My Sunday Song – “Do What You Will” by Big Wreck

For My Sunday Song #464, we are going to talk about the killer track “Do What You Will” by Canadian/American rock band, Big Wreck. Thanks to my buddy Deke for introducing me to this band and sending me a couple of CDs which included the album this song is from, ‘Albatross’. The album came out on March 6, 2012 in Canada, but the U.S. didn’t see it until almost a year later on February 19, 2013. This song isn’t a single, but probably one of the best deep cuts on this album (and there are many).

The song was written by lead singer Ian Thornley. I’m not sure what the lyrics mean exactly, but there is a freedom to them. An exhilarating sensation throughout. When it says “Let ’em out / Let ’em out of the cage”, it feels like it is saying let go of your inhibitions and go full throttle in life. You might crash and burn, but you will feel alive. Then I wonder if it is about a bad relationship that has ended. Instead of fretting on it, let it go and move on with your life. Leave the person behind and let them deal with it the way they want to deal. They can deal with your ashes left behind as you’ve moved on and it isn’t your concern anymore.

What is with that laugh at the beginning of the song. It is quick and throws you for a loop until that blistering riff comes in. It has a crunch and a bite to it. It is mean, vicious yet exciting and thrilling at the same time. It feels a little like grunge, but not depressing in the least. When that first verse comes in, the bass lets loose with a killer groove. Vocally, Ian is a throwback to someone like Chris Cornell as his deeper tone and delicious scream get to the heart of the song. The harmonies are amazing and at times I feel a strong Beatles influence in the song. I like how it rocks out and then there is a slower break which builds in intensity before exploding with a huge Ian scream, more of that sweet riffing and they are back in your face delivering the goods.

Give the song a listen and tell me what you think it means. A new band to me and I wonder with an album like ‘Albatross’, how were these guys not massive everywhere. It is per magic from beginning to end. And from what I’ve heard of their other albums, they don’t seem to ever disappoint. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful and Happy Sunday!!

“Do What You Will”

Let ’em out
Let ’em out of the cage
And ease the pain

So you do what you will
Do what you will
With the blames and my remains
Oh, yeah

This world becomes alive
When all else fails I won’t
Even though it isn’t right

Have you ever been surprised
Hit the brakes at the speed of light
Now we know just what’s unwise

Let ’em out
Let ’em out of the cage
And ease the pain

Mama you do what you will
Do what you will
With the blames and my remains
Oh, yeah

Ooh, I found this mess again
Nearly on my own
Gonna give you one more try

How you ever wonder why
Never speak at all
Cause I only make you cry

Let ’em out
Let ’em out of the cage
And ease the pain

So you do what you will
Do what you will
With the blames and my remains
Oh, yeah

Do whatever you think’s right
Outta sight and outta my mind
Open up the floodgates wide
Think it’s time we live tonight

The path was there before us alright
Gonna give ’em quite a sight
I’ll sing another chorus in rhyme
Gonna fix up all your pitch and time

Let ’em out
Let ’em out of the cage
And ease the pain

So you do what you will
Do what you will
With the blames and my remains

Do what you will…

Writer(s): Ian Fletcher Thornley