The high of a live show is something that cannot be described in words - especially the high from a great live show. On the other hand, coming down from that high can be absolutely devastating.
This song came to me one such night. The Imaginary Lovers and I had just given one of our finest live performances yet with the crowd showering us with love and praise. When the lights went down and the show was over, the boys were all in a rush to get back home to their girlfriends. I was left alone.
I had recently gone to see Peter Gabriel and Sting, live, and their tour was called "Rock, Paper, Scissors". My ticket stub was on the kitchen table when I sat down with my guitar to write a song. The idea and imagery immediately struck me. Next thing I knew, I had a chorus and within about fifteen or twenty minutes, four verses and a bridge.
It is one of my favorite songs on this album and Sebastien Delporte Bouchard did a great job at capturing the mood. What started out as a solo acoustic piece ended up featuring all original members of the Imaginary Lovers. Sebastien with his subtle and quiet bassline, Félix with his gorgeous solo on an old country acoustic guitar found at the studio and Tommy providing the song's pulse on muted drums.
lyrics
Rock, Paper, Scissors (Comeau)
Three a.m., just paid my tab
The band has all gone home
From up on the stage, I saw you dancing
I saw you just let go
As I stand alone
On this empty city sidewalk
They're locking the door behind me
You... you're nowhere in sight
Rock, paper, scissors
Heads or tails
Drawing straws or a game of cards
I can never win
Rock, paper, scissors
Heads or tails
Drawing straws or a game of cards
I can never win... no
Been alone so long
I've forgotten what it's like
To lie in bed, besides the one
Who stole my heart away
When you come along
I just look away, act like I don't care
But it's in me, honey, kicking and screaming
Praying for you to come around
Rock, paper, scissors
Heads or tails
Drawing straws or a game of cards
I can never win
Rock, paper, scissors
Heads or tails
Drawing straws or a game of cards
I can never win... no
I'll always let you win
I'll always let you win
I will always let you win
I'll always let you... win
credits
from Rock, Paper, Scissors,
released December 1, 2017
Acoustic guitar and vocals: Max Comeau
Lead acoustic guitar: Félix Tellier-Pouliot
Acoustic bass: Sebastien Delporte-Bouchard
Drums: Tommy Routhier
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