Marking Strangers
Empty pockets inspire the imagination.
While working for basically minimum wage at a local music shop, Marking Strangers was formed after hours with an acoustic guitar and a Steinway piano (perks of the job included amazing gear). One "gig" as an opening band playing five songs led to the formation of a collaborative writing team. With similar eclectic tastes, Trey and Christy allow multiple musical genres to inspire their creative process. Sometimes the wheels of progress are greased by a beer and a pressing recording deadline, but so far they've been able to reach their goals without sacrificing their souls.
Music for the people, by the people.
Vocals, Guitar, arr. / Trey Johnson
Piano, arr. / Christy Stalcup
Lead Guitar / Kash Stephens
Drums / Bill Repavich
Bass / Jordan Hehl
Into the Clouds
by Marking Strangers
"Into the Clouds" is the debut album from the prairie rock band Marking Strangers. Please enjoy the first five tracks on us. We've also included the lyrics to these tracks as you scroll down. : ) The full album is 12 tracks, and can be streamed on spotify or purchased on iTunes. Apple streaming is available too.
If you like what you hear, we would greatly appreciate your support by purchasing a single off iTunes, or just by liking or sharing us on Facebook or twitter. We also have a merchandise page with CD's and amazing shirts designed by Todd Johnson.
Travel with Me
I'm feeling mopey as the daylight settles in.
The grass has yet to green, the air is warm and dry.
Why do I bathe in these rays of anguish?
I miss the comfort in the darkness of the mind.
It's a little wild, it's a little strange when you make your home out on the range.
Travel with me around the world, lets steal the rain from every cloud.
It's all a play, it's all a game, when you roll the dice it ends the same.
So take a drink and come along, it'll rain for days but we'll be alright.
Sun, sun go away.. come on back another day (cause)
bein' sad on a sunny day is only cured by feelin' rain.
You took my heart of gold and you pushed it down, down, down.
Is there a cloud in the sky that could make me hope again?
It's a little wild, it's a little strange when you make your home out on the range.
Travel with me around the world, lets steal the rain from every cloud.
It's all a play, it's all a game, when you roll the dice it ends the same.
So take a drink and come along, it'll rain for days but we'll be alright.
Into the clouds we hide our faces from the sun.
The rain is on my side to wash away everyone...
How do you write a love song?
You and me, were just chasing the dream of being sixteen, I think you know what I mean..
But the years have gone by and we've learned a thing or two about love.
Bright beginning moments are the greatest ones we'll ever know; lost but not forgotten.
Take it all away. It's the only way we'll ever learn.. just take it all away.
(and) How do you write a love song when you're not quite in love?
It's like doubting God when you're reaching up above.
Are we holding out for magic that isn't really there?
How can you force a broken heart to care?
You and me, we played our parts so well that we believed, I think you know what I mean..
But maybe I've fooled you better than I fooled myself. I've put us through hell.
What if years from now we wake wishing we had said goodbye? Still maybe it's worth a try.
I'm sorry I made you wait, but I just keep searching for a clearer fate.
(and) How do you write a love song when you're not quite in love?
It's like doubting God when you're reaching up above.
Are we holding out for magic that isn't really there?
How can you force a broken heart to care?
INto the clouds
Step off the plane, onto the concrete it's the middle of July.
Look to the heavens, what do you see? the future or the sky?
Some words we whisper, others we shout, but the message is all the same.
We wanna go higher, higher, higher, higher, high like a plane.
But then again we fall, softly, softly up from the ground up up (and into)
Raining down, all around us, I hear the sound of us coming down.
Smoke from your cigarette, traces my thoughts, from December to June.
The sound of your voice, reminds me of us, we forget it all too soon.
Some words we whisper, others we shout, but the message is all the same.
We wanna go higher, higher, higher, higher, high like a plane.
But then again we fall, softly, softly up from the ground up up (and into)
Raining down, all around us, I hear the sound of us coming down.
This land Was your land
Once upon a time we had a dream to find those greener pastures
where brotherhood doesn't seem so far away.
And I'm not satisfied that we're all doing our part
to keep the dream that doctor king spoke of that day.
Now our true colors are finally bleeding through; God save the red, white, black and blue!
Do you think we'll ever figure out that we're all pretty much the same?
Not in every single way, but hey, that's why we came.
How many mothers have to cry before we grieve?
How many people have to die before we see..
that american life isn't something to throw away so needlessly.
My country tis of thee, no land of liberty.
I sing this song to write the wrongs from sea to shining sea!
This land was your land, but now it's mine. Down in Texas the crime don't fit the time.
As I was walking Ohio streets, a little boy was shot dead at my feet.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the setting of the sun. The politicians tell me better run and git yer gun.
Glory, glory hallelu! If we're blinded by their fear then we'll never see the truth!
Do you think we'll ever figure out, the sword is weaker than the pen?
Why do we put guided missiles in the hands of misguided men?
How many lawmen will escape captivity?
How many leaders have to lie before we see..
that the land of the free and the home of the brave is barely a democracy.
My country tis of thee, no land of liberty.
I sing this song to write the wrongs from sea to shining sea!
This land was your land, but now it's mine. Down in Texas the crime don't fit the time.
As I was walking Ohio streets, a little boy was shot dead at my feet.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the setting of the sun. The politicians tell me better run and git yer gun.
Glory, glory hallelu! If we're blinded by their fear then we'll never see the truth!