Parker Woodland Premiere Their “Last Song on Earth”

It might not jump out at you, but there’s something very apocalyptic about Parker Woodland’s new single “Last Song on Earth.” Known for her nimble lyricism, lead singer Erin Walter imagines a final trip to an abandoned grocery store before the end of the world sets in on this new single.

Its soft indie rock sound is somewhat deceptive as to the subject matter of the song, but the lyrics really emphasize the point. Walter has become known for her use of vivid imagery and she again does not disappoint.

There’s a lot of negativity in the world and many reasons for gloom and pessimism. The lyrics on “Last Song on Earth” continue the Austin, Texas band’s continuing theme of discovering love amongst all of the despair.

Discussing the background behind the song, Walter tells us:

“I’ll never forget my last trip to the grocery store before COVID lockdown. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but the grocery stores in Austin, Texas, where Parker Woodland is from, always play such fun music. My friends and I sometimes go to H-E-B together, just to have fun dancing in the aisles while we shop.

“So, for the couple years before Andrew (Solin, Parker Woodland guitarist) and I started writing the songs for this record, I’d already been writing a song in my head about friends on their last trip to the grocery store before the world ends. Andrew felt the album needed an acoustic song, so he originally brought the dreamy guitar part with that in mind. But I heard dancy bass and drums right away, as did our drummer Keri Cinquina and our producer Brent Baldwin.

“I’m so glad the track became such a sonic dreamscape, with a touch of pedal steel, synthesizer, tambourine, shaker, and of course the big choir at the end. If it’s the last song on earth, I want to hear the whole world singing their hearts out.”

Discussing the lyrics and the thematic structure, Walter states:

“The lyrics came quickly and I love the imagery of being pushed through the parking lot in a shopping cart, kissing in the candy aisle, dancing around the grocery store at the end of the world. I absolutely love the grocery store scene in the zombie movie 28 Days Later. Our band likes to sneak horror movie references into our songs, both because we love those movies and because it gives a nice bite to offset the hopeful vibes that Parker Woodland is also known for.”

“Last Song on Earth” is the first single from Parker Woodland’s new album There’s No Such Thing as Time. The record is due this Friday, September 6th, via indie imprint Flak Records. The album features a range of energetic, anthemic-like songs, but that energy comes in different forms. There are more punk rock moments, but plenty of catchy pop hooks and some very psychedelic guitars. The purpose of the album is to inspire a reaction out of you. It’s meant to be a good time, a group of songs meant to make you feel positive vibes and compassion while the world around you crumbles away.

The inherent positivity within the album is no surprise, considering the roots of Parker Woodland. The band has always been a celebration of community. They are that band which isn’t afraid to stand up and support activist causes like LGBTQ+ rights, anti-racism, or social justice. There’s No Such Thing as Time is for anyone who needs an injection of joy in their life. If you are struggling, Parker Woodland would be so honoured as to be the light within your darkness.

Parker Woodland “Last Song on Earth” single artwork