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.
rifle
Alela Diane Lyrics
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Fighting the fireplace glow
Knockin' on that door in my sleep
Fighting the fireplace glow
To keep me away
To keep me away from home
Papa, get the rifle from its place above the French doors!
Oh! They're comin' from the woods!
And mama you're running too
Oh! My mama, you're running too
Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn
I've been holding onto the gold
When letting go would free my hand
And I've been tying your tongue in a knot
Oh! I've been tying your tongue in a knot
To wrap this death
To wrap this death in a sheet
Papa, get the rifle from its place above the French doors!
They're comin' from the woods!
Oh! They're comin' from the woods!
And mama you're running too
Oh! My mama, you're running too
Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn
I can't hide the dirty paths down that carpet anymore
There were too many heavy boots
There were too many heavy boots
There were too many big black boots
And there were too many little brown shoes
Marching through
So I'm counting it to the sky
Oh! I'm counting it to the sky
And moving back to face the lack of home
These lyrics paint a vivid picture of a family under attack, with the singer fighting to stay away from home in their dreams, while their family is in danger. The haunting repetition of "Knockin' on that door in my sleep/ Fighting the fireplace glow" suggests a desperate attempt to keep away from the danger, while also acknowledging the inevitability of it. The plea to their father to "get the rifle" shows the severity of the threat, and the urgency of the situation. The line "Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn" is particularly heart-wrenching, as it speaks to the loss and destruction of a family's personal history and memories.
The second verse seems to speak to the confusion and difficulty in accepting this situation. The singer has been "holding onto the gold/ When letting go would free my hand", indicating a reluctance to let go of what they consider valuable or important, even if it may not be worth as much in the face of danger. The reference to tying someone's tongue in a knot may suggest an attempt to keep a secret or avoid speaking the truth about the situation, perhaps to avoid facing reality.
Overall, the song captures the fear and helplessness of being under attack, while also exploring themes of loss, memory, and family.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been knockin' on that door in my sleep
I constantly dream about returning home.
Fighting the fireplace glow
Resisting the temptation to stay warm and comfortable by the fireplace.
To keep me away
To prevent me from going back to where I belong.
Papa, get the rifle from its place above the French doors!
Father, protect us from those who seek to harm us.
They're comin' from the woods!
An unidentified group of people is approaching.
And mama you're running too
Mother is also fleeing from the danger.
Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn
I regret that my brother witnessed the destruction caused by the attackers.
I've been holding onto the gold
I've been clinging to something of value that I should let go of.
When letting go would free my hand
If I let go of what I am holding, I could have a free hand to defend myself.
And I've been tying your tongue in a knot
I've been preventing someone from speaking out or warning us.
To wrap this death
To prepare for the possibility of someone dying in the attack.
in a sheet
Using a sheet to cover the body of the deceased.
I can't hide the dirty paths down that carpet anymore
I can no longer conceal the evidence of past battles and struggles.
There were too many heavy boots
Too many people with violent intentions or overwhelming force have entered my home.
There were too many big black boots
People with power and authority have come to cause harm.
And there were too many little brown shoes
Even the younger, less powerful ones are being sent to do harm.
Marching through
Advancing without regard for who or what they harm.
So I'm counting it to the sky
I'm looking to a higher power for help or guidance.
And moving back to face the lack of home
Acknowledging that I am no longer safe where I used to belong.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@phiaanon
I've been knockin' on that door in my sleep
Fighting the fireplace glow
Knockin' on that door in my sleep
Fighting the fireplace glow
To keep me away
To keep me away from home
Papa, get the rifle from its place above the French doors!
They're comin' from the woods!
Oh! They're comin' from the woods!
And mama you're running too
Oh! My mama, you're running too
Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn
I've been holding onto the gold
When letting go would free my hand
And I've been tying your tongue in a knot
Oh! I've been tying your tongue in a knot
To wrap this death
To wrap this death in a sheet
Papa, get the rifle from its place above the French doors!
They're comin' from the woods!
Oh! They're comin' from the woods!
And mama you're running too
Oh! My mama, you're running too
Brother, I'm so sorry that you watched the paintings burn
I can't hide the dirty paths down that carpet anymore
There were too many heavy boots
There were too many heavy boots
There were too many big black boots
And there were too many little brown shoes
Marching through
So I'm counting it to the sky
Oh! I'm counting it to the sky
And moving back to face the lack of home
@crazycatlady8000
Thank you Skins for introducing me to this ❤️
@grayknight8986
Hy
@crazycatlady8000
@@grayknight8986 😂
@mactheAnimal798
This is truly of the Music of See Exploiters, Merchants and Pirates age. Lov' it!
@valademurray8224
I have to hear this song..EVERYDAY
@graylan4502
This song explains this portion of my life and the shared fight my community is fighting against large corporations.
@Pumpkinpetals
This brings tears to my eyes for some reason. Beautiful.
@Erdemicoz
This song has a different spirit. I'm watching the clip for the first time and it's amazing.
@DEMETRA666ful
Just beautifull.
@robcontra427
So in love. This album is so amazing