This in turn led to her starting her own fanzine called Brain Bulletin (which continues in the form of a blog on her website) in which she wrote about her favourite bands, books and films. Inspired by a family friend in New York, who wrote a fanzine called The Curse, she distributed it at concerts, through a local record shop and at a launderette on Shepherd's Bush Road.
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.
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 the Bedroom Bound EP via her own 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
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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.
In 2010 Alessi's Ark left Virgin and signed with independent label Bella Union, releasing an EP called Soul Proprietor. On April 25, 2011 she released her second album, Time Travel, which was produced by Alessi and David Wrench.
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
The lyrics to Alessi's Ark's The Horse seems to be discussing the nuances of relationships, love, and trust. The first verse talks about the rules that one is told when in a loving relationship. The idea that kite flying is for lovers is a metaphor for the notion that certain actions are reserved only for those in love. The second line, "we can't share the covers" implies the intimacy of sharing a bed with someone special, but also signifies the boundaries that exist in a relationship.
The second verse seems to be addressing a specific person, who might have been told that what they are doing (resting with another) is wrong. The singer seems to be questioning this person's actions and suggesting that if they truly love someone, they would not allow anyone else to cling to them. The chorus is a plea from the singer to the person addressed in the second verse, offering to be brave and pretty like them. The final line of the chorus, "why're you watching the horse pass you?" is a metaphor for the person missing out on love while they're preoccupied with something else.
Overall, the song seems to be about the complications and complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics address trust, love, and the fear of missing out on something special.
Line by Line Meaning
I was told that kite flying's for lovers
I was informed that flying kites is an activity suitable for romantic partners.
I was told that we can't share the covers
I was told that we should not share the bed covers while sleeping.
If you'd like me to
If you desire, I am willing to make an effort.
I'll try to be brave like you
I will attempt to be courageous like you are.
I know you'd like me to
I am aware that you wish for me to do something.
I'll try to be pretty too
I will make an effort to be attractive as well.
I was told that you rest with another
Someone has informed me that you are sleeping or spending time with somebody else.
Weren't you told son, that that's wrong by your mother?
Were you not taught by your mother that such behavior is incorrect, my dear son?
If what you mean's so true
If what you are saying is honest and genuine.
Why let invertebrates cling to you?
Why do you allow spineless creatures to hold onto you?
If what you hold loves you
If what you possess and care for truly loves and values you.
Why're you watching the horse pass you?
Why are you allowing opportunities to slip away and letting life pass you by?
The Horse
The title of the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALESSI LAURENT-MARKE
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