Zach Bryan — Cold Damn Vampires
Album: American HeartbreakAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1070
Length: 4:47
Plays (last 30 days): 2
share
tweet
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
You moved to the city, girl, to make something of yourself
But them vampires are groping you every night on East and 12th
So every night you carry a knife and some spray
To keep them bloodsuckers at least a four-inch blade away
A four-inch blade away
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
So damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
So you wanna be an artist, make something that makes sense
'Cause them vampires will take every ounce of the blood that you can give
Never let 'em speak and don't let 'em tell a lie
Let 'em know that you're walking alone to a warm home tonight
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
But there's hope for the mortal, to stay clear and stay true
So look out for the vampires, that are on the hunt for you
Cause they're on the hunt for you
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
You moved to the city, girl, to make something of yourself
But them vampires are groping you every night on East and 12th
So every night you carry a knife and some spray
To keep them bloodsuckers at least a four-inch blade away
A four-inch blade away
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
So damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
So you wanna be an artist, make something that makes sense
'Cause them vampires will take every ounce of the blood that you can give
Never let 'em speak and don't let 'em tell a lie
Let 'em know that you're walking alone to a warm home tonight
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to build an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
But there's hope for the mortal, to stay clear and stay true
So look out for the vampires, that are on the hunt for you
Cause they're on the hunt for you
Them damn cold vampires been keeping me awake
Tryin' to an empire off things that they can take
But don't let 'em steal your hope, child, and turn it something green
Damn you and damn all your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
Your ties to this machine
Comments (54)add comment
[9] On Bill's recommendation.
Jason Isbell always comes to mind.
He has an emotional and heartfelt voice which I guess appealing to some. However, it seems like he just sings one note throughout the whole song, with very little variation. So, I kind of find it boring, but I think that’s the main stream these days?
The whining tone grows with each listening. Not powerful like when Woody Guthrie or Bruce Springsteen sang on the same subject.
TC1 wrote:
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
He could be singing about ANY city that a, authentic small town talent moves to - regardless of the street address: Toronto. Montreal. Vancouver. NYC. LA... As soon as you start to recognise you're being exploited - it's a cold road. From Circus to Singing - it can get creepy and crass - and the Vampires, sucking the Soul of your work?
It gets Old - Fast.
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
He could be singing about ANY city that a, authentic small town talent moves to - regardless of the street address: Toronto. Montreal. Vancouver. NYC. LA... As soon as you start to recognise you're being exploited - it's a cold road. From Circus to Singing - it can get creepy and crass - and the Vampires, sucking the Soul of your work?
It gets Old - Fast.
drews wrote:
Ryan Bingham is SO good in Yellowstone. That was my first exposure to him.
Like the soulful voice, heartfelt and well constructed songs. Reminds me of Ryan Bingham from Texas who for some strange reason has no songs on RP, not for want of trying
Ryan Bingham is SO good in Yellowstone. That was my first exposure to him.
obispo wrote:
So glad another Radio Paradiser knows about Ryan Bingham, have you managed to catch Ryan live? For me the lead veteran fiddle player was a star of the show
Imagine a duet with this guy and Ryan Bingham.
So glad another Radio Paradiser knows about Ryan Bingham, have you managed to catch Ryan live? For me the lead veteran fiddle player was a star of the show
TC1 wrote:
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
No East and 12th in NYC? Well, yes and no....there's that area on the east end of 12th Street, down there around the East Village and Alphabet City, all a bit east of the NYU area. There was a time that area was pretty much as he described. At least, back in my day. I presume he's engaging in a bit of poetic license, as singer songwriters are often wont to do.
Spent many a night dancing with the vampires down in that area. It was a rugged area then, it made the Bowery look good. I assure you no touristas venture near it; especially after dark. That was then, certainly it has gone more uptown by this point in time. It positively sparkles now. Money chasing value always does that. Sometimes I look back and marvel that I got thru it with health and sanity intact, to say nothing of my soul. So it goes.
Highlow~
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
No East and 12th in NYC? Well, yes and no....there's that area on the east end of 12th Street, down there around the East Village and Alphabet City, all a bit east of the NYU area. There was a time that area was pretty much as he described. At least, back in my day. I presume he's engaging in a bit of poetic license, as singer songwriters are often wont to do.
