The songs for her album, 'The Pirate’s Gospel', were written on a trip to Europe. They were recorded in her father’s studio and were initially self-released in 2004, in paper and lace sleeves with hand lettering. The album was issued in revised form by Holocene Music in October 2006, and received widespread critical acclaim.
A new song, "Dry Grass and Shadows", was issued on a compilation of Nevada City artists, and five more new songs were issued on a limited-edition 10" vinyl pressing, Songs Whistled Through White Teeth, released in the UK in October 2006. The Pirate's Gospel was released in the UK on Names Records in April 2007, garnering favorable reviews in The Times and NME.
Alela Diane has toured in the USA both solo and with Tom Brosseau, and has also opened for the Decemberists, Akron/Family and Vashti Bunyan. She performed in the UK in April and August 2007. According to a relatively recent interview, her second album is to be expected shortly. She now lives in Nevada City, California.
She toured Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany) in March, April and May 2008.
Albatross
Alela Diane Lyrics
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Out the window a patchwork quilt how we build how we move
From place to place
White lights of the city
And the echo of lingering eyes
Travelling alone
Suitcase of stone
And in the tail winds looking back at what I left behind
Ooh lookin' back at what I left behind
Ooh lookin' back at what I left behind
Don't ask me about the places I've been
I know facebook can't remember a name
I can't remember a name
I can't remember your name
On the highway of the day long
My destination is a windowless room
Another windowless room
Another windowless room
I'd rather be an albatross flying high
And in the tail winds looking back at what I left behind
Ooh lookin' back at what I left behind
Ooh lookin' back at what I left behind
Ooh lookin' back at what I left behind
In the song "Albatross" by Alela Diane, the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and introspection as the singer reflects on their experiences and desires. The opening lines describe a sense of movement and transition, with imagery of a patchwork quilt and the white lights of the city passing by. This sets the stage for a journey both physical and emotional, with the singer carrying a heavy burden symbolized by the "suitcase of stone."
The chorus of the song expresses a yearning for freedom and escape, as the singer declares they would rather be an albatross, soaring high above it all. The reference to looking back at what was left behind suggests a mix of nostalgia and regret, perhaps indicating a desire to escape from past mistakes or difficult memories. The repetition of this sentiment underscores its importance and the deep emotions tied to it.
The lyrics then touch on a sense of detachment and disconnection, with the singer expressing a lack of interest in revisiting past places or memories. The mention of social media and its inability to capture meaningful connections hints at the superficiality and fleeting nature of modern communication. The image of the highway leading to a windowless room conveys a sense of monotony and confinement, highlighting a desire for something more meaningful and fulfilling.
Overall, the song "Albatross" by Alela Diane delves into themes of searching for freedom, reflection on the past, and a longing for deeper connections. The contrast between the freedom of flying high as an albatross and the confines of a windowless room suggests a tension between escape and reality, between longing and acceptance. The haunting melody and introspective lyrics combine to create a poignant exploration of the human experience and the complexities of desire and regret.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALELA DIANE
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