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The Why Store — Lack of Water
Album: The Why Store
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1060









Released: 1996
Length: 4:18
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself

Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free, yeah

Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old

Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself

All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water

Times are changing
Worlds are breaking turning me around
Never run for shelter
'Cause I can't hear the sound

I try so hard to leave it
But it takes me away
Pushing back the power
Now it's so sad to say

Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself, yeah

Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free

Yeah, shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old

Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself
(Lack of water)
Lack of water
(Lack of water)
Got to free yourself, yeah

All I need is the water
All I need is the water
All I need is the water
Yeah come on fill me up
All I need is the water

Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself

Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Lack of water
Got to free yourself, yeah

Lack of water
Lack of water
Lack of water
Comments (197)add comment
This was posted 20 years ago.. Love how RP has been in my life for decades as well!

Thank you, Bill & Rebecca
Ahh yes the golden radio years of WHFS, I was living in Bethesda back then .  .  .

the mid 90's, Indianapolis, 'Zanies Too' tenth and Arlington (now a Pizza Hut) and then the 'Vogue' in Broad Ripple (still open). My goodness did we have a spectacular Jam Band thing going on back then but they definitely ruled the roost around here. Heavy 'Dead' influence (as was everybody) but they definitely found their own sound and new how to rock it.
Sweaty, sweaty nights they were. Bars, packed to capacity, and plenty of long, long songs. Ahhhhhh.... 'Member Berries'

then they went out west and fell apart pretty soon after that, I think?

the name was from the name of a thrift store at Ball State University , I think?


Nice mellow sound on the instruments. Quite good.
Nice. 
I always expect this song to be followed by this song from Dave Dobbyn.
 


 Cynaera wrote:

Thanks for that link, a_genuine_find - very interesting article. And scary, too.  I really have a tough time with "projections" because even with so many things factored in, the results cannot be guaranteed.  I've decided I like this song a lot - reminds me a bit of Pure Prairie League or Outlaws.  Good schtuff. {#Music}

 
yes indeed, good schtuff!

Pure Prairie League - Pure Prairie League.jpg

this ole cowboy brings to mind "The Big Lebowski" sasperilla drinker   : P
 Schmoogsley wrote:
Sucko-barfo

 
Binary voting means you're a computer, right? That's 1 or 0 answer btw.
Think they must have had a distinct lack of beer to make something so dull.
 TerryS wrote:
Reminiscent of Long John Baldry.

 
My wife just challenged me on this one, so be it. {#Beat}
 verner wrote:
 Just checked my email and saw a tax receipt for charity:water which is a fantastic nonprofit bringing water to thousands in Africa and beyond. Then tuned into radio paradise and Lack of Water was playing. The universe works in mysterious ways. 

 
No worries about contributing to yet another Neo-Malthusian crisis?  
Sucko-barfo
 Just checked my email and saw a tax receipt for charity:water which is a fantastic nonprofit bringing water to thousands in Africa and beyond. Then tuned into radio paradise and Lack of Water was playing. The universe works in mysterious ways. 
Reminiscent of Long John Baldry.
 phlattop wrote:i concur !!!!!

wow, 8 or 9 years of listening to RP and this is the first time I've heard this old gem. Bill, you continue to amaze...

 


wow, 8 or 9 years of listening to RP and this is the first time I've heard this old gem. Bill, you continue to amaze...
Lack of water....gotta free myself...
Lack of water....where is some beer...
Lack of water...oh please help...
Lack of water...get me out of here...

Yuck.{#Confused}
Sorta sounds a little like Peter Murphy. Anyone else hear that influence in the lead vocal?...mostly in the verse.

This voice reminds me of the FYC.
Don't dig
Lack of water
Got to free yourself
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free
Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old
All I need is the water
Times are changing
Worlds are breaking turning me around
Never run for shelter
(From: https://www.elyrics.net/read/w/why-store-lyrics/lack-of-water-lyrics.html)
Cause I can't hear the sound
Try so hard to leave it
But it takes me away
Pushing back the power
Now it's so sad to say
Maybe I'm to blame
But it's not too far to see
Got to close the curtains
Before I get free
Shelter is a place
That I would like to behold
Better get to getting
Before I get old


 a_genuine_find wrote:
It's interesting that a Lack of Water is an expected result of Global Climate Change.

https://www.earthweek.com/2010/ew101022/ew101022a.html
 
Thanks for that link, a_genuine_find - very interesting article. And scary, too.  I really have a tough time with "projections" because even with so many things factored in, the results cannot be guaranteed.  I've decided I like this song a lot - reminds me a bit of Pure Prairie League or Outlaws.  Good schtuff. {#Music}
Lovely g tar
I thoroughly enjoyed that guitar solo!  Great style.
 Cynaera wrote:
Okay - I popped off with a snarky comment back in May or so, but I've heard this a few times since then, and I really like it. It sounds vaguely similar to other groups I've heard, but it also stands on its own merits.  I don't like the fade, though - it's as if one of the band members did the throat-cut gesture because of a broken string or a bad vocal or egotistical boredom...  I really need to go away from here, because I'm thinking too hard...
 


