We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

I'm Still Playing

by Stephen Schijns

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $0.50 CAD  or more

     

about

"A zillion songs about love, and hardly any about early onset dementia"...that was the challenge a friend threw out to me so I took the bait. I know plenty of folks who have faced or are dealing with aging parents, with all the obligations, love, empathy, and anguish that go along with that. But I wrote the song from the older perspective, expressing the mix of frustration, energy, tiredness, anxiety, and confusion that goes through one's mind. And the singer summons up one more burst of energy, defiant and resistant to the end..."the game is over but I'm still playing!" Despite the subject matter, I wanted an upbeat and thoughtful song, not some maudlin "woe is me" downer. As it turns out I love the melody, Andrew Smith's guitar work, and the energy in the tune. The lyrics have really resonated with folks in this situation. Just sayin'.

lyrics

I’m not going crazy / just losing my mind/ After 91 years I / might’ve run out of time
I’m tired and messed up / I know I’m not right/ Coughing all day / and I’m crying all night
I’m losing my balance / in bathrooms and stairs/ The floor won’t stop moving / I wonder who cares
And don’t get me started / On all that high tech / Like playing solitaire / With a fifty card deck

The game is over but I’m still playing /The price was wrong so I’m not paying
Don’t be standing over me praying / Nothing matters now, just saying

I no longer care much / ‘Bout the world outside / And I’m not going to bother / To go for a ride
But I wonder if someone / Will fix my TV / My eyes may be open / But I can’t hardly see
I know who you are / but right now I can’t say / So stop with the questions / my mind’s gone away
All that I learned / And all I forgot / Has got me all twisted / Like a Gordian knot

The game is over but I’m still playing / “Time” they said but I am staying
Don’t be standing over me praying / Nothing matters now, just saying

Hey dad hey dad look what you did / It’s like I’m looking after a kid
I know you love me and all of that stuff / but I say to myself it’s gettin’ too tough

They used to write good songs / we’d swing and dance slow / Now its hippity rappity / crap I don’t know
They took all my records / and all my CDs / I sit here in silence / with tangled mem’ries
It’s all so confusing / like sun in the rain / And no one’s defusing / the bomb in my brain
My friends are all missing / O where have they gone? / We loved and we laughed / Now I’m the last one

The game is over but I’m still playing / The price was wrong so I’m not paying
Don’t be standing over me praying / Nothing matters now, just saying x3

credits

released March 22, 2024
Stephen Schijns: music, lyrics, vocals
Andrew Smith: guitars
Zachari Smith: drums
Produced by Andrew Smith
Recorded at Lake Studios, Kelowna, BC, Canada

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Stephen Schijns image

Stephen Schijns Kelowna, British Columbia

From 60s singles to CFRC/CKCU DJ to garage band archivist to chart documentarian to songwriter and guitar player, Steve Schijns (pronounced "Skines") has soaked up classic influences over several decades to begin building his recording career as a mature and distinctive pop-rock creator. He is based in Kelowna, BC, Canada. ... more

contact / help

Contact Stephen Schijns

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Stephen Schijns, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now