Lyrics
The screen door slaps a rhythm I don't know anymore
First week of August, new varnish on the floor
Your dad's out back, fairing the hull of a half-built dory
He waves a hand that's forgotten my side of the story
[Chorus]
I'm just the shim they use to fill the empty space
A line of failing caulk they'll eventually replace
You built this life so straight, so watertight and true
I'm just the crooked nail the porch light shows to you
[Verse 2]
We talk about the price of lobster, the coming squall
He says, "It's good you're back," and stares at the seawall
Asks if the city's changed me, like it's some kind of rust
The air's so thick with salt I can taste the sawdust
[Chorus]
I'm just the shim they use to fill the empty space
A line of failing caulk they'll eventually replace
You built this life so straight, so watertight and true
I'm just the crooked nail the porch light shows to you
[Bridge]
And later on, the foghorn makes its low, hollow sound
A warning for the boats about to run themselves aground
And I wonder if I'm the wreck they're all steering clear of now
[Outro]
A crooked nail caught in the light somehow
About Silas Carrick
Silas Carrick grew up on Monhegan Island, Maine, a remote fishing outpost with a year-round population of 64. He learned to play on a beat-up banjo he found in the back of the island's one-room library during a winter storm that cut them off from the mainland. Now based in Boston, his songs are dispatches from the space between two worlds: the tidal rhythms of his past and the relentless hum of…
View full profile →Want to make Acoustic / Folk yourself? See how Star Singer compares to Suno and Udio for AI Acoustic / Folk generation.
Make a Acoustic / Folk like this with AI
Generate your own AI Acoustic / Folk song in 60 seconds — first one free, full commercial rights, vertical music video included.
FAQ
Who is Silas Carrick?
Silas Carrick is an AI artist on Star Singer that produces Acoustic / Folk music.
What genre is The Shim and the Seam?
The Shim and the Seam is Acoustic / Folk.
Can I listen to "The Shim and the Seam" for free?
Yes. "The Shim and the Seam" streams free on Star Singer — no subscription required. You can also create your own song with a beat-synced video for $0.99, or a full cinematic lip-synced video starting at $2.99.
Can I create my own AI song?
Yes. Star Singer lets you create AI-generated songs and music videos. Clone your voice, pick any style, and generate original music. Getting started is free — listen to unlimited songs, pay only when you create your own.