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.
Heavy Walls
Alela Diane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't enclose my sound
Heavy walls
You can't enclose my sound
And if you crumble
It will lift me up
If you crumble
It will lift me up
Will I play the guitar
Like my father does
Will I play the guitar
Like my father does
Making those advances
on its strings so smooth
Making those advances
on its strings so smooth
Chilly wind
Bites my blood
Chilly wind
Biting my blood
Wake me up like you do
Concrete branches
Wake me
Save your sky
Don't you turn to black
Save your sky
Don't you turn to black
Cause when you do the thickest walls
will be calling
When you do the thickest walls
will be calling
And heavy walls
You can't hide my voice
Heavy walls
You can't hide my voice
And when you crumble
It will lift me up
When you crumble
It will lift me up
It will lift me up
It will lift me up
It will lift me up
It will lift me up
Alela Diane's song "Heavy Walls" is a song that speaks of the limitations that the physical world imposes on voices and sounds. The opening lines of "Heavy walls, you can't enclose my sound" is a powerful declaration of the singer's own volition to be heard and to release her music beyond the confines of the walls that surround her. The song speaks to the transformative power of music and how it can transcend those limitations when the walls finally crumble down. The words "If you crumble, it will lift me up" speak of the moment when the barriers fall and the music is free to be heard, to be shared, and to carry the artist and the listeners beyond the physical restraints.
The song then moves to an introspective contemplation of the artist's own abilities and her desire to play her guitar like her father did, weaving a very personal thread into the song's fabric, and continues with the theme of the transformative nature of music. The line "Making those advances on its strings so smooth" speaks of the exhilaration and liberation that comes from mastering the guitar, which becomes a metaphor for overcoming the limitations that one encounters in life.
The lyrics of "Heavy Walls" are imbued with a deep sense of hope, of breaking free from the constraints, of finding strength through one's passions, and of the transformative power of music. The repetitions in the chorus bring a sense of unity and solidarity, as we all face walls in our lives, which we hope to overcome. The song is an inspiring message to those who feel trapped and limited by their circumstances, and a reminder that, as the walls crumble down, the music can bring us together and lift us up.
Line by Line Meaning
Heavy walls
Despite my surroundings and circumstances, I am determined to succeed.
You can't enclose my sound
My creativity and talent cannot be limited or controlled by others.
And if you crumble
If the oppressive forces or obstacles in my life change or give way,
It will lift me up
I will use this opportunity to soar and achieve my goals.
Will I play the guitar
I wonder if I will inherit my father's musical talent and passion.
Like my father does
I hope to have the same skill and emotional connection with music as my father does.
Making those advances
Playing the guitar with grace and precision,
on its strings so smooth
bringing forth beautiful melodies with ease and finesse.
Chilly wind
The harsh and uncomfortable realities of life,
Bites my blood
which I cannot ignore or escape from, affecting me deeply.
Wake me up like you do
But I will not let them defeat me, instead I use them as a signal to stay alert and motivated.
Concrete branches
The urban landscape and environment,
Wake me
which can inspire and inform my creative expression.
Save your sky
I urge everyone to take care of the natural world and its beauty,
Don't you turn to black
and avoid damaging it through pollution or neglect.
Cause when you do the thickest walls
If we harm the environment or ignore its importance,
will be calling
it will have negative consequences that cannot be ignored.
You can't hide my voice
I refuse to be silenced or ignored, my voice and message will be heard.
It will lift me up
No matter how challenging or difficult the circumstances,
It will lift me up
I will use them as stepping stones towards my success and fulfillment.
It will lift me up
I am determined to rise above it all and achieve my dreams.
It will lift me up
My spirit and resilience will carry me through any obstacles and challenges.
Contributed by Eva W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Wray Nook
She is so beautiful. Deep moving songs. So much love <3
Shen Way
Beautiful as always by aleala 💚
Olesia Chub
Amazing Alela
Palesa Esuk
so comforting xxxxxx
taoquimik
ca me donne envie de m'indiennisé !!
craberisabck
You're so beautiful <3