if you ever leave long island

by Ryan Cassata

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about

Long Island has one of the greatest music scenes in the country, especially for punk and its sub-genres. I am lucky it was my starting place. It’s also a hot spot of the opioid epidemic, an addiction and mental health crisis that has tragically taken the lives of many of my friends. I wrote "if you ever leave long island" for my childhood friend who has struggled with addiction and his mental health. It’s me begging him to stay inside if his life is in danger, and encouraging him to eventually leave the island for fresh start.

lyrics

If you ever leave Long Island
Take the turnpike headed west to go where I am
Where you used to work that job up on Highland
It might of felt dead end but it kept you smiling and it kept the lights lit

Another stint in rehab won’t change your life
And if the Verrazano looks promising tonight
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness
Another girl won’t make it right
And if the Throggs Neck is blowing up your line
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness

If you ever leave New York
The place has stayed the same since you were born
Pilgrim State haunts you like a thorn
But you gotta make it out if you’re gonna make it, if you’re gonna make it

Another stint in rehab won’t change your life
And if the Verrazano looks promising tonight
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness
Another girl won’t make it right
And if the Throggs Neck is blowing up your line
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness

You could come to California
Leave your problems at the dock back in Bay Shore
Let the ferry carry them out and sink its anchor, oh it could take ya, it could take ya
Why don’t you come to California?
Leave your problems at the dock back in Bay Shore
Let the ferry carry them out and sink its anchor, oh it could take ya, it could take ya

Another stint in rehab won’t change your life
And if the Verrazano looks promising tonight
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness
Another girl won’t make it right
And if the Throggs Neck is blowing up your line
I’m begging you to just stay inside and ride out the sadness

If you ever leave Long Island
If you ever leave Long Island
If you ever leave Long Island
If you ever leave Long Island
If you ever leave Long Island

credits

released February 22, 2023
Recorded & Mixed by Kyle Dombroski
Electric Guitars - Ryan Cassata
Vocals - Ryan Cassata, Stephen Spies
Drums / Percussion - Kyle Dombroski
Bass / Additional Electric Guitars - Loren Barnese

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about

Ryan Cassata Los Angeles, California

Ryan Cassata (he/him) is an award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, performer, published writer, LGBTQ+ activist, and transgender motivational speaker.

ryancassata.com

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