Cake — Never There
Album: Prolonging the MagicAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3370
Length: 2:40
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I need your arms around me
I need to feel your touch
I need your understanding
I need your love, so much
You tell me that you love me so
You tell me that you care
But when I need you
(baby)
Baby,
(you're never there)
On the phone long, long distance
Always through such strong resistance
First you say you're too busy
I wonder if you even miss me
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
A golden bird that flies away
A candle's fickle flame
To think I held you yesterday
Your love was just a game
A golden bird that flies away
A candle's fickle flame
To think I held you yesterday
Your love was just a game
You tell me that you love me so
You tell me that you care
But when I need you
(baby)
Baby!
Take the time to get to know me
If you want me why can't you just show me
We're always on this roller coaster
If you want me why can't you get closer
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
I need to feel your touch
I need your understanding
I need your love, so much
You tell me that you love me so
You tell me that you care
But when I need you
(baby)
Baby,
(you're never there)
On the phone long, long distance
Always through such strong resistance
First you say you're too busy
I wonder if you even miss me
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
A golden bird that flies away
A candle's fickle flame
To think I held you yesterday
Your love was just a game
A golden bird that flies away
A candle's fickle flame
To think I held you yesterday
Your love was just a game
You tell me that you love me so
You tell me that you care
But when I need you
(baby)
Baby!
Take the time to get to know me
If you want me why can't you just show me
We're always on this roller coaster
If you want me why can't you get closer
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
Never there
You're never there
You're never ever, ever, ever, there
Comments (242)add comment
The 2nd time I saw this amazing band, at The Boulder Theater, THIS WAS THE SONG that got me and pretty much the whole Balcony section dancing like freaks! and we never settled down, and neither did the band!
Cake's music is just fun!
John McCrea's crisp vocals makes Cake songs have that extra punch!
Proclivities wrote:
Ha, ha! The "I hate Cake" comments always make me chuckle, too. Some folks just don't share our sense of humour, I suppose.
Yes, if nothing else, I admire their sense of humor. It's amusing how furious they seem to make some people here - oh well, to each his own.
Ha, ha! The "I hate Cake" comments always make me chuckle, too. Some folks just don't share our sense of humour, I suppose.
Dreadful insipid musicš”
Nothing this band does is appealing.
OMG ages since I heard CAKE!
I speak through every song in a a a a no y ing voice the talent is never ever there
This group got me through undergrad. Vodka got me through law school. Now I prefer Cake to vodka.....
Excellent!
Iāve always loved cake š° HEY!
keenevision wrote:
YOU BET!!!
Oh! That bass! Oh!
YOU BET!!!
kcar wrote:
Wait. You're telling Bill what belongs on the RP rock mix? How do you imagine you know better than Bill?
this is getting played the "RP Rock Mix." It sure doesn't belongs there.
Wait. You're telling Bill what belongs on the RP rock mix? How do you imagine you know better than Bill?
keenevision wrote:
Right On!
Oh! That bass! Oh!
Right On!
Oh! That bass! Oh!
I love cake. Would love to see a new album...sad
More_Cowbell wrote:
which was released 2 years after this
Um... wrong. U can't touch this was released in 1992. 6 years earlier.
which was released 2 years after this
Um... wrong. U can't touch this was released in 1992. 6 years earlier.
Typesbad wrote:
You are quite welcome to all of my Cake--except for "Comfort Eagle" and "Going the Distance."
Different strokes for different folks...
BillG: this is getting played the "RP Rock Mix." It sure doesn't belongs there.
I'm glad this band exists. That's all.
You are quite welcome to all of my Cake--except for "Comfort Eagle" and "Going the Distance."
Different strokes for different folks...
BillG: this is getting played the "RP Rock Mix." It sure doesn't belongs there.
jerund wrote:
which was released 2 years after this
Can't touch this!
which was released 2 years after this
The cake is a lie
Can't touch this!
I'm glad they still exist.
We need bands like this.
We need bands like this.
Really like the groove and the vibe of this tune. Makes me intrigued to hear more Cake.
Liking Cake more and more, I dig their tongue in cheek posture, their lyrical digs at our human foibles
GeneP59 wrote:
Baby's first sugar o.d.
Baby's first sugar o.d.Sucko barfo š„³
Just listen to the bass. Incredible
This totally sounds like a song Jon Lajoie would do. 
theirongiant wrote:
Nice...thanks for that! And for keeping memories of the old ways alive lol - dial tones, busy signals....all going byebye - LLRP!!
