“Learning Curve,” the poignant final track of Sleeping At Last’s “February” EP, is more than just a song; it’s a masterclass in minimalist songwriting and lyrical storytelling. Penned by Ryan O’Neal, the creative force behind Sleeping At Last, this song offers a unique glimpse into his artistic process and the deeply personal inspirations that fuel his music. This exploration delves into the intricacies of “Learning Curve,” revealing how its seemingly simple structure belies a rich tapestry of musical craftsmanship and emotional depth.
O’Neal’s fascination with songs built upon a single musical part forms the genesis of “Learning Curve.” He admired artists capable of crafting compelling narratives and evocative melodies without relying on complex musical arrangements. The challenge, as he notes, lies in avoiding monotony and instead creating a captivating piece where the listener is drawn into the song’s core elements – melody, lyrics, and story – almost unaware of the repetitive musical backdrop. “Learning Curve” is O’Neal’s successful endeavor to meet this very challenge, transforming a potential constraint into a powerful artistic statement.
The journey of “Learning Curve” began with a simple chord structure that sparked O’Neal’s creative process. He experimented with vocal melodies, realizing how profoundly they shaped the song’s mood. This realization became the cornerstone of his “one-part” song experiment. Interestingly, the song’s sonic evolution mirrors a learning curve of its own. Initially conceived on the ukulele, it transitioned through various keys and instruments, including the acoustic guitar, before ultimately finding its home on the electric guitar. This instrumental metamorphosis underscores the song’s central theme of adaptation and finding strength in change.
A nostalgic element is woven into the fabric of “Learning Curve” with the use of O’Neal’s first guitar amp – a “Crate” 1×10″ combo amp gifted in his youth. This amp, initially a beginner’s tool, became a favored piece of equipment, adding a layer of personal history and warmth to the song’s electric guitar tones. This detail highlights how even seemingly simple or overlooked tools can become valuable assets over time, much like the lessons learned along life’s “learning curve.”
Collaborating with his friend Dan, O’Neal enriched the song’s texture with piano arrangements. They focused on using the piano’s dynamic range to create definition between verses and choruses, employing high-octave, lullaby-like sounds juxtaposed with low, heavy chords. Mellotron and other synthesizers were subtly added to further enhance the choruses, demonstrating a meticulous approach to sonic layering within the song’s minimalist framework.
For the vocals, O’Neal departed from his usual soundproofed vocal booth, opting for an open room to capture a natural, slap-back reverb. This choice resulted in a vocal tone distinct from his previous work, adding another layer of unique character to “Learning Curve”. This willingness to experiment with recording techniques reflects the spirit of exploration and growth inherent in navigating a learning curve.
Lyrically, “Learning Curve” is driven by visual storytelling. O’Neal consciously chose to craft vivid imagery, drawing inspiration from his personal experience of house hunting with his wife. Words like “hard-wood floors” and “white picket fence,” common in the house-hunting lexicon, became symbolic elements in his narrative. The lyrics unfold as a dream sequence, portraying a life grounded in simple, attainable ideals – happiness found amidst imperfection and strength in the face of uncertainty.
The song reflects a period of life transitions and adult responsibilities, serving as a personal reminder of the importance of pursuing pure and genuine ideals. “Learning Curve” becomes a sketch of hope and resilience, drawn at the “threshold of many complicated life decisions.” The recurring phrase, “no learning curve could ever bend us too far out of shape,” encapsulates the song’s core message: the belief in one’s ability to adapt and maintain balance despite life’s inevitable challenges and steep learning curves.
The concluding line, “and when my good dream came to an end, i woke up more than ready to bend,” offers a powerful resolution. It signifies that the dream wasn’t merely escapism but a valuable lesson, instilling a readiness to embrace life’s complexities with flexibility and faith. Here, “bend” symbolizes the strength and equilibrium required to thrive in an often indifferent world. “Learning Curve” ultimately becomes an anthem of resilience, reminding listeners that growth and happiness are not contingent on perfect circumstances but rather on our capacity to learn, adapt, and “bend” through life’s ongoing learning curve.
(Lyrics of “Learning Curve” as in the original text)
LEARNING CURVE
i had a good dream- we built a home. it was far from perfect, but we made it our own.
we lived a good life, we gave and we borrowed. it was far from perfect, but we made it our own.
when everything around us changed, we felt okay. no learning curve could ever bend us too far out of shape.
when we took one step forward, and five steps behind, we were still more than able to walk a straight line.
we had a white picket fence in the front yard, where our grass was plenty green. every window in our house welcomed in the sun’s company.
we had hardwood floors and unlocked doors, our glass was plenty full. though our bills were only barely met, our hearts were plenty whole.
when everything around us changed, we felt okay. no learning curve could ever bend us too far out of shape. when darkness was the price of light, we weren’t afraid. for the time we’ve spent was more than worth any interest that we’ve paid.
we lived a good life, a good life, when my eyes were closed. though the question marks were all the same and the burdens never left, we gambled everything we loved, as though there was some kind of safety net.
when everything around us changed, we felt okay. no learning curve could ever bend us too far out of shape. when darkness was the price of light, we weren’t afraid. for the time we’ve spent was more than worth any interest that we’ve paid.
and when my good dream came to an end, i woke up more than ready to bend.
