Deluxe double vinyl version of Tim Stiles' solo album, Cicada Exoskeletons. Pressed on 180gm, merlot and teal vinyl with full color gatefold jacket, shrink-wrapped. Featuring custom art by Ryan Breault and Richard Lim. Limited to 300 copies.
IMPORTANT: Do you want your copy signed? If you would like the cover signed by Tim Stiles, please use the send a message option at checkout in order to request a signature. Signed copies will have their shrink-wrap removed but will be placed inside a resealable poly bag. Unsigned copies come fully shrink-wrapped.
Includes unlimited streaming of Cicada Exoskeletons
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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edition of 300
$45USDor more
Purchase both Limited Edition Vinyl LPs at 20% off (Normally $70).
I actually wrote the majority of this song many years ago when I was in a state of severe depression and lack of confidence. I originally wrote it over a beat my friend Steve (aka Automath) produced in Reason at that time. I never professionally recorded it. Since my producer & engineer Jay Battle (aka Qreepz) is also an amazing rapper (by the name, Murcii Miller) I also wanted him on the album. This song was a perfect fit since all I really had was one verse and a hook and wasn't sure where else to go with it. Jay took it to heart, wrote his verse, then I came up with a bridge and Saving Face was finally reborn.
lyrics
[Tim Stiles]
I strive for perfection yet I know I'll never see it
Every morning meet my reflection getting dressed and tend to feel defeated
The diagnosis is depression, I'm lacking endorphins
Destined to crawl back in bed and rest until things are back in proportion
Everything’s so black and distorted
My eyes refuse to adjust to a better mood lighting, lacked in this corner
Rays of hope sink down the drain. There's crack in the porcelain
Efforts to repair the break lack reinforcement
Here I go again reverting back to being bored with
The normal course of action when facing pain and torment
Dwelling on past mistakes instead of moving forward
I surely lack what it takes today, so goodnight. I’ll see you again tomorrow morning
As the daylight hits once again, I’m embarrassed by the previous
Regret so numbing that I’m turning part paraplegic
This lack of feeling has me treading carefully
While carrying a credence of carelessness for my own well being
This old hell’s seeming like a rundown motel
Needing fresh towels and a thorough cleaning before I check out
All this dreaming about demons in an unkempt house
Has me fresh out of ideas... Left to accept self doubt
So on and so on
Mistakes are made that prolong
A never-ending slow song
Called saving face
But only for so long is this so,
So please hold on
Lessons learned in the end
Could be your saving grace
[Murcii Miller]
I've been told that being humble gets you nowhere
I've been so mad, so embarrassed, couldn't hold back
Something in me kept the failure for moving me forward
I'm using swear words to convey the emotion, I'm tortured
Saving face it takes the place
And lets me hold my dignity
I plead my case, I say my grace
It got me feeling differently
I gain no space my liquor with no chase
How much more could I take?
I know that I'm a straight diamond in the rough like Tiffany's
A little rough around the edges
Like college kids, dorm rooms and petty pledges
I take a walk on ledges
I'm balancing out the act...
How many shots and 12 packs of White Claw gonna help me bounce back?
Listen, I grab a rope, I pick up the slack
They say I'm tripping and I'll probably overreact
I'm getting stacks and I'm agro, no not cause I'm black
9-5 saving face, I'm avoiding the tax
Moments of embarrassment. Is it making me sad?
I don't want to show up rolling stone like my dad
I'm letting my ego kick in the door with the keyhole
Introvert, its socially awkward I don't like dealing with people
I let my insecurities bully me like, Deebo
So on and so on
Mistakes are made that prolong
A never-ending slow song
Called saving face
But only for so long is this so,
So please hold on
Lessons learned in the end
Could be your saving grace
[Tim Stiles]
They say try and save yourself from an eventual health scare
By saving up your wealth but that really doesn't help here
I'm trying to save myself for the sake of mental welfare
Save a stubborn face for later days and *not* take it there
Feeling accomplished is bound to who your accomplice is
Compliments tend to bury themselves in grave states of affairs
You've got two choices: Stomp and bitch and wine
Or realize repair requires more than one stitch in time
So on and so on
Mistakes are made that prolong
A never-ending slow song
Called saving face
But only for so long is this so,
So please hold on
Lessons learned in the end
Could be your saving grace
credits
from Cicada Exoskeletons,
released September 3, 2021
Written by Tim Stiles
Co-written by Murcii Miller
Prod. by Qreepz
Co-prod. by Automath
Recorded, Mixed, and mastered by Jay Battle @ The Battlefield
Tim Stiles is an independent hip-hop artist historically known as the lead vocalist/rapper of the satirical hip hop band,
Passion Party. Tim is no one trick pony. He’s a clever, crafty wordsmith in his own right with an ability to adapt to just about any concept or genre....more