Itās the 2 button that makes that rhythmic syncopated sound in the first verse. The song opens with a dial tone, which is what you would have heard after your girlfriend hung up on you (and you didnāt).
lizardking wrote:
Me too!
Fun fact about this band, the name Cake is actually from the verb, as in something that cakes onto your shoe and is just sort of there until you get rid of it, and not the bakery product most think of when they hear this band.
Another reason I like this song in particular is the telephone button tone used as part of the music...does anyone know what key that is? the 4 button? Gosh...I remember as a kid playing "Mary had a little lamb" and other stupid melodies on the phone.
lizardking wrote:
Me too!
Fun fact about this band, the name Cake is actually from the verb, as in something that cakes onto your shoe and is just sort of there until you get rid of it, and not the bakery product most think of when they hear this band.
Another reason I like this song in particular is the telephone button tone used as part of the music...does anyone know what key that is? the 4 button? Gosh...I remember as a kid playing "Mary had a little lamb" and other stupid melodies on the phone.
Nice...thanks for that! And for keeping memories of the old ways alive lol - dial tones, busy signals....all going byebye - LLRP!!
Itās the 2 button that makes that rhythmic syncopated sound in the first verse. The song opens with a dial tone, which is what you would have heard after your girlfriend hung up on you (and you didnāt).
lizardking wrote:
Me too!
Fun fact about this band, the name Cake is actually from the verb, as in something that cakes onto your shoe and is just sort of there until you get rid of it, and not the bakery product most think of when they hear this band.
Another reason I like this song in particular is the telephone button tone used as part of the music...does anyone know what key that is? the 4 button? Gosh...I remember as a kid playing "Mary had a little lamb" and other stupid melodies on the phone.
lizardking wrote:
Me too!
Fun fact about this band, the name Cake is actually from the verb, as in something that cakes onto your shoe and is just sort of there until you get rid of it, and not the bakery product most think of when they hear this band.
Another reason I like this song in particular is the telephone button tone used as part of the music...does anyone know what key that is? the 4 button? Gosh...I remember as a kid playing "Mary had a little lamb" and other stupid melodies on the phone.
More Cake, please! =3
PSD. Playlist stress disorder when these guys are being heard. The engineer left the instruments out of the mix again.
Typesbad wrote:
I'm glad this band exists. That's all.
Me too!
Fun fact about this band, the name CAKE is actually from the verb, as in something that cakes onto your shoe and is just sort of there until you get rid of it, and not the bakery product most think of when they hear this band.
Another reason I like this song in particular is the telephone button tone used as part of the music...does anyone know what key that is? the 4 button? Gosh...I remember as a kid playing "Mary had a little lamb" and other stupid melodies on the phone.
I'm glad this band exists. That's all.
I understand that Cake live is not bad, especially in a more intimate venue (which may be what they mostly do). My rating is low, but it doesn't necessarily indicate what I think of them—more like how much I want to hear music like this here (my rating "system," such as it is.) I like Tom Waits and Richard Thompson, but rate most of their music low for the same reason.
Deadwing wrote:
Yes, if nothing else, I admire their sense of humor. It's amusing how furious they seem to make some people here - oh well, to each his own.
You don't have to be crazy to like Cake, but it helps. I've always enjoyed them. Any band that names their albums Motorcade of Generosity, Fashion Nugget, and Showroom of Compassion can't be all bad. A sense of the absurd helps also.
Yes, if nothing else, I admire their sense of humor. It's amusing how furious they seem to make some people here - oh well, to each his own.
You don't have to be crazy to like Cake, but it helps. I've always enjoyed them. Any band that names their albums Motorcade of Generosity, Fashion Nugget, and Showroom of Compassion can't be all bad. A sense of the absurd helps also.
Graffia till you see writing on the wall behind the couch after the gold rush by my friend Amphion.
mighties touch turns it's feathers in to mauve , once in a bullion.My atomic number.
mighties touch turns it's feathers in to mauve , once in a bullion.My atomic number.
Is it me or does this Cake not bake? US taste only?
Everyone likes Cake.
Terrible.
TerryS wrote:
Unless you've never tried kidney Cake, you've lived a low-spectrum life indeed.
You'll have to give us all the recipe. So we can burn it.
Steak and kidney pie is great, though.
I'm going to be PSDing this song for a long time.
Unless you've never tried kidney Cake, you've lived a low-spectrum life indeed.
You'll have to give us all the recipe. So we can burn it.
Steak and kidney pie is great, though.
