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.
Rising Greatness
Alela Diane Lyrics
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At the end of the day
A song that I sing is the same
A song that I sing is the same
Then a year has been sung
A year is gone and I'm older
Then I've never been so young anyway
Too many left behind
On this circle 'round the sun
But Suzanne, she bought more time
She won a wager with the sky
We are the lucky ones, this time
We are the lucky ones
Setting sun in Arizona
Told the story of beyond
That moon was rising greatness
Over flatlands, over us
Tell me 'bout what has been
Tell me why
Tell me 'bout what has been
Tell me why
Too many left behind
On this circle 'round the sun
But Suzanne she bought more time
She won a wager with the sky
We are the lucky ones, this time
We are the lucky ones
Still there are, there are heavy days about us
They are shards of something lost
But there's white gold in the static
Relentless and charged with magic
There is danger in what we know
There is good, there is good
There is good too
There is good, oh, there is good
There is still good in you
There is good, oh, there is good
There is still good
The song "Rising Greatness" by Alela Diane explores themes of time, mortality, and the fleeting nature of life. The song starts with a reflection on the passage of time and how a song that the singer has been singing for years remains the same, despite the changes that have occurred in their life. The singer then goes on to ponder about the meaning of life and why certain people are left behind while others seem to be lucky enough to continue living. The lyrics mention a woman named Suzanne who seems to have won a wager with the sky, buying her more time on this earth. This emphasizes the idea that life is unpredictable and that we should cherish every moment.
The song's chorus repeats the line "We are the lucky ones, this time," which serves as a reminder to be grateful for the time we have on this earth. The lyrics also mention a setting sun in Arizona and a rising moon that represents "rising greatness over flatlands, over us." This description of nature hints at the idea that there is something bigger than humanity that we should be in awe of. The song encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and to appreciate the moments of beauty amidst the heavy and dark times.
Line by Line Meaning
At the end of a day
When a day comes to a close
A song that I sing is the same
The song I sing remains unchanged
Then a year has been sung
After a year has passed by
Then I've never been so young anyway
Despite aging, I feel young
Too many left behind
Many people have been left behind
On this circle 'round the sun
On this orbit around the sun
But Suzanne, she bought more time
Suzanne managed to postpone something using a bet with the heavens
We are the lucky ones, this time
We are fortunate this time
Setting sun in Arizona
The sun setting in Arizona
Told the story of beyond
Narrating a story of something far away
That moon was rising greatness
As the moon was ascending, it was magnificent
Over flatlands, over us
Above the plain lands, above us
Tell me 'bout what has been
Speak to me about events of the past
Tell me why
Provide reasons for the occurrence of things
Too many left behind
Numerous people have been left behind
On this circle 'round the sun
On this orbit around the sun
But Suzanne she bought more time
Suzanne succeeded in expanding time using a bet with fate
We are the lucky ones, this time
We are fortunate this time
Still there are, there are heavy days about us
There remain troublesome days around us
They are shards of something lost
They are pieces of something missing
But there's white gold in the static
There is something precious within the noise
Relentless and charged with magic
Continuous and full of enchantment
There is danger in what we know
There is peril within our knowledge
There is good, there is good
There are good things, there are good things
There is good too
There is also good
There is good, oh, there is good
There is good, oh, there is good
There is still good in you
There is still goodness within you
There is good, oh, there is good
There is good, oh, there is good
There is still good
Goodness still exists
Contributed by Adeline S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.