Not Safe (Stay Inside Outtake)

by Tower Defense

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Notes from bassist/vocalist Mike Shepherd:

"Not Safe" was a song that we recorded during the sessions for Stay Inside at Battle Tapes in 2015. Like a lot of the songs on that record, Jereme and I collaborated on the music, and then I wrote the melody and lyrics.

Lyrically, I was trying to play off of some lyrics that I wrote for an Apollo Up song, "Even If You Don't Die," as well as the lyrics to a different AU song, "Custom Critical," basically sewing those songs together narratively. The melody was tricky, though, and it wasn't much fun to play.

The rest of the band indulged me in recording it for posterity, and I secretly hoped it might turn out good enough to include on the record, but we couldn't get a vocal take we liked, and it just didn't match the tone of the other five songs on the EP.

I still kinda love this song, though. The big, weird chords that Currey and I were able to build in the verses, and the tremolo on the chorus, plus some of Jereme's most muscular playing from those sessions. Anyway, I hope y'all dig it! - Mike/TD

lyrics

Everybody knows your secret name
You're not safe here anymore
You light a match and leave the files in flames
And catch the next train to the shore
Black helicopters circle lazily
Menace the woods outside your home
The dedicated line inside the alcove rings
It's Mr. Blacksleeves on the phone:

"Stop. Turn around and punch the clock."

Human resources are on their way.
You're not safe here anymore.
You set your bags down as the doorbell rings.
There's a box outside your door . . .

credits

released May 1, 2020
Jereme Frey - drums
Currey May - guitar
Sarah Shepherd - bass, vocals
Mike Shepherd - vocals, bass

Recorded by Jeremy Ferguson at Battle Tapes in Inglewood, TN. Mastered by John Baldwin. Artwork graciously provided by Ben Smythe.

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Tower Defense Nashville, Tennessee

Four old friends with eight bands and one marriage shared between them get comfortable and make music they love.

Current/former members of Apollo Up, Gentleman Divers, The Prudish Few, Short Ropes, and Take The Power Back. ... more

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