I'm going to be PSDing this song for a long time.
7thencini wrote:
1giy3 j3e0jb
2fba27y 48b
A lot of their stuff really does sound the same. And this coming from a guy who *loves* the Ramones. : )
A lot of their stuff really does sound the same. And this coming from a guy who *loves* the Ramones. : )
1giy3 j3e0jb
Office, coffee and cake... what else i can ask for ?
Mmmmm... crunchy little chocolate pieces...
Kaisersosay wrote:
Kaisersosay wrote:
I don't like bad cake. My favorite is ice cream cake with those crunchy little chocolate pieces in the middle.
Can't Touch That
kcar wrote:
Yes! Well caught. Overall, I think Cake's more limited. At times, I want to kidney punch the singer.
Unless you've never tried kidney Cake, you've lived a low-spectrum life indeed.
Yes! Well caught. Overall, I think Cake's more limited. At times, I want to kidney punch the singer.
Unless you've never tried kidney Cake, you've lived a low-spectrum life indeed.
expertTexpert wrote:
You're lucky we're Church of England.
You're lucky we're Church of England.
I don't like bad cake. My favorite is ice cream cake with those crunchy little chocolate pieces in the middle.
bronorb wrote:
Different chord structure entirely. This band's songs generally sound alike because of the "singer's" vocal style and their production techniques.
It's pretty much the same song isn't it?
Different chord structure entirely. This band's songs generally sound alike because of the "singer's" vocal style and their production techniques.
gillespp wrote:
Yes! Well caught. Overall, I think Cake's more limited. At times, I want to kidney punch the singer.
This song makes me think of Flash in the Pan.
Yes! Well caught. Overall, I think Cake's more limited. At times, I want to kidney punch the singer.
bronorb wrote:
It's pretty much the same song isn't it?
A lot of their stuff really does sound the same. And this coming from a guy who *loves* the Ramones. : )
It's pretty much the same song isn't it?
A lot of their stuff really does sound the same. And this coming from a guy who *loves* the Ramones. : )
Fulgore wrote:
It's pretty much the same song isn't it?
Really great song. After hearing Short Skirt Long Jacket I fell in love.
It's pretty much the same song isn't it?
Really great song. After hearing Short Skirt Long Jacket I fell in love.
In the last few years, every time I hear a Cake tune, I involuntarily think to myself, "how could you not like Cake?" (which always makes me giggle, you know, because everyone likes to eat cake...) I'm not really that big a fan, but I just find something inherently positive about hearing a Cake song every now and then.
I haaaaated Cake in high school, but then somehow college hit and they grew on me in a big way. I'm a pretty huge fan now, and I'd sorely miss them if they were absent from the lineup.
This song makes me think of Flash in the Pan.
I hate Cake. There, i said it.
Just thought I'd log in to add my two cents ...
CAKE IS ONE OF THE BEST MODERN BANDS THAT THERE IS.
OK. Done. See you around.
CAKE IS ONE OF THE BEST MODERN BANDS THAT THERE IS.
OK. Done. See you around.
fredriley wrote:
We need an exclusion principle for jokes like this.
A neutron walks into a bar and asks for a pint, then asks how much. The bartender replies: "For you, no charge".
I'll get me lepton...
We need an exclusion principle for jokes like this.
A neutron walks into a bar and asks for a pint, then asks how much. The bartender replies: "For you, no charge".
I'll get me lepton...
My highest rated Cake song. A respectable "6".
bashfuldingo wrote:
Cake is currently tied for 100th most played band on RP since christmas. They have been played 12 times since christmas, but so have 17 other bands. Thats not quite 1 play per day, but its still more cake than I would like to hear!
If Radio Paradise never played Cake again, I would be a happier person.
Cake is currently tied for 100th most played band on RP since christmas. They have been played 12 times since christmas, but so have 17 other bands. Thats not quite 1 play per day, but its still more cake than I would like to hear!
bashfuldingo wrote:
Yes, please.
If Radio Paradise never played Cake again, I would be a happier person.
Yes, please.
mmmmm cake,,,, I'm a big fan of yellow cake with white frosting,,,,
LOVE this song
Businessgypsy wrote:
There were many vocalists doing that long before Francis Albert Sinatra did so. This is a good tune at any rate,
Frank Sinatra brought the syncopation and phrasing of jazz instrumentation to vocals supported by elaborate orchestration. Am I comparing McCrea to SInatra? Nope, but a DNA trail exists. Hoping they will publish a compilation of their awesome cover tunes someday.