It's interesting that a Lack of Water is an expected result of Global Climate Change.

https://www.earthweek.com/2010/ew101022/ew101022a.html
 pinklife wrote:

Sadly, the people smart enough to recognize population control is imperative (and prescient enough to care) have few or no children while the great drooling masses breed out of control...thus the gene pool grows shallower and wider all the time.  (It's actually more of a puddle now.)

Hippostar wrote:

All while putting themselves on an incredible pedestal above everyone else.  Doesn't elitism get tiring for you?
 
Huzzah, Hippo! {#Clap} Well said!

Why does this always remind me of Tom Jones..?
Okay - I popped off with a snarky comment back in May or so, but I've heard this a few times since then, and I really like it. It sounds vaguely similar to other groups I've heard, but it also stands on its own merits.  I don't like the fade, though - it's as if one of the band members did the throat-cut gesture because of a broken string or a bad vocal or egotistical boredom...  I really need to go away from here, because I'm thinking too hard...
 Mandible wrote:

The Colorado River doesn't run to the Gulf anymore and they say it never will again, thanks to Las Vegas and overfarming to grow corn to feed the cows to feed the humans............GO VEG!
 

Well, actually California takes more water than LV.  And I dont think they are growing corn in the SJ valley -they mostly grow other vegtables
 Zigi wrote:

True, people who think they are smarter than the rest are a lot less likely to breed.

 

It's fun to practice the act, safely though! (Wear a rain coat...for the Water of course.)
 pinklife wrote:


Sadly, the people smart enough to recognize population control is imperative (and prescient enough to care) have few or no children while the great drooling masses breed out of control...thus the gene pool grows shallower and wider all the time.  (It's actually more of a puddle now.)
 
True, people who think they are smarter than the rest are a lot less likely to breed.

I dig the solo. :)
 pinklife wrote:


Sadly, the people smart enough to recognize population control is imperative (and prescient enough to care) have few or no children while the great drooling masses breed out of control...thus the gene pool grows shallower and wider all the time.  (It's actually more of a puddle now.)
 
All while putting themselves on an incredible pedestal above everyone else.  Doesn't elitism get tiring for you?


 justin_cook wrote:
if vegetarianism was the only answer then India wouldn't have water issues.  if population control was the only fix then China wouldn't have problems either.  It's got to be both... and more.  so much more.

 
cosmiclint wrote:

GO VEG? You still need water to grow those.

Wouldn't it make more sense to simply restrict the growth of human population?
 
 

Sadly, the people smart enough to recognize population control is imperative (and prescient enough to care) have few or no children while the great drooling masses breed out of control...thus the gene pool grows shallower and wider all the time.  (It's actually more of a puddle now.)
if vegetarianism was the only answer then India wouldn't have water issues.  if population control was the only fix then China wouldn't have problems either.  It's got to be both... and more.  so much more.

 
cosmiclint wrote:

GO VEG? You still need water to grow those.

Wouldn't it make more sense to simply restrict the growth of human population?
 


If  you like this, try to find the first two albums, these over-produced versions are.....over-produced....there are a bunch of other good songs by this band if you want to look.... this happens to be one of my favorites. 


Walter's right here! There's no lack of him ... except on Shabbos.
It's the water, the water, the water - that makes Olympia beer.....{#Roflol}  Serously - I like this song, but it leaves itself open for SO many dumb jokes...

Didn't this guys mom ever tell him not to sing with his mouth full?
 vandal wrote:

No, but it would have a negative ripple effect on the perceived quality of the song. . .
 
"Lack of water.  Got a sheeba-shed" ?
"Lack of water.  Got a penis-head" ?
"Lack of water.  Got a free-buh-fed" ?

{#Stupid}


8 —-> 9

Absolutely love this track!!
 cosmiclint wrote:

GO VEG? You still need water to grow those.

Wouldn't it make more sense to simply restrict the growth of human population?

 
YESSSSS!!!!  And then the small amount of us left can still go to Vegas :)

 Mandible wrote:

The Colorado River doesn't run to the Gulf anymore and they say it never will again, thanks to Las Vegas and overfarming to grow corn to feed the cows to feed the humans............GO VEG!
 
GO VEG? You still need water to grow those.

