Alela Diane Menig (born April 20, 1983, Nevada City, California, USA) is an… Read Full Bio ↴Alela Diane Menig (born April 20, 1983, Nevada City, California, USA) is an American singer and songwriter. She grew up singing with her musician parents and performing in the school choir. She taught herself guitar, and began writing songs which blend tense, trance-like arpeggios with warm vocals and meditative lyrics about family and nature. Her first recordings were self-released in 2003 as Forest Parade. Her first solo public appearances were at the invitation of fellow Nevada City native Joanna Newsom. She also did a stint in the Nevada City slow grass band Black Bear before continuing with her solo pursuits.

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.

Elijah
Alela Diane Lyrics

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I met Madeline in the south of France
Where she grew with the fig and broke bread with the moon
Dark eyes of the evening brought her a son
A blessing and burden for she was so young, so young

Water is cold with a wayward gale
Much like the leaves I've become frail
Madeline said 'I'd like to follow

But I must stay well to care for Elijah
I must stay well to care for Elijah, Elijah

I met Madeline in the south of France
Where she grew with the fig and broke bread with the moon
Dark eyes of the evening brought her a son
A blessing and burden for she was so young, so young

Water is cold with a wayward gale
Much like the leaves I've become frail
Madeline said I'd like to follow

But I must stay well to care for Elijah
I must stay well to care for Elijah, Elijah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alela Diane's song Elijah paint a vivid picture of a chance meeting with a woman named Madeline in the south of France, a woman who is burdened with raising her son Elijah alone. The opening verses describe the natural beauty of the region in which Madeline grew up, with references to fig trees and the moon suggesting a strong connection to nature. However, despite this idyllic setting, Madeline's life is not without its struggles. She is young, and raising a child on her own is proving to be a challenge.

The chorus of the song, which repeats twice, is the heart of the piece. It reveals Madeline's dilemma as she expresses a desire to follow the singer, but acknowledges that she must prioritize her son's care. The repetition of Elijah's name underscores his significance in Madeline's life, suggesting that her love for him is what motivates her to stay strong and keep going. This is a poignant message of sacrifice and maternal love that resonates with anyone who has ever faced a difficult situation and had to put the needs of others before their own.

In summary, Elijah is a deeply introspective and emotional song that reflects on the challenges of motherhood, and the sacrifices that come with it. Through the story of Madeline and her struggles, the lyrics convey a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, all while reminding us of the power of the love between a mother and her child.

Line by Line Meaning

I met Madeline in the south of France
I encountered Madeline in the southern region of France where the two of us were situated

Where she grew with the fig and broke bread with the moon
While residing there, Madeline developed a fondness for the fig fruit and partook in nocturnal meals

Dark eyes of the evening brought her a son
At dusk, Madeline gave birth to a male child

A blessing and burden for she was so young, so young
Although she was young, granting new life brought both joy and responsibility to Madeline

Water is cold with a wayward gale
The oceanic water is chilly due to the presence of a fickle wind

Much like the leaves I've become frail
Similar to how the foliage changes in the fall, I have weakened in body and spirit over time

Madeline said 'I'd like to follow
Madeline expressed a desire to join me in my travels

But I must stay well to care for Elijah
However, her primary focus remains on looking after her son, Elijah

I must stay well to care for Elijah, Elijah
It is crucial for Madeline to remain healthy and able-bodied to provide proper care for her son, Elijah

Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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