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Unveiling ‘Banks of Marble’ by Paul Cafcae: A Powerful Anthem

cover art of the song Banks of Marble by Paul Cafcae featuring Diana Herrera and Ethan Tilbury

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Before discovering Americana, Paul Cafcae honed his musical prowess with various groups. However, he was particularly drawn to the genre and incorporated it into “Banks of Marble,” which also features jazz and blues elements. Rather than questioning why Cafcae took inspiration from past styles in composing this track, what is more pertinent is understanding the motivation behind his choice – as evidenced by the fusion of downtempo bluesy notes with whiskey rock riffs underscored by wistful melodies that add an easy-listening touch to every breathy vocal line.

Throughout “Banks of Marble,” there are palpable influences of Americana music – evident right from when striking drumbeats mimicking a picket-line march set off on their rhythmic journey followed closely by guitar grooves syncopating seamlessly with equal aplomb, culminating in a deliciously catchy beat sure to get you nodding along. This polish overflows onto Cafe’s own charming voice—a unique blend that merges husky lows punctuated by high-pitched highs—that spins powerful tales evoking exploited workers just trying their best against soulless corporate greedsters grinding them underfoot.

Paul Cafcae, Diana Herrera and Ethan Tilbury
Paul Cafcae, Diana Herrera and Ethan Tilbury

It is also worth mentioning the excellent balance of all elements in this song. The guitars effortlessly span diverse ranges, while each musician’s energy level complements one another, imparting greater insight into what inspired the creation of this chart-topper.

The lyrics “But the banks are made of marble
With a guard at every door
And the vaults are stuffed with silver
That the nurses sweated for” is accompanied by this nice guitar session making it a very great piece. It can now be streamed on various online platforms!

full lyrics of “Banks of Marble” by Paul Cafcae

I’ve traveled ’round this country
From sea to sea to sea;
And it really made me wonder
The things I got to see
I saw the weary nurses
Working triple shifts tired and dazed
And I heard their bosses saying
“No you cannot get a raise”
But the banks are made of marble
With a guard at every door
And the vaults are stuffed with silver
That the nurses sweated for
l saw the retail workers
Abused and scrutinized
And they have to live off food stamps
Even though they work full-time
But the banks are made of marble
With the guards at every door
And the vaults are stuffed with silver
That the workers sweated for
And I’ve seen the rich folk laughing
Driving golf balls at their clubs
And they shook hands with politicians
While their accounts kept filling up
And I think it’s all unfair
That some own tracts of land
And that we cannot afford to
Challenge their command
Because I’ve seen my people working
With their minds and backs and hands
And I swore we’d get together
And together make a stand
And then we’d own these banks of marble
And we’d open every door
And we’d share these vaults of silver
That we have sweated for
That we all’ve sweated for ooh
That we are sweating for

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