Music Review // Ian James Bain "Come and Gone"

 

One of the biggest themes of "Come and Gone" is that Ian James Bain sings about a passion for playing music but sometimes questioning why artists do it.  If you think about it- and I don't want to get too political here- being an artist is really one of the jobs which I feel is least respected because we hear music so often but how well are the musicians compensated for that?  This comes out in the lines: "Two free beers and a cigarette / Four people watching a three hour set / Ten bucks in the jar and I put in six / goddamn / Give me a reason why I shouldn't quit"  Sometimes it does feel like artists are truly doing it for their own amusement.

Through this acoustic folk song, Ian James Bain tells a story and though it is about how artists are not appreciated enough it is also about the concept that many people might not even realize which is that many musicians are out there playing shows on weekends while working a 9-5 during the week.  This adds a level of stress to it all, which comes out in the lines: "I've been working 9-5 each day / Sometimes it's hard to go on".   Bain also adds: "I could go and get any old job but I work for the weekend" just showing that the desire to play music outweighs the 9-5.

The state of music in the year 2025 can be both good and bad at the same time.   Without really having major record labels any more, it's easy enough to go onto a website, upload your music and have people all across the world hear you.  Back in the 1990's, Ian James Bain would've had been signed to Sony or something for me to hear his songs.  But at the same time, we have people becoming popular in music who use it just for TikTok or some other type of trend which will ultimately fade away.  

"Come and Gone" is the type of song that should help any musician (or artist) working the 9-5 have that motivation to keep on going. This isn't about passing trends and phases, it's about music with actual heart.  It's about those willing to grind during the week to hopefully get to a place where their music can become their source of income.  I always remember Daniel Johnston worked at McDonald's and think if the talent is there and your heart is truly in it, then keep going because eventually you'll make it.