Wouldn't it make more sense to simply restrict the growth of human population?

Groovy guitar riff!! Lovin' it!

7 ——> 8

 raewah wrote:

GREAT POST!  People really need to know this scarcity of water...ya know...the lack of water!
 
Oh so prescient! If you think water regulation and rationing isn't a coming trend, just read this .

You're not paranoid if the sh*t really is hitting the fan. {#Wave}
Why store?  

"Werewolf?     There Wolf."  RIP Marty Feldman!
 Hippostar wrote:
Would a little articulation just kill this guy?
 
No, but it would have a negative ripple effect on the perceived quality of the song. . .


Would a little articulation just kill this guy?
 Mandible wrote:

The Colorado River doesn't run to the Gulf anymore and they say it never will again, thanks to Las Vegas and overfarming to grow corn to feed the cows to feed the humans............GO VEG!
 
GREAT POST!  People really need to know this scarcity of water...ya know...the lack of water!


 abulaabula wrote:
Fresh water sources are diminishing around the world.
 
The Colorado River doesn't run to the Gulf anymore and they say it never will again, thanks to Las Vegas and overfarming to grow corn to feed the cows to feed the humans............GO VEG!
Good rocking!!
Fresh water sources are diminishing around the world.
Wow, pretty nice guitar solo - kind of startled me.

Lyrics not working for me, but the guitar work has my foot tapping. A -7-.

Did you all know - "that the harp is a predecessor of the modern day guitar. Early minstrels were much larger people. In fact, they had hands the size of small dogs."

Time for another Yuengling.
Yeah...GEEtar!
 kinAy wrote:

Hey...I resemble that remark! Like the music, too. Can't drink Bud any more, but I'll have a go at a Guinness or any ol' IPA without hesitation...
Oh, and to Darkmatter , the lead is the only real Knopfleresque part of the tune, mostly thanks to the matching reverb...IMHO
 
If you're a fan of IPA, try the Stone Brewing Co.

Ummm-ummm good! {#Cheers}
Absolutely love his voice! Great tune.
Why, indeed?
 Excelsior wrote:
No wonder it sucks.
 
L8NiteRadio wrote:
Nice. Similar to Big Head Todd and the Monsters.

If it were at all like BHTM, it would be incredible. Instead, it's just OK; could be better if the lyrics weren't so repetitive.

Well this guitar solo just jacked up my speakers, I wasn't even paying attention.
Forget the lyrics(at little repedative), the guitar is nice.... 
I have some water.  It's in my pink breast cancer awareness plastic carafe right next to me here.

Ahhh...refreshing.
Dehydrated H2O

Just add water.