Spent many a night dancing with the vampires down in that area. It was a rugged area then, it made the Bowery look good. I assure you no touristas venture near it; especially after dark. That was then, certainly it has gone more uptown by this point in time. It positively sparkles now. Money chasing value always does that. Sometimes I look back and marvel that I got thru it with health and sanity intact, to say nothing of my soul. So it goes.
Highlow~
kcatalina wrote:
I don't much care for the whistling, but the rest of the song is so dang good.
Every time I hear the whistle, I demote it a point. Not sure why, just the whistle irritates me.
I don't much care for the whistling, but the rest of the song is so dang good.
Like the soulful voice, heartfelt and well constructed songs. Reminds me of Ryan Bingham from Texas who for some strange reason has no songs on RP, not for want of trying
Taken me forever to realize this isn't Jason Isbell.
What a fabulous - and faboulously important - sentiment. Great violin too!
lily34 wrote:
I wonder what RP would think of Toots Thielemans. He was one of the great early jazz artists in the 1960s, but we never hear him.
whistling = immediate 1 / PSD
I wonder what RP would think of Toots Thielemans. He was one of the great early jazz artists in the 1960s, but we never hear him.
I like this song and still think it's played too often. (I also thought it was Jason Isbell for the longest time. :) )
I don't care for his music, but I do appreciate the stand Zach Bryan has taken in support of trans people. So I will still PSD, but with respect.
whistling = immediate 1 / PSD
kcatalina wrote:
I like the whistle. It's a break from his fatiguing voice.
Every time I hear the whistle, I demote it a point. Not sure why, just the whistle irritates me.
I like the whistle. It's a break from his fatiguing voice.
itsme_bygolly wrote:
Agreed, time to set it aside. It's Thursday here, pretty sure it's been played daily this week. And frequently the past few months.
This song is nine months old and Radio Paradise has burned me out on it as it is in constant rotation. Closer to commercial radio.
Agreed, time to set it aside. It's Thursday here, pretty sure it's been played daily this week. And frequently the past few months.
Thank goodness NOT Luke Bryant...
This song is nine months old and Radio Paradise has burned me out on it as it is in constant rotation. Closer to commercial radio.
This guy twice in one day? No thanks.
I've said it before, let me say it again. This guys from Oolagah, OK. I had cousins in Oolagah. This guy wishes he were as talented as the average guitar picker in Oolagah.
Keep thinking its a new Isbell, and I like that.
Both seem to like Vampires....great songwriting
Both seem to like Vampires....great songwriting
every day?
kcatalina wrote:
I agree the whistle doesn't really contribute much, but the recoding quality of it seems to be superb. All of a sudden, I could hear somebody whistling from right behind me...
Every time I hear the whistle, I demote it a point. Not sure why, just the whistle irritates me.
I agree the whistle doesn't really contribute much, but the recoding quality of it seems to be superb. All of a sudden, I could hear somebody whistling from right behind me...
rp should play this instead deadSouth-in hell ill be in good company
(it's similar, but better imo)
(it's similar, but better imo)
Special & distinctive voice.
i thought this was about the music industry
1jerry wrote:
Reputedly, Brecht's favourite color was gray.
!new, but monochromatic.
Reputedly, Brecht's favourite color was gray.
xrdstv wrote:
Thanks for the reply. It's feeling more than anything to do with living in a city. No. As as world traveller some songs take me to a moment in time, a place, or an event. The 'Big Apple' does have a make or break reputation. That is why NYC is such an amazing place. It is full of emotion and verve! ;-)
I understand where you are coming from, working for a global corporation I have the opportunity to travel the U.S. and the world. I agree, certain songs can take us to a moment in time and space.
Thanks for the reply. It's feeling more than anything to do with living in a city. No. As as world traveller some songs take me to a moment in time, a place, or an event. The 'Big Apple' does have a make or break reputation. That is why NYC is such an amazing place. It is full of emotion and verve! ;-)
I understand where you are coming from, working for a global corporation I have the opportunity to travel the U.S. and the world. I agree, certain songs can take us to a moment in time and space.
Zach Bryan may have issues with cold damn vampires. They lend me money when I'm short. Really nice guys if you get to know them. Thanks to RP's new model I hear about them all the time.
