At the age of 17 and after eschewing art school in favor of a music degree, Calvi began to learn her trade and started to assemble musical partnerships. In 2006, she met percussionist and harmonium player Mally Harpaz and later recruited drummer Daniel Maiden-Wood. Her initial gigs took place in and around London in late 2008 and 2009. The release of her debut single, "Jezebel," in the fall of 2010 was an electric cover version of the Edith Piaf standard.
The young Calvi soon captured the attention of Domino Records' boss Lawrence Bell after a glowing reference from former Coral guitarist Bill Ryder-Jones, who had witnessed one of Calvi's gigs in Manchester. Bell quickly signed her to his label. Ryder-Jones was not the only celebrity admirer of Calvi's, an acquaintance with the aforementioned Brian Eno similarly urged him to listen to this emerging talent. After hearing Calvi's raw and unplugged performances on The Attic Sessions (the early demos that she recorded on an 8-track in her parent's attic), the distinguished producer soon became her mentor and unofficial cheerleader.
Calvi entered Black Box Studios in France with the much-lauded producer Rob Ellis to record her self-titled debut album in 2010. Using vintage analog equipment, Calvi created a velvet Wall of Sound that justified the hype in the buildup to its 2011 release.
Her second album "One Breath" was released in October 2013. It was produced by John Congleton across two locations - Box Box Studios in France and Elmwood Recording Studios in