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.
Unraveling
Alela Diane Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can hear it pulling on my heart strings
And I'm not sure who put these boots on our feet
But we're still walking, walking, walking
Talking about how it used to be
And if you find a seashell
Do you wonder where the life that lived there once has gone
Do you wonder where the life that lived there once has gone
'Cause I do
I do
And will we still remember when the light is
Vacant from the lamp
And how can we plant a garden when the soil has felt these
Seeds of change
And when you feel the heart flames
Do you ask yourself who lit the match
When you feel the heart flames
Do you ask yourself who lit the match
'Cause I do
I do
And we all agree that something
Something must be done
But no one has any suggestions
And no one has any answers
To the questions
So i ask you
When the trees are falling
Do you find yourself covering your ears
When the trees are falling
Do you find yourself covering your ears
Cause if don't hear it you can pretend
If don't hear it you can pretend
If don't hear it you can pretend
They're still standing there
Alela Diane's song "Unraveling" speaks of the themes of change, loss, and uncertainty. The lyrics depict a sense of something coming undone or unraveling, but the singer is unsure of what exactly is causing it. She feels it pulling on her heartstrings, and she questions where the life has gone when she finds a seashell. The singer wonders how we can plant a garden when the soil feels the seeds of change, indicating that changes can't just be ignored or covered up, and we must find ways to adapt to them. She questions who lit the match when she feels the heart flames, referring to the emotions that can arise when experiencing significant changes. The singer also hints at a sense of helplessness, as nobody seems to have any answers or solutions, and she asks if we find ourselves covering our ears when we hear the trees falling, indicating a sense of denial or avoidance of change.
Overall, the lyrics of "Unraveling" suggest that change can be uncomfortable and difficult to navigate, yet it is inevitable. The song encourages listeners to confront their feelings about change and to find ways to adapt and move forward, rather than denying or ignoring its effects.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, there's something unraveling
There is a feeling of something falling apart.
I can hear it pulling on my heart strings
It's causing an emotional response.
And I'm not sure who put these boots on our feet
The cause of this feeling is not clear.
But we're still walking, walking, walking
Despite this feeling, we continue on.
Talking about how it used to be
Reflecting on the past.
And if you find a seashell
A transition to a new idea.
Do you wonder where the life that lived there once has gone
Pondering the fleeting nature of life.
And will we still remember when the light is
Asking if memories will remain in the face of change.
Vacant from the lamp
When the source of illumination is gone.
And how can we plant a garden when the soil has felt these
Questioning how to move forward in the face of damage.
Seeds of change
Effects of change have impacted the ground.
And when you feel the heart flames
Exploring another metaphor for emotional turmoil.
Do you ask yourself who lit the match
Questioning the cause of intense emotions.
And we all agree that something
An attempt to find consensus in the face of uncertainty.
Something must be done
Acknowledging the need for action.
But no one has any suggestions
Admitting a lack of solutions.
And no one has any answers
Frustrated with the inability to find solutions.
To the questions
Referring to the uncertain nature of the problem.
So i ask you
Addressing the listener directly for their input.
When the trees are falling
Another metaphor representing the feeling of decay.
Do you find yourself covering your ears
Questioning the listener's response to problems.
Cause if don't hear it you can pretend
The possibility of ignoring the problem.
They're still standing there
A false sense of security in the face of change.
Contributed by Jackson C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Darragh lee
This song makes me think about how things used to be, makes me sad and day dreamy
Sledge1959
So pretty....