Backstory:

Concrete Soldier was formed in the winter of 2010 in the small town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The band was composed of childhood friends and self-taught musicians – lead vocalist, Benny Green; guitarist, Tommy “Jonesy” Jones; bassist, Sylvester “Sly” Wallace; and drummer, Danny O’Hara. They started playing in their parents’ garages, covering songs from their favorite post-punk bands. By 2012, they had started recording their original music and playing local gigs. Their big break came in 2015 when they won a battle of the bands competition, leading to their first record deal.

Over the years, Concrete Soldier evolved from their post-punk roots to incorporate a more melancholic tone, their lyrics often narrating stories of life in a small town, youthful rebellion, and the struggles of growing up. Despite their growth and popularity, the band remained true to their roots, often returning to Lancaster to play special gigs for their first fans.

Genre:

Alternative Rock

Title:

“Shadows in the Rain”

Full Song Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
Em G D A
Walking these streets in the cold and the pain,
Em G D A
Just a concrete soldier in shadows and rain.
Em G D A
Got my heart in my pocket, dreams in my head,
Em G D A
Aching for something more than this dread.

(Chorus)
C G D E
I am a voice, I am a scream,
C G D E
In this town of broken dreams.
C G D E
I am a shadow, I am the rain,
C G D E
Just a concrete soldier with a name.

(Verse 2)
Em G D A
In this city of rust, under skies of gray,
Em G D A
Chasing ghosts of a future that’s slipping away.
Em G D A
Got my hope in my hands, fears at my back,
Em G D A
Trudging along this lonely track.

(Chorus)
C G D E
I am a voice, I am a scream,
C G D E
In this town of broken dreams.
C G D E
I am a shadow, I am the rain,
C G D E
Just a concrete soldier with a name.

Fan:

The band’s favorite fan is a woman named Susan Meyer. Susan has been following the band since their garage days and has attended every single one of their gigs in Lancaster. Susan says, “Concrete Soldier isn’t just my favorite band because of their music. Their lyrics speak to my soul, they tell my story. They make me feel seen. They’ve managed to put the small-town experience into words and music. For that, I’ll always be their number one fan.”