PAMPOO
The opening track on Pampoo’s debut EP, "American Feel," is a richly layered exploration of the American psyche. With themes of identity, freedom, and disillusionment, the song navigates the complexities of the American Dream and the bittersweet reality of progress and change. Its rhythmic toms mimic the sounds of a car on the open road, while American folk influences ground it in cultural tradition. Rooted in Jim Vincent’s personal experiences of relocation and emotional transitions, "American Feel" invites listeners on a journey that’s as introspective as it is universal.
Lyrics:
My baby girl sitting down next to me
Dreamin' bout where she thinks she ought to be
I don't know if we can ever heal
I'm doing all that I can
White and yellow lines guide me where to go
And those red ones there, They just say no
Those left are caught in the undertow
to fend for themselves
Let's hop in the car and just ride
You call shotgun and I'll drive through the night
Where we go next, we'll let the road decide
We got that American Feel
The roads criss-cross and slice up all those lands
like it was done with a vile master plan
Movin out, pack up, and fill up the van
the American Dream
My truck don't remember where it's been
It just moves on down the road while those wheels spin
Take me back to way back when
And I'll show you why
So let's hop in the car and just ride
You call shotgun and I'll drive through the night
Where we go next, we'll let the road decide
We got that American Feel
That American Feel
In my automobile
That American Feel
Made up of rubber and steel
Let's hop in the car and just ride
You call shotgun and I'll drive through the night
Where we go next, we'll let the road decide
We got that American Feel
The second track on Pampoo’s debut EP, "Simple Days," is a heartfelt exploration of nostalgia and the bittersweet process of moving forward. With poignant lyrics and a soulful hook sung by Jim Vincent’s daughter, Amelia, the song blends emotional depth with a unique musical style. Jim’s introspective rap verses pair perfectly with Amelia’s hauntingly beautiful chorus, creating a powerful reflection on the simplicity of the past and the inevitability of change. "Simple Days" captures the essence of personal growth, family connections, and the universal longing for what once was. History
Lyrics:
Woke up late on the weekend, I had nothing on my brain
Went to a party, everyone's shouting my name
Then ah.. one shot.. two shots
Feelin... we own... the plot
schemin'... sketch plans... couldn't stop
screamin'... We're good to go
Hanging out in the summer breeze
bass bumpin', gotta fly beat
not a care between you and me
Because we're young and free
Broke joke ain't gotta lot
'cause loving, it's what he's got
Never tried to start a riot
Man, he's good and gone
(Oh those simple days)
Take me back to those young days
(Oh those simple days)
To the place I used to play
(Oh those simple days)
I just want to feel that way, yea
Woke up late in a closet, I had nothing to my name
didn't worry about last night, feelin, right as rain
Then we popped down to the subby shop
And we, got some pot from our buddies pop
to be, driving around to avoid the cops
Thinking, we're good to go
(Oh those simple days)
Take me back to those young days
(Oh those simple days)
To the place I used to play
(Oh those simple days)
I just want to feel that way yea
Back in the day, life was a breeze, no strife
We were just kids, living the dream, no lie
Kickin' it old school, no rules, just vibes
Every moment felt like we were touching the sky
yea, Chillin on the block, with the crew, so tight
Talkin' 'bout dreams, under the streetlights at night
No worries 'bout tomorrow, just living for the day
Those simple days, man, I wish they'd stay
But time flies, and things change, yea it's true
Still, I cherish those memories, how 'bout you?
Let's bring back that feeling, just for a minute
Relive those simple days, 'cause there's magic in it
(Oh those simple days)
Take me back to those young days
(Oh those simple days)
To the place I used to play
(Oh those simple days)
I just want to feel that way... yea
meet me here baby, it is where I want to be
those dreams are fading and now I'm good to go.
"In Between," the third track on Pampoo’s EP, captures the often-overlooked complexities of midlife. With Chris Blatherwick on lead vocals and harmonies by Jim Vincent, the song explores the emotional weight of balancing children, aging parents, career, and marriage. Through introspective lyrics and layered melodies, "In Between" delves into the feelings of being overwhelmed by life’s gravity while ultimately reaffirming that love and friendship are the most enduring anchors. It’s a deeply relatable anthem for a phase of life rarely represented in music, blending raw honesty with a hopeful perspective.