Heeeey! BHTaTM are great guys and a great band! L8NiteRadio wrote: Nice. Similar to Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Excelsior wrote:
No wonder it sucks.
Lack of talent.
Nigh todds nor monster, mainstream am...
L8NiteRadio wrote:
Nice. Similar to Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
No wonder it sucks.
Lack of Walter
musikalia wrote:
This is terrible. The phrase "Middle America" comes to mind.
Hey...I resemble that remark! Like the music, too. Can't drink Bud any more, but I'll have a go at a Guinness or any ol' IPA without hesitation... Oh, and to Darkmatter , the lead is the only real Knopfleresque part of the tune, mostly thanks to the matching reverb...IMHO
Is the name "The Why Store" in reference to something? I feel like there's a joke in there but I can't place it, like "The Why Store called and wants the excuse for your existence back". Nope, that's not it.
Nice. Similar to Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
The song is okay but it really borrows too much from "Already Gone" by the Eagles.
Perfectly legitimately get it here. jameyp wrote:
great song!! too bad itunes doesn't offer it :(
Definitely better with broccoli...
great song!! too bad itunes doesn't offer it :(
Great song, nice Muncie Indiana boys. Reminds me of hanging out at a show at the Water Bowl on a warm summer night partaking in another type of bowl.
A very timely tune for us drought stricken Georgians!!
I tried to give him water. He didn't seem to want it anymore.
Have to delurk, can't be helped. So there is some Chris on RP. Just under TWS - wonder why I didn't think to look.... Too bad I missed it by a couple days. So's ya know, the two songs on the playlist are by no means representative of what he's done. While LoW is a fun ditty, especially live, there's better (much better) out there. Might have to upload some solid '03-'06 CSB period picks. Shame to hear he's in transition again.
I agree
I like that. Gorgeous harmonies and guitar tones.
nelamvr6 wrote:
I like it, sounds kinda Big Head Toddish.
Funny, the guitar sounds quite Mark Knopfler-ish to me.
Peoples gotta stop complaining about music being ''repetitive'' or ''repetitious.'' It is IMPOSSIBLE to create music without repeating sounds. Get it? You have to repeat sounds and phrases or IT ISN"T MUSIC.
In a very (repeat: very) roundabout way, this reminds me of Toad the Wet Sprocket. ...it also reminds me of that time I blacked out for three days and went on a squirrel killing spree after watching that episode of Pokemon that's supposed to make you have seizures or something. Or at least, that's what my parole officer tells me.
dogpound wrote:
please give him some water...and cement shoes
Actually, I don't mind it too much. Even if it's not to my usual taste.
In the words of mature people every where I like it. Water, element of life, water the ocean where life began, water the drink you need dying in the desert, water the only difference between the amazon and the sahara, water the cure for some may minor medical conditions, water the spiritual metaphor for cleaning and healing, Just pick something for it to mean and enjoy.
Needs a sprinkle of holy water ...
nice smokey voice but is it due to lack of water... I'm thirsty... wonder why.... is he saying something?
please give him some water...and cement shoes
">
This is terrible. The phrase "Middle America" comes to mind.
superczhunk wrote:
Listenin' to this from across the room it sounds like he's saying "Bag of Water".
"Ugly bags of mostly water!" - Any Trekkies here?
Hey, that was Nightmares On Wax! Why is there no entry on that band?
Listenin' to this from across the room it sounds like he's saying "Bag of Water".
I like this tune, not 'great' but not 'bad' either. I noticed a comment that spoke of a generic guitar solo. That may be it. The song seems generic, but a good kind of generic that I'd enjoy once and a while.
Why Store - once on the verge of greatness, only to collapse from a battle of egos... shame...
Generic and useless guitar solo.
wow. I dont think I've heard this in about 10 years. Nice! The Why Store is a band formed in Muncie, Indiana in the late 1980's. While attending Ball State University vocalist/guitarists Chris Shaffer and Michael David Smith met up with Greg Gardner, a local drummer, and played a few gigs as Emerald City. in 1995 The Why Store signed to MCA's subsidiary Way Cool Music for their first major-label effort, an LP released in 1996 titled simply, The Why Store. The single "Lack of Water" received steady airplay on Alternative Radio leading to an appearance on the Conan O'Brien Show. The Why Store split up in 2001 citing creative differences, though each member has continued onto different projects. The Why Store reunited in June 2005 to play a sold-out show at Chicago's House of Blues which was well received by fans and critics alike.
nelamvr6 wrote:
I like it, sounds kinda Big Head Toddish.
Yes, but the voice reminds me of Fine Young Cannibals. Cool song. Bit repetitive, though.
nelamvr6 wrote:
I like it, sounds kinda Big Head Toddish.
Agree
Bill, you rock. Thanks for giving us such excellent music. I'm totally rocking out right now.
mikecrawler77 wrote:
Absolute Crappa!
I'm with ya.
Absolute Crappa!
I agree about the guitar solo. It's quite nice.cattgirl813 wrote:
The title sums up my feelings about this - the song is a bit dry to me. Okay guitar solo, though.
One of the numerous crappy bands that were huge when I was in College. This is a late 90's band that was always blaring out of some frat house.
The title sums up my feelings about this - the song leaves me parched. Okay guitar solo, though.
Duffalo wrote:
Who's Walter?
He's the singers uncle, who left to live in the Central African jungles 15 yers ago.. His auntie misses him pretty much. That's the story.... Good song though.
Nice driving rhythm...literally, this one would work well on a nice long road trip...
Refreshing!
Who's Walter?
I like it, sounds kinda Big Head Toddish.
The lead guitar's OK, but the rest of this song is weak IMHO. After the first 3 or 4 minutes, those same four chords and the vocals get a bit old. Somebody give these guys a bridge. Just doesn't work for me.
Wow, this rocks! Nice followup to Mark Knopfler -- you can really feel the Dire Straits influence in that one. Never heard of "Why Store" before... Thanks RP!
woops jasminejean wrote:
:dancingbana_2:
:dancingbana_2:
too stale - has tumbled to a 2
SCprof wrote:
Heard this way too much.
+1 to that. Enough already.
It was nice to hear this song again, but then it got old quick. Then i remembered how overplayed this got back when I was listening to the radio for music. A solid "5" enough of the water already. I don't mind repetition, but it needs to be a good hook.
I can't take much more of this. RP USED to be a place to hear fresh new tracks and this obsession of playing these old played out songs is driving me away. RP can't be everything to everyone. Bill pick a freaking format and go with it. Oldies, KD Lang, rusted root, it turns my stomach. Count me out as a contributer if this is what you wish to offer.
I dig this the most.