god laugh

Like a crab apple on the tree
They’ll find life more bitter than sweet

But I’m a late bloomer
I’m a slow learner
And I’ve heard the penny drop
I’m a small player
With a tall order
To come out on top
And  without selling my soul
That everyone might know
That I’m a late bloomer

From a turntable to a phone
From a revolution to a ring tone

I’m a late bloomer
I’m a slow learner
And I’ve turned the record over
I’m a long player
My song is my saviour
Got to raise it up

I’m a late bloomer
I’m a slow learner
And I’ve heard the penny drop
I’m a small player
With a tall order
To come out on top
And without selling my soul
That’s how a flower grows
And I’m a late bloomer
I’m a late bloomer