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