Katabatic by Matthew Wayne Selznick

Katabatic

Words: 08-20-2009 ~ 08-24-2009
Music: 08-20-2009 ~ 08-24-2009

What’s It All About?

This is the fifth track from my album, “Anyman: The John Smith E.P.” This project was a collaborative effort between myself and author J.C. Hutchins and part of the campaign to promote the publication of J.C.’s novel, “7th Son: Descent.” The idea was that each track of the record would be presented as if it was written and performed by John Smith, one of the characters in the book.

This song gets its title from one of J.C. Hutchins’ favorite words, a meteorological term for the ultra-cold winds that blow off the Antarctic land mass. In the Hutchinsverse, the word is slang for staying cool under pressure, for getting up when you’re knocked down, and generally riding with the wind.

The basics of this one came pretty darn quickly — it was fun to write and a bitch to record, since I’m no lead guitarist and I foolishly wrote a song that depends heavily on a repeated guitar riff…

Lyrics:

“Katabatic” by Matthew Wayne Selznick and J.C. Hutchins
When the power fails
And the walls come down
Pickin’ flowers in the rubble
That’s where I will be found

When the levy breaks
And the ground gives way
I’ll be swimmin’ down your street
Just another perfect day

Ain’t no need to feel pathetic
Don’t go aneurismatic
Everything is katabatic

And when your wishing star becomes a meteor
Aimin’ at your house
Baby don’t you grouse
Just take a page from Johnny’s Big Book of Advice
‘Cuz I’m cold as ice

If the lightning breaks
Its only rule
I just make like Tesla
Baby I’m no fool

You might think
I got it wrong
But if I’m not dead
I must be crazy strong

Ain’t no need to feel pathetic
Just embrace the copacetic
Everything is katabatic

Stand in front of the freezer, wheezer!
Suck on an ice cube, noob!
You must chill, daffodil!