Gritty, edgy, yet philosophical. These are the words that describe a track that recently got my attention. That tune is “Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day” by Canadian Alternative Country/Americana artist String Bone. The first track off the artist’s anticipated upcoming album Coping Mechanism, “Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day” is a stunning southern dark gothic tune that features George Leger III (who also did the mixing). But what makes this delicious gothic song such a must-listen? Let’s find out together below!
Have Mercy On My Soul
The first thing that the listener will hear is the grittiness in the instrumentation. Filled with low voices that trudge along with a mysterious yet alluring atmosphere. It is joined with a bluesy guitar that twanges and a harmonica that trumpets like beacons of souls that is yearning for mercy. The instrumentation is extraordinary and I am in love with its hard blues-rock vibes, inspired by the Americana sound. But, don’t forget the soulful tones from the guitar, bass, and harmonica.
Of course, the instrumentation isn’t the only thing that makes “Waitin’ For My Dying Day” such an alluring tune. Listeners have to pay attention to the growling vocals which have such prowess. From the very first note, the vocals possess a fiery, gravelly tone. They actually fit with the harrowing instrumentation as the vocals have similar tones. I love the vocals so much because they are so down-to-earth and soulful with their bristly tones. But, don’t forgot the “I’m alive” howls during the chorus as they contrast yet complement the main vocals really well.
Lastly, listeners have to listen for the lyrics to “Waitin’ For My Dying Day”. Inspired by the premise of the US TV show Lucifer, the song’s theme centers around mercy. Here is what the artist had to say about the lyrics’ meaning:
Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day’ is no exception; a mysterious character on the brink of the breaking point. Mercy is their desire in life, and in death. A stranger’s kind word, or a stroke of good luck is enough to reveal the power to push on, creating the euphoria of discovering renewed life force. “I’m alive!” soars the song’s chorus, as it moves from bleak darkness into bright illumination, ending with a repetitive plea for mercy.
Final Thoughts
I have been waiting for a long time to review a song by String Bone because I really think his music is amazing and a must-listen. His latest single “Waitin’ For My Dying Day” is no exception with its grim, graveling instrumentation, fierce vocals, and well-written lyrics that present a theme of mercy in life and death. With the shadowy yet soulful vibes and growly American bluesy tones, Waitin’ For My Dying Day” is such an enticing tune with philosophical messages that you have to listen to today.
Make sure to check out “Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day” down below and let me know what you think about it in the comments!
About the Artist: String Bone
Southern Ontario songwriter Barry James Payne is the architect of String Bone, the artistic vehicle for his solo
songwriting. Payne has been writing music and performing live for four decades and has released two full length
String Bone albums, nadir (2009), Love & Highways (2016), along with an EP, several singles, and videos. In the
last two years, String Bone has received over 200,000 streams and views across all platforms globally, reaching
100,000 streams on Spotify alone. Payne has performed in Europe, the USA, and across Canada during his career
“Waitin’ For My Dyin’ Day” is the first single from String Bone’s anticipated third full-length recording, Coping
Mechanisms. This album will feature multiple collaborators, including co-producer Las Vegas-based Canadian, George Leger III. At least three additional singles will be available online leading up to the full release in 2022.
