Before I go any further in the post, don’t think my choice of a song with tea instead of coffee means I like tea better than coffee. Both are consumed in equal measure through day and night, with hot coffee ALWAYS first thing upon waking. I think I would implode into a puff of vapor if I didn’t get that life-sustaining brew. As afternoon wanes, I begin drinking my version of Arnold Palmer, which is herbal tea (peppermint, rooibos, nettle, and hibiscus) brewed the night before mixed with a packet of True Lemon. By the time evening comes and I’m settled in to read or watch TV or movies, I brew a new pot of herbal tea. The hot tea gets some barista blend oat milk creamer. I was just as likely to pick a coffee song as a tea song and there are plenty out there with both.
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It didn’t take me long to find today’s choice. As a matter of fact, I was going to write up a review on The Verve Pipe’s, “Villains,” which is the album, “Cup of Tea” is on. Villains, released in 1996, is The Verve Pipe’s second studio album. Wikipedia shows that “Cup of Tea” was one of four singles released from it. The other three were, “Photograph,” “The Freshmen,” and “Villains.” It was hearing one of these singles that led me to buying the album. I’ve played it dozens? hundreds? of times since. “Veneer,” the last song, includes, “85 on 31, I’m flying.” I’ve driven highway 31 a million times, so it brings it even closer to me. You see, The Verve Pipe is a band from Lansing, MI, a couple of hours from here. I saw them once, many moons ago, in a cramped auditorium in Holland, MI. The place was packed to the rafters. Every song on this album is a winner. You’ll never hear them dialing it in with the music or the lyrics.
Wikipedia:
The Verve Pipe is an American rock band from Michigan. They were formed in 1992 in East Lansing by Brian Vander Ark (vocals, guitar,) Brad Vander Ark (bass,) Brian Stout (guitar,) and Donny Brown (drums.) They have recorded eight studio albums, with their newest, “Reconciled,” released in 2025. They continue to travel the state and beyond doing live concerts. Unfortunately I haven’t kept up with their discography, but they are on my list to do so. For now I’ll be happy with, “Villains.”
“Cup of Tea” starts out with a kind of raucous guitar that clears your mind so you can focus on what comes next. Drums and bass come in to give a little texture, which sets you up for the lead guitar going into howl mode and nestling right down into your psyche. You are now prepared to hear Brian’s lyrics. There is an almost confessional aspect to them, punctuated by dramatic guitar slashes. He is laying it out for you and for the world. There is something in his soul that refuses to be chained into a formulaic, cookie cutter (delusional) American dream. As he continues to scream it’s not my cup of tea he is hoping to convince himself not to cave in to the mold of psychic ruin for a creative. The what I’ll call “interlude” or bridge at the almost three-minute mark is where he becomes resolved to live his life as a musician. Which is what Brian Vander Ark has continued to do. Does life imitate art or does art imitate life? Does it matter?
Cup of Tea
I'm visiting
The ground's a little weathered where I stood
Right field in my neighborhood
I was mostly last, always least
Dig it
At graduation everyone
Will throw their hats into the sun
But they'll drop like flies to the sea
This is not my cup of tea
And Valerie
The winter won't be keeping her around
I'm nailing leaves to the ground
But it feels like sand underneath
Dig it
She's never letting me forget
I've always been an idiot
But at times like this I agree
It’s not my cup of tea
Crash
In a wrinkle of steel we are gone
Will my last breath be a yawn?
Watching them sorting debris
This is not my cup of tea
Songwriter: Brian Vander Ark
Jim Adams is the host of Song Lyric Sunday. This week, Jim wants us to find a song that mentions coffee or tea.
Tao Talk 
I have heard about the Verve, but I don’t know any of their songs, but after listening to this tune Lisa, I think that are underappreciated and I should make an effort to check out more of their music.
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Jim, I think there is a band called the Verve, but this is The Verve Pipe. I’m glad you like the music and want to check out more of it.
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Cool song, Lisa. Nirvana-ish.
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Thanks, Nancy, glad you like their sound.
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Most welcome, Lisa.
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Yes, I see that now and it seems that I am not the only one to be confused over this.
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I know, it is, because like I said to J-Dub, verve is a distinctive word and the mind stops there, I think.
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You always bring me something fresh- at least to my listening ear! Thank you, Li. I have heard of this band and if they ever had any songs that went mainstream, I have probably heard them- but never delved in. You have me adding this album to my playlist so I can get a large dose.
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V, so pleased you like what you’re hearing. Yes, I think you’ve heard the 3 other singles releases. Hope you enjoy the album.
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Li this is a fantastic write up and intro to the song. It really helped me appreciate the lyrics and music. You’re right, the intro does make you pay attention and it sets you up for the song. You should write more music reviews. Terrific post 🥰
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Christine, you made my day with your comment. Thank you and thank you for the encouragement. <3
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Of course Li. Credit where credit is due. ☺️
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<3
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Thanks for the intro to this song. I only knew Bittersweet Symphony. I think I should give the Verve Pipe a listen.
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J, I love Bittersweet Symphony but that is a different band, the UK’s Verve. The Verve Pipe is a Lansing, MI based band. I know it is confusing because verve is such a distinctive word. Thanks for listening and I’m glad you like the song <3
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Ah ok, thanks for clarifying.
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You’re welcome.
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We’re peas in a pod Li on this one.
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<3
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First time hearing them here, Lisa. I like what I hear. Great lyrics and sound both. Thanks for the intro!
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Bruce it is my pleasure to introduce them to you :)
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Gosh, Li, you are introducing me to so many good pieces. I really enjoyed this song, music, and lyrics.
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Marina, so far everyone has liked the song. Shows how good they are :) Thanks for giving them a chance.
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A new one to my ears Lisa.
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Did you like it?
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I did like it actually
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First time I remember hearing this band and song. They do sound good, as I like this type music. Cool you saw them in concert and that they are from fairly close to your area. :)
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Barbara, glad you like what you heard and it doesn’t surprise me, as I think you and I have similar music tastes. They still play frequently close enough for me to drive. I should go out and see them again.
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Hi Lisa this track and the the group are new to me and I have to say I really enjoyed it 💜💜
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Awesome, Willow <3 It's a good'n.
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Its excellent ,💜💜💜
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<3
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💜💜
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This rocks! I was telling Christian this morning about running low of ideas…I borrow from you all and make a note of all the new bands I see. I hope that is not “stealing” but it gets the bands name out there even more. I like this.
I first I was thinking it was The Verve….
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<3 Getting the band's name out there is what it is all about, you're right, Max. Hoping they pick up some new fans from today's post. Would love it if you cover some of their tunes.
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I’ll start listening!
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I recently was introduced to this album. I’m enjoying it. Right now, Penny is Poison is the standout for me, but I enjoyed this track as well.
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Someone, every track on the album is good imo, including Penny is Poison.
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Thos is pretty good, I feel like I heard The Freshmen a million times and never heard the others.
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Hoping you have spotify and can listen to all of them. YT probably has them all also. I’m trying to find time to listen to the rest. I might actually have the one with the frog on it.
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I too am coffee first thing, but lots of tea throughout the day, especially in winter. In summer I do like ice coffee in the afternoon. Nice to have a tea song that rocks. (K)
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Hey it ain’t all bamboo houses and knee cushions with tea ;)
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