Not Like Me

Album: Do You Believe (2011)

Songfacts®:

  • Quarterfly frontman Kip Darby wrote the lyrics to this song after two members of the band - guitarist Jeff Jennings and bass player Tim Morelock - lost their fathers in 2009. Darby told us: "With me and my father, it's the typical story of the musician and the father, the baby boomer who doesn't want the son to be a musician. And that's my story in a roundabout way. And when I saw that they lost their fathers, it was a turning point for me, because I was like, Wow, I've still got my dad. But when we wrote the song, I wanted those guys to know that I realize they missed their fathers. At the same time, I put myself in their shoes, but I also wanted to tell my father he's not like me. I just looked at it as I'm talking through one of those guys who lost their father, if they were able to come back down to earth, then, through my eyes and my father, realize you're not like me."
  • Darby's dad was hoping for a more sensible career for his son, but Kip had his mind on music and his father gave him the motivation he needed. Said Kip, "I have a wonderful family with two kids and a wife, and my dad is a great guy. But who I am today, the tattoos and the long hair and the rock band, he told me when I was in high school, he looked me dead in the eye - and he did it for my own good - he said, 'Learn a trade, because you'll never make it as a musician.' He did me a favor there, because this is record number 5 for me." (Here the full interview with Kip Darby of Quarterfly.)

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.