As part of the coursework for her music GCSE she had to compose the music and lyrics for a song. Through the basic chords she had learnt fooling around on her sister’s guitar and “the combination of the poetry and the stories that I had been writing for my fanzine” she composed the song Glendora (which eventually ended up on her debut album), which her music teacher encouraged her to sing at the school assembly. Discovering a new passion for writing and performing, she left school to pursue music at age 16. Although supported by her parents, she promised them that she would return to school after one year if nothing came of it.During this time she quickly gained a following with her demos posted on her MySpace and self-released an EP called Bedroom Bound that she sold through her page (on her independent label Zooey). To avoid confusion with the music act the Alessi Brothers, her mother suggested calling herself Alessi’s Ark: “I liked the idea of a boat, where everybody is welcome, even friends that are geographically far away – we are together.” Representatives from record labels Heavenly Records and EMI soon saw her performing and offered her a deal. On the eve of her 17th birthday she signed to EMI.
Mike Mogis worked with Alessi and she travelled to Nebraska to record the album at Mogis’ and Conor Oberst’s studio in Omaha.
The resulting album, Notes From The Treehouse, was released in May, 2009, featuring full band versions of some of the songs from her Bedroom Bound EP, as well as newer compositions such as The Dog and Hummingbird. The album also featured many musicians that inspired her to begin making music including Jake Bellows of Neva Dinova and Nate Walcott from Bright Eyes.
Following the release of the album, Alessi’s Ark continues to play live around the UK and also played support to a diverse range of artists such as Robyn Hitchcock, Mariee Sioux, Johnny Flynn, Emilíana Torrini and Cerys Matthews, as well as playing at Neil Young’s Hyde Park show in London in June. Riverside Studios in Hammersmith also played host to an exhibition of her drawings inspired by her songs, called Handmade, which ran from August 20 to September 27 2009.
Alessi is working on a new EP of songs which will be self released early 2010 and will be touring Germany with Jake Bellows in December and with Sons Of Noel And Adrian in January.
Edited by raisedonrobbery on 7 Dec 2009, 09:51
Sources (view history)
http://www.myspace.com/alessisark
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alessi%27s_Ark
http://www.alessisark.com
The Horse
Alessi’s Ark Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was told that we can't share the covers
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
Weren't you told son, that that's wrong by your mother?
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
If what you mean's so true
Why let invertebrates cling to you?
If what you hold loves you
Why're you watching the horse pass you?
The Horse
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
In Alessi’s Ark’s song “The Horse”, the singer is addressing someone who they are concerned about. The use of the phrase “I was told” implies that the singer has heard certain things that have alarmed them. The first line, “I was told that kite flying's for lovers”, is a metaphor for intimate and playful activities that are typically reserved for couples. The singer seems to be suggesting that the person they are addressing is involved with someone else, rather than with the singer themselves. The use of the word “lovers” is significant here, as it connotes a level of emotional attachment that goes beyond casual dating.
The second line, “I was told that we can't share the covers”, suggests that the person the singer is addressing is currently in a relationship where they cannot share a bed with their partner. This further reinforces the idea that the person is already involved with someone else. In the chorus, the singer promises to be brave and pretty, indicating perhaps that the person they are addressing is attracted to superficial qualities. However, the singer also challenges their actions, questioning why they are allowing themselves to be “cling[ed] to” by “invertebrates” and missing out on the good things (“the horse”) in life.
Overall, “The Horse” is a powerful indictment of a person’s superficiality and their failure to appreciate what is truly important in life. The use of animal imagery and metaphorical language adds to the dreamlike and poetic quality of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
I was informed that the act of kite flying is typically associated with romantic relationships
I was told that we can't share the covers
I was informed that it's not advisable to share covers while sharing a bed with someone else
If you'd like me to
If it's your wish
I'll try to be brave like you
I'll attempt to exhibit courage like you do
I know you'd like me to
I realize that you hope I will
I'll try to be pretty too
I'll put in an effort to make myself more attractive as well
I was told that you rest with another
I was told that you sleep with someone else
Weren't you told son, that that's wrong by your mother?
Wasn't your mother supposed to educate you about the immorality of such an act, son?
If what you mean's so true
If your statements and thoughts are indeed sincere and genuine
Why let invertebrates cling to you?
Why then do you allow spineless or weak-willed individuals to hold on to you?
If what you hold loves you
If the thing or entity that you hold dear truly cares for you
Why're you watching the horse pass you?
Then why are you letting go of a valuable opportunity or experience without making an effort to embrace it?
The Horse
Title of the song
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Manuel Cabral
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
I was told that we can't share the covers
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
I was told that you rest with another
Weren't you told son, that that's wrong by your mother?
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
If what you mean's so true
Why let invertebrates cling to you?
If what you hold loves you
Why're you watching the horse pass you?
The Horse
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
rafael iotti
esse é o melhor som que eu já ouvi
Matthew Wilfred Alberts
Freaking beautiful music! Stumbled across your vid from Florence and the Machine's page. Super cool...keep it up!!
DiddieStar8
This song is so beautiful and the music video is lovely. c':
Family Freedom
So beautiful, I always have so listen to it twice in one go 💚
Appleholic1
This is beautiful. Why have I not heard of this amazing talent before?
Merel Sophie
Love this song & vid, wished it was longer too!:)
misfitmanonadune
I love this song.
sailor moon lesbian
i listened to this song every day when i was like 16. i was so obsessed w this song and constellations
rick
the video reminds me of The Staves' "Mexico" video with all the projected animation (: it's really lovely
Manuel Cabral
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
I was told that we can't share the covers
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
I was told that you rest with another
Weren't you told son, that that's wrong by your mother?
If you'd like me to
I'll try to be brave like you
I know you'd like me to
I'll try to be pretty too
If what you mean's so true
Why let invertebrates cling to you?
If what you hold loves you
Why're you watching the horse pass you?
The Horse
I was told that kite flying's for lovers