Lyrics:
I've seen so many days go by
Yet so many more to come
Seeing some of the best of times
Along with some of the hardest ones
I've never felt less qualified
Despite everything I've done
Living in between the lines
Living in the in between times
Finally have adult money can't spend it
Time and energy run at a deficit
Don't call it a crisis for your benefit
It's wild when your in the thick of it
Between your parents, kids, career, and your marriage,
Realize my dad had a heart attack at this age
Juggling the joy and grief
Becoming serious people without being taken too seriously
I've seen so many days go by
Yet so many more to come
Seeing some of the best of times
Along with some of the hardest ones
I've never felt less qualified
Despite everything I've done
Living in between the lines
Living in the in between times
Muscles burn
from the battles
of everyday
Armor's stuck
in the mud,
rusting away
Joints ache from
the weight of
the guarantees
The things you
found joy in
become the enemy
I've seen so many days go by
Yet so many more to come
Seeing some of the best of times
Along with some of the hardest ones
I've never felt less qualified
Despite everything I've done
Living in between the lines
Living in the in between times
"Essential," the fourth track on Pampoo’s EP, is a vibrant protest song and heartfelt tribute to the essential workers who kept society running during uncertain times. Daycare providers, teachers, and other underpaid "heroes" take center stage in this powerful critique of societal structures that undervalue their contributions. With clapping percussion, lively horns, and an upbeat rhythm, the song captures the energy of NYC’s pandemic-era tributes, blending celebration with sharp social commentary. "Essential" honors the humanity and sacrifices of these workers while calling attention to the systemic challenges they face.
Lyrics:
Isabella wants to start a family
but she can barely pay her bills
she doesn't do it for the money
she loves the way it makes her feel
Essential to turn the wheel
Essential for the time
Essentially a raw deal
Too essential to let them climb
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
You're a hero 'til you step out of line
Eleanor looked up to realize
She has too much love in her heart
Watched her kids begin to fly
An empty nest led her to her second part
Eli wanted to reach for the stars
He thought it was a stepping stone
Now he's stuck on pause
Drowning in his student loans
Essential to turn the wheel
Essential for the time
Essentially a raw deal
Too essential to let them climb
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
You're a hero 'til you step out of line
*Trumpet Solo*
Essential to turn the wheel
Essential for the time
Essentially a raw deal
Too essential to let them climb
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
You're a hero 'til you step out of line
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
You're a hero 'til you step out of line
Closing out Pampoo’s debut EP, "Sweet Crazy Love" is a heartfelt acoustic ballad that captures the essence of enduring love. Featuring a simple yet soulful arrangement of drums, organ, and a crescendoing piano, the song builds an intimate atmosphere of tenderness and passion. Its lyrics, filled with vulnerability and devotion, paint a vivid picture of love that is both sweet and a little crazy. As the EP’s final track, "Sweet Crazy Love" leaves listeners with a warm, reflective glow, celebrating the joy and intensity of a love that truly lasts.
Lyrics:
You're making me lose my mind.
With all the silly stuff you worry bout
We've got the only thing that matters baby
and it's the only thing I can't live without
Sweet as honey from the hive
Crazy as a moth drawn to the light
I'm talking bout love, the kind that comforts you at night
Love, makes you smile so bright
Love, got you feelin' so right
Fills you up with delight
At just the right price
Oh love, so good I could die
Sweet Crazy Love got me outta my mind
I wish you could-see what I see
yeah you still drive me nuts
I see the same smoke show that I met when we were young
you still got me weak at the knees
I love you to the point of madness
when you cry I feel nothing but sadness
I'm talking bout love, the kind that comforts you at night
Love, makes you smile so bright
Love, got you feelin' so right
Fills you up with delight
At just the right price
Oh love, so good I could die
Sweet Crazy Love got me outta my mind
I don't know how it could ever cross my mind
Thinking about a life without you by my side
If loving you is wrong I don't ever wanna be right
Thinking about a life without you by my side
*Instrumental Break*
I'm talking bout love, the kind that comforts you at night
Love, makes you smile so bright
Love, got you feelin' so right
Fills you up with delight
At just the right price
Oh love, so good I could die
Sweet Crazy Love got me outta my mind
I don't know how it could ever cross my mind
Thinking about a life without you by my side
If loving you is wrong I don't ever wanna be right
Thinking about a life without you
I'm talking bout love, the kind that comforts you at night
Love, makes you smile so bright
Love, got you feelin' so right
Fills you up with delight
At just the right price
Oh love, so good I could die
Sweet Crazy Love got me outta my mind