TC1 wrote:
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Thanks for the reply. It's feeling more than anything to do with living in a city. No. As as world traveller some songs take me to a moment in time, a place, or an event. The 'Big Apple' does have a make or break reputation. That is why NYC is such an amazing place. It is full of emotion and verve! ;-)
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Thanks for the reply. It's feeling more than anything to do with living in a city. No. As as world traveller some songs take me to a moment in time, a place, or an event. The 'Big Apple' does have a make or break reputation. That is why NYC is such an amazing place. It is full of emotion and verve! ;-)
After hearing this s few times bumping from 7-8. This guy is good!
kcatalina wrote:
funny, i usually love whistling...but it is too joyful a sound to finish this tune. Unless he's a 'vampire' and the lyrics are his way of sucking us in
Every time I hear the whistle, I demote it a point. Not sure why, just the whistle irritates me.
Getting tired of this guy. Too frequent play and his songs sound too similar. I feel like 'you heard one, you heard them all'
Every time I hear the whistle, I demote it a point. Not sure why, just the whistle irritates me.
Chimpmeister wrote:
Yes. We need more Radiohead for you elitist aholes.
BTW this album (double) is awesome. And this is why I support RP, thank you Bill.
RP is changing,and not for the better. Way too much Zach Bryan, and Country music seems to be taking over the station. Very disappointing.
Yes. We need more Radiohead for you elitist aholes.
BTW this album (double) is awesome. And this is why I support RP, thank you Bill.
Cold....
...as life can be.
True. This.
...as life can be.
True. This.
Time for the "sounds like" post.
Springsteen, Atlantic City.
Springsteen, Atlantic City.
RP is changing,and not for the better. Way too much Zach Bryan, and Country music seems to be taking over the station. Very disappointing.
TC1 wrote:
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Agreed, though he does a good job of describing certain aspects of the atmosphere down on the lower East side. Or at least as it used to be. I can't say for sure it's still that way. Spent a lifetime some 20+ years or so ago living on 13th between 3rd and 4th Ave. Best and worst memories of my life stem from that period.
The whole of it, from about 4th Ave to the East River was something of a primate jungle back then. Hell, for that matter you could pretty much say that about the entire island. A little bit downtrodden and decidedly less than rustic. But that was then.
Perhaps it's less so now seeing as how money always chases value. In fact I know so. Even so vampires indeed. Maybe lookin' a lot more upscale with all the usual class images of success, but vampires just the same. So it goes.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Agreed, though he does a good job of describing certain aspects of the atmosphere down on the lower East side. Or at least as it used to be. I can't say for sure it's still that way. Spent a lifetime some 20+ years or so ago living on 13th between 3rd and 4th Ave. Best and worst memories of my life stem from that period.
The whole of it, from about 4th Ave to the East River was something of a primate jungle back then. Hell, for that matter you could pretty much say that about the entire island. A little bit downtrodden and decidedly less than rustic. But that was then.
Perhaps it's less so now seeing as how money always chases value. In fact I know so. Even so vampires indeed. Maybe lookin' a lot more upscale with all the usual class images of success, but vampires just the same. So it goes.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Cold Damn Vampires; what a great band!
. . . Oh, never mind.
. . . Oh, never mind.
Nice tune - but had to smile to myself at the whistling intro/outro...
Search for the TV series 'Clangers' fellow listeners
Search for the TV series 'Clangers' fellow listeners
The whistling at the intro got our cockatiel started. 
xrdstv wrote:
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Nice narrative... If you've been to NYC on a rainy October day...
Welp, I work in NYC and lived in the area my entire life... that's just your view of it. And I also work for the second largest music label in the world, he is not singing about NYC, there is no "East and 12th" in NYC. He is in fact singing about the record label business in Nashville. He more than likely changed the street reference for easier phrasing, since there is a "South and 12th" in Nashville.
Great voice, engaging track!
Imagine a duet with this guy and Ryan Bingham.
Pound33 wrote:
Stick around and you´ll hear him every day...
Never heard of this artist or this song, but I like it on first listen. A solid 7.
Stick around and you´ll hear him every day...
Nice allegory
For a few seconds at the beginning I thought this was Rodrigo by Seven Mary Three (not as good though)
Nice narrative... If you've been to NYC on a rainy October day...
Never heard of this artist or this song, but I like it on first listen. A solid 7.
I like it
!new, but monochromatic.