Alice Russell (b. 1975) is a British soul singer.

She is the daughte… Read Full Bio ↴Alice Russell (b. 1975) is a British soul singer.

She is the daughter of an organist, and grew up in Framlingham in Suffolk. At the age of nine, following in her father's and sisters' musical footsteps, Russell began taking lessons on cello, and sang in choirs, before studying art and music in Brighton from 1994.

As well as the classical influences of her father, and formal music lessons, Russell listened to gospel music and soul artists such as Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin from an early age, which played a big part in the shaping of her style. Other artists such as Minnie Ripperton, Eva Cassidy, Chaka Khan, and Jill Scott are listed by Russell as influences.

She began making a name for herself in the early 2000s, contributing to recordings by Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti and Nostalgia 77. Her work with Bah Samba sees Russell fusing Latin sounds with tinges of house, jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti involved a more laid back, hip-hop and soul inspired sound. Her debut album, Under the Munka Moon (2004), was an amalgamation of various singles, remixes, and collaborations.

It was followed by My Favourite Letters in 2005, her debut studio album, created in collaboration with co-writer, producer, and guitarist Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke). Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II (2006), compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions, including her popular interpretation of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. The Alice Russell – Live in Paris DVD also came out in 2006.

Russell and TM Juke have been touring together since 2006 in the U.K, Europe, Australia, the U.S., and other countries. In summer 2006, Grant Marshall (a.k.a. Daddy G of Massive Attack) asked Russell to play the main stage at The Big Chill music festival. Russell has also supported Lonnie Liston Smith, Femi Kuti and De La Soul, and has appeared on the bill with Amy Winehouse for the British showcase at the Midem Music Conference in Cannes 2007.

High Up On the Hook
Alice Russell Lyrics

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Can I stop my hobo wondering days now
I guess I'll hang my tears out to dry
I seem to notice more and more every day now
You got my heartstrings breathing so right
I hang my coat high up on the hook now
I'll put my gloves down down on the side
And I know that they will still be there when
I get those feelings need to run go hide

I'm getting lost in, with you every day now
Or just sitting quietly side by side
Climbing towers and getting mystery trains now
Making tea and settling down
Kites ice creams jumping jumping trampolines now

Waking up and I'll tell you last nights dream
Seeing things that no one else has seen now
Your pulling on my heat of silk and strings

Can I stop my hobo wondering days now
I guess I'll hang my tears out to dry
I seem to notice more and more every day now
You got my heartstrings breathing so right
I hang my coat high up on the hook now
I'll put my gloves down down on the side

And I know that they will still be there when
I get those feelings need to run go hide

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Alice Russell's song "High Up On the Hook" depict the singer's desire to leave her wandering, transient lifestyle behind and settle down with her significant other. The opening lines express her longing to end her nomadic ways and find stability, indicated by her decision to hang up her coat and gloves instead of constantly being on the move. The use of the phrase "hang my tears out to dry" suggests a need to let go of past sorrows and embrace a new phase in life.

The second verse describes the intimacy and comfort she feels with her partner, whether it's through shared experiences such as climbing towers or simply sitting together in silence. The playful imagery of flying kites, eating ice cream, and jumping on trampolines further emphasizes the carefree joy she finds in their relationship. The final lines of the chorus repeat the importance of feeling grounded, both emotionally and physically, with the metaphor of heartstrings being "breathed" correctly.

Overall, "High Up On the Hook" explores the yearning for stability and intimacy after a period of restlessness and transience. Through colorful and vivid language, Alice Russell captures a sense of longing and hopefulness for a newfound sense of belonging.

Line by Line Meaning

Can I stop my hobo wondering days now
Can I settle down and stop living a life of wandering?

I guess I'll hang my tears out to dry
I'll try to move on from my sadness and let it go.

I seem to notice more and more every day now
I've become more aware of my feelings and emotions since meeting you.

You got my heartstrings breathing so right
You make my heart beat with joy and excitement.

I hang my coat high up on the hook now
I'm ready to stay a while and settle down.

I'll put my gloves down down on the side
I'll let my guard down and be open to new experiences.

And I know that they will still be there when
Even though I may have moments of doubt or fear, I know that you'll always be there for me.

I get those feelings need to run go hide
In moments of stress or anxiety, I may feel the need to retreat, but I know that I'll always have a safe place with you.

I'm getting lost in, with you every day now
I'm becoming more and more immersed in our relationship with each passing day.

Or just sitting quietly side by side
Even in moments of silence, being near you brings me comfort.

Climbing towers and getting mystery trains now
We're going on new adventures and exploring together.

Making tea and settling down
We're enjoying the simple pleasures of life and finding joy in each other's company.

Kites ice creams jumping jumping trampolines now
We're finding fun and childlike wonder in our time spent together.

Waking up and I'll tell you last nights dream
I feel comfortable and safe enough with you to share my innermost thoughts and feelings.

Seeing things that no one else has seen now
Our experiences together feel unique and special to us, and no one else can fully understand or appreciate them.

Your pulling on my heat of silk and strings
You hold a deep and meaningful sway over my feelings and emotions.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEX CONWAN, ALICE RUSSELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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