There were many vocalists doing that long before Francis Albert Sinatra did so. This is a good tune at any rate,
bashfuldingo wrote:
If RP never played Cake again, I would be really sad.
If Radio Paradise never played Cake again, I would be a happier person.
If RP never played Cake again, I would be really sad.
bashfuldingo wrote:
Completely agree.
If Radio Paradise never played Cake again, I would be a happier person.
Completely agree.
If Radio Paradise never played Cake again, I would be a happier person.
GarageDragon wrote:
A neutron walks into a bar and asks for a pint, then asks how much. The bartender replies: "For you, no charge".
I'll get me lepton...
I don't especially like or dislike this band. I am the neutron to your proton and electron.
A neutron walks into a bar and asks for a pint, then asks how much. The bartender replies: "For you, no charge".
I'll get me lepton...
Poacher wrote:
I find myself liking Cake more and more over the years. Hey, its great when that happens with some bands!
How nice that the universe balances out again. . .
I don't especially like or dislike this band. I am the neutron to your proton and electron.
I find myself liking Cake more and more over the years. Hey, its great when that happens with some bands!
How nice that the universe balances out again. . .
I don't especially like or dislike this band. I am the neutron to your proton and electron.
CAKE: I can't resist...always want seconds. YUM!
To me, these guys fall into the "talented but hopelessly annoying" category. Just sayin'...
5
5
Love this!
Jammin!!
fran_tarkenton wrote:
Ditto, love the horns. Actually just plain love this band.
Ditto, love the horns. Actually just plain love this band.
sirdroseph wrote:
I find myself liking Cake more and more over the years. Hey, its great when that happens with some bands!
How nice that the universe balances out again. . .
I find myself liking Cake less and less over the years. Oh well, that happens with some bands.
I find myself liking Cake more and more over the years. Hey, its great when that happens with some bands!
How nice that the universe balances out again. . .
Album cover says it all. What a pig!
I find myself liking Cake less and less over the years. Oh well, that happens with some bands.
tphord wrote:
This band sucks
Thanks! Your insightful, in-depth analysis helps explain why some RP listeners prefer not to appreciate the clever lyrics, complex arrangements and unusual instrumentation of a band that thinks as hard as they rock.Love me some Cake! No matter what mood I'm in, Cake gets me grooving. Just like Mike Doughty/Soul Coughing.
I suppose I can get why some people don't like Cake. They are unusual, but that unusualness makes them awesome to my ears.
I suppose I can get why some people don't like Cake. They are unusual, but that unusualness makes them awesome to my ears.
This band sucks
Businessgypsy wrote:
Cool insight. Since I dig McCrea, this actually gives me a better appreciation for Sinatra..not historically my favorite male vocalist of the era—my preference is for the crooners, like Dino, and Tony Bennett.
BTW, in 2007 Cake released a compilation of (mostly) covers, called "B-Sides and Rarities," that includes a quite possibly Frank-worthy version of "Strangers in the Night."
1. "War Pigs" - 3:54 (Black Sabbath cover)
2. "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" - 2:55 (Kenny Rogers cover)
3. "Mahna, Mahna" - 2:54 (A cover of the song made popular by the Muppets)
4. "Excuse Me, I Think I've Got a Heartache" - 2:21 (Buck Owens cover)
5. "Conroy (DJ Greyboy Remix)" - 3:01
6. "Strangers in the Night" - 2:51 (Frank Sinatra cover)
7. "Subtract One Love (Multiply the Heartaches)" - 2:47 (George Jones cover)
8. "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" - 3:50 (Barry White cover)
9. "Thrills" - 2:58 (The Chakachas cover; the original title being "Stories")
10. "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" (Live at Triple M) - 3:16
11. "It's Coming Down" (Live at Pure FM) - 4:12
Frank Sinatra brought the syncopation and phrasing of jazz instrumentation to vocals supported by elaborate orchestration. Am I comparing McCrea to SInatra? Nope, but a DNA trail exists. Hoping they will publish a compilation of their awesome cover tunes someday.
Cool insight. Since I dig McCrea, this actually gives me a better appreciation for Sinatra..not historically my favorite male vocalist of the era—my preference is for the crooners, like Dino, and Tony Bennett.
BTW, in 2007 Cake released a compilation of (mostly) covers, called "B-Sides and Rarities," that includes a quite possibly Frank-worthy version of "Strangers in the Night."
