Singer/songwriter/musician, Mark Cutler has made a living as a musician for most of his life. He is a 2015 inductee in the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame for his work with the bands The Schemers and The Raindogs as well as his solo work. The Schemers received national exposure on MTV after winning several New England music competitions. Mark’s work with The Raindogs included experimental collaborations with Iggy Pop and the actor Harry Dean Stanton. The Raindogs toured nationally with the likes of Bob Dylan, Don Henley, and Warren Zevon.

Mark has written soundtracks for various independent films. He continues to add unique entries to the great American songbook and currently leads The Men of Great Courage, the tiny string band, MMM, The Sorry Boys and performs as a solo artist. Cutler combines powerful lyrics with memorable melodies and driving rhythm and is always working on new material.

He spins tales about men who drink alone or hover over a lover. He sings stories about ghosts, pro wrestlers, walking in the woods, walking in the night, being remembered, just being alive and getting used to this. Like the character Travis Bickle, Mark will “play anytime and anywhere” and sometimes he’ll show up alone with his guitar and sing for you whether you like it or not. Mark is also the director of songwriting for everyone workshop with The Same Thing Project.

“The song was written when we were living in our old house with a dog and two cats. A friend of ours is a very ambitious person. A while back, when we were on Block Island, she suggested that we “take over the island”. I don’t have that kind of energy so I bowed out of the taking over the island. This song is kind of about being humble and able to learn from everything around you.”

– Mark

Credits:

Written and performed by Mark Cutler
(lyrics/lead and backup vocals/harmonica)

Produced by Neil Cabana
(guitars/tambourine)

Roger Len Smith on Bass with Edoardo Tancredi on Drums

Mixed and mastered by Neil Cabana for Dog and King Music.
Artwork by NC.

The Island
By Mark Cutler

You finally made it to the clear
But no one else is there
Just a shadow in the sun as the morning comes
They’re still dealing out the cards
And whoever wins the hand
I don’t want to be the king
I don’t want to rule the island

Your love’s waiting by the door
Neighbors spying from the second floor
Sally’s boyfriend is selling drugs from his car
Man, she gives the hardest look
I’m only trying to say hello
You can keep your mystery
I don’t want to know
What you know

I’m not trying to crack your secret code
I learned my lesson a long time ago

Every day’s a learning thing
Every time the doorbell rings
From the dog to the cat
They know where it’s at
Watch their eyes close as they sleep
As they dream inside the night
If I came back as a dog
That would be all right
I don’t want to be the king
I don’t want to rule the island