Story Behind The Song

A man known only as Motorcyle Joe had his vintage motorcycle stolen from his regular bar one night. Joe was so distraught -- it was as it his lover had been killed -- that he began drinking heavily and died from internal bleeding within six months of his bike's disappearance. The song details the months following the theft, from the point of view of the musician at Joe's bard. The motorcycle had only one word painted across its front: "Slainte," the gaelic word for "Cheers."

Song Description

A haunting and melodic piano ballad about the theft of a vintage motorcyle and its owners friendship with a musician, blending a gorgeous voice with cello, accordion, drums, and poignant lyrics.

Lyrics

(to those who asked: slainte: a Gaelic word meaning "cheers".
it was also the only word painted on joe's motorcycle)

has anyone here seen my bike?
they stole it last saturday night
a late model softtail classic
a few dents on the left side of the gas tank
has anyone seen my bike

late one night in early march
stars clear in the sky
the band played the music, my friend at the bar
asking for a double rocket rye
sorry pal you know we don't serve that here
quit asking, i'm tired of your antics
a grin, and a grumble, not quite sure what he said
from behind those dark sunglasses

slainte*, cheers, i drink to your health
you drink to mine
slainte, cheers, i drink to your health
with a double rocket rye

another sunday night i'm up on the stage
singing to a few folks i know
a familiar old voice from the back of the room
yells "play ode to billy joe"
sorry pal, you know i don't know the words
quit asking, i'll learn them sometime
for not, sit back, i'll play something else
did you say that you liked patsy cline
thought i heard you say you liked patsy cline

slainte, cheers, i drink to your health
you drink to mine
slainte, cheers, i drink to your health
with a double rocket rye

oh please won't you come for a ride with me today
i won't tell your dad
look, i've even brought you some shades
there's no need to be scared
my old violin it is missing a string
could you bring me one please
the top one, the high one, i think it's an E
i need you to bring me a string

well i brought you a string for that old violin
and here's your rocket rye
and i learned all the words to "ode to billy joe"
but i can't seem to find your bike

has anyone here seen my bike?
they stole it last saturday night
late model softtail classic
a few dents on the left side of the gas tank
has anyone seen my bike
could you tell me have you seen my bike

*****
Brigid Kaelin - vocals, piano, accordion
Peter Searcy - cello
Aaron Montgomery - drums