1. "War Pigs" - 3:54 (Black Sabbath cover)
2. "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" - 2:55 (Kenny Rogers cover)
3. "Mahna, Mahna" - 2:54 (A cover of the song made popular by the Muppets)
4. "Excuse Me, I Think I've Got a Heartache" - 2:21 (Buck Owens cover)
5. "Conroy (DJ Greyboy Remix)" - 3:01
6. "Strangers in the Night" - 2:51 (Frank Sinatra cover)
7. "Subtract One Love (Multiply the Heartaches)" - 2:47 (George Jones cover)
8. "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" - 3:50 (Barry White cover)
9. "Thrills" - 2:58 (The Chakachas cover; the original title being "Stories")
10. "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" (Live at Triple M) - 3:16
11. "It's Coming Down" (Live at Pure FM) - 4:12
schrodingersdog wrote:
The singing has always been the weakest part of Cake for me. They have awesome, groovy instrumental parts though.
Frank Sinatra brought the syncopation and phrasing of jazz instrumentation to vocals supported by elaborate orchestration. Am I comparing McCrea to SInatra? Nope, but a DNA trail exists. Hoping they will publish a compilation of their awesome cover tunes someday.
I want a girl with a short skirt and a looooooong jacket. Anyone ever watched "Chuck"? Cake does the theme song, and I can't listen to them without thinking about a Chuck episode. Maybe this is a bad thing.
The singing has always been the weakest part of Cake for me. They have awesome, groovy instrumental parts though.
My 15 year old son loves this band!
Cake; Hipster Doofus Extraordinaire!
Nice!!
Love the groove on this one.
Q: Is the telephone beeping considered percussion?
Q: Is the telephone beeping considered percussion?
BigTimber wrote:
Ditto, love the horns. Actually just plain love this band.
very unique sound, the trumpet seals the deal for me. some comments complain their songs sound similar, but I'm cool w/ that, because they sound rad.
Ditto, love the horns. Actually just plain love this band.
I ask you - where else would you finish rocking out to The Who and then get a bonus piece of Cake?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbzt1HnVzIQ
jedley wrote:
I like Cake in general, but I have to admit - I hate that cover.
whoever doesn't know Cake very well, please look for their cover of 'I Will Survive' - it'll change your life!
I like Cake in general, but I have to admit - I hate that cover.
The picture on the cover is because it's a pig cake?
I rated this song a 7...but today my tastes have changed and I would say a 5..... Not because I dont like cake now and then, but more because his voice was annoying me this afternoon!
rickhoran wrote:
i agree. its way too white rap like limp bizkit loser sound.
Rap? Really?
i agree. its way too white rap like limp bizkit loser sound.
Rap? Really?
Cake in the afternoon...JUst before heading home for some...CAKE! Woooo
Always gets me dancing around the house!! 
very unique sound, the trumpet seals the deal for me. some comments complain their songs sound similar, but I'm cool w/ that, because they sound rad.
And... Mute.
pinklife wrote:
While tree climbing?
"Short Skirt, Long Jacket" is my personal anthem...
While tree climbing?
I find myself really digging Cake of late. Thanks Bill!
jhorton wrote:
Second worst, after Radiohead.
Just theworstfuckingbandever!!!!!!
Second worst, after Radiohead.
Can't sing, so they just read.
Just theworstfuckingbandever!!!!!!
Please throw this crap away!
Please throw this crap away!
"Short Skirt, Long Jacket" is my personal anthem...
Cake: Godlike.
I really tried not to like these guys.
Honest. I tried hard.
Again and again.
Well, OK. I still don't like them, except for this song...
...and that other one...
...and that other one's OK, I guess...
...Oh, yeah, and that other tune's not too bad...
OK, I give up, but I gotta draw the line somewhere: No dancing banana for them!
Honest. I tried hard.
Again and again.
Well, OK. I still don't like them, except for this song...
...and that other one...
...and that other one's OK, I guess...
...Oh, yeah, and that other tune's not too bad...
OK, I give up, but I gotta draw the line somewhere: No dancing banana for them!
This is just plain good. Yes, it's quirky and he's talking more than singing, but the groove is rock solid.
Carissa wrote:
How about BlueHotChiliCake?
Three bands I would be completely delighted to never hear on RP again:
- Blues Traveler
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Cake
- Blues Traveler
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Cake
How about BlueHotChiliCake?
TELL IT!!!
DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
DELTA__9__FOOLS wrote:
Too funky to deny.
Novel at first, but after a few listens John McCrea's speaking/singing style is annoying.