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.
gypsy eyes
Alela Diane Lyrics
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Paper pockets was my pastel
And from marching maps my finger nails
I scratching for a brave
That’s not been wrong yet
That’s not been wrong yet
I was a child with fits of fury
And I didn’t love my god less
And I didn’t need my full skirt
Oh, I didn’t love my god less
And I didn’t need my full skirt
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
But I’ve seen you in narrow streets
I’ve turned some rocky ground
So I prune my trees back
For a stand tall garden
And I’ve counted some closets
So I, counted some closets
But now I'll knock my
Now I'll knock my
Sorrow shadows
I'll knock my sorrow, shadows
'Cause I was a child with fits of fury
Oh, I was a child with fits of fury
And I didn’t love my god bless
And I didn’t need my full skirt
Oh, I didn’t love my god bless
And I didn’t need my full skirt
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
Do you see this holy, holy spirit
Round my neck
Do you see I wear
This holy spirit round my neck
But it’s for my sister swallow
So play me pardon
Father son
Play me pardon
Father son
Father son
Father son
'Cause I was a child with fits of fury
Oh, I was a child with fits of fury
And I didn’t love my god bless
And I didn’t need my full skirt
Oh, I didn’t love my god bless
And I didn’t need my full skirt
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
In Alela Diane's song "Gypsy Eyes," the lyrics discuss the singer's past and how it shapes her present. She speaks of her time spent with "paper pockets" and "marching maps," suggesting a transient existence. The use of the phrase "fits of fury" may suggest a time when she was impulsive and unpredictable. The repetition of the lines, "I didn't love my god less/And I didn't need my full skirt," may indicate that the singer doesn't conform to societal norms or need to hide behind religion or fashion to feel whole.
The chorus begs for "green gypsy eyes," which could have a few different meanings. It might imply a longing for a more carefree lifestyle or an ability to see the world in a different way. It's also possible that the "gypsy eyes" refer to a specific person or people the singer is trying to impress or emulate. In the later verses, the lyrics take on more positive imagery, speaking of pruning trees for a "stand tall garden" and counting closets. There's a sense that the singer is settling down and finding roots, but there's still a hint of restlessness as she knocks away "sorrow shadows."
Overall, the lyrics in "Gypsy Eyes" speak to a search for identity and a desire to break free of constraints. The repetition of certain phrases reinforces the idea that the singer is trying to convince both herself and others that she's okay with not fitting into a specific box.
Line by Line Meaning
Paper pockets was my pastel
I used to be very poor.
And from marching maps my finger nails
I have worked hard all my life.
I scratching for a brave
I am still searching for courage.
That’s not been wrong yet
That’s not been wrong yet
I want to find something that is always true.
'Cause I was a child with fits of fury
I was a child with fits of fury
I used to have a lot of anger as a child.
And I didn’t love my god less
And I didn’t need my full skirt
Oh, I didn’t love my god less
And I didn’t need my full skirt
I don't care what others think of me, and I don't need material things to feel good about myself.
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
I am not interested in begging for things.
But I’ve seen you in narrow streets
I’ve turned some rocky ground
So I prune my trees back
For a stand tall garden
And I’ve counted some closets
So I, counted some closets
I have faced difficult times, but I have worked hard to overcome them.
But now I'll knock my
Now I'll knock my
Sorrow shadows
I'll knock my sorrow, shadows
I am ready to let go of my sadness and move on with my life.
Do you see this holy, holy spirit
Round my neck
Do you see I wear
This holy spirit round my neck
But it’s for my sister swallow
I wear this necklace in memory of my sister.
So play me pardon
Father son
Play me pardon
Father son
Father son
Father son
I am asking for forgiveness and peace.
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
To beg green gypsy eyes
I am not interested in asking for things I don't need or want.
Contributed by Grayson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.