Link to: Discography Graven Images Next Song (The Distance Between Us)
		On Island Hear It! (1.14M)

"On Island" is the first song written by HBI in the 'post-college' era. It is significant in that it signaled the renewed interest of writing for HBI, and sparked the creative motivation that eventually lead to the expansion of the "Graven Images" EP into the full twelve song collection it is today. It also marked the beginning of a unique songwriting style that was to become a HBI tradition for many years. Mark, now living many miles away from John, would write poetry and lyrics independently. When he had something complete that he thought was suitible for HBI, he would fax or mail the lyrics to John (this pre-dates the ubiquity of email). John would have been playing around with various guitar riffs and chord progressions. When he received the lyrics from Mark, he would attempt to match any of the musical ideas he was developing with Mark's lyrics. John would make a tape of the song by playing the guitar and calling out verse/chorus changes. The tape would be mailed to Mark, who would then play along to develop bass and vocal melody parts. Eventually, the two would come together to record the song, being the first (and sometimes last) time the song would ever be played as a band.

I've been here so long It seems like all my life What have I done wrong To bring on me such strife? And I'm standing on a beach Watching the sands flow away All my dreams are out of reach And I dread the coming day. Here I stand on this Island surrounded by seas Heading for the high land trembling at the knees Won't a ship come and take me and save me from despair Of the life on this Island can't they see the flares? Perhaps at last I should realize This Island is my home No matter how I fantasize From here I'll never roam I've accepted my condition Played the cards dealt by fate For where in my position Could I find a clean slate? Lyrics by Mark Schaefer ©1992 by HBI and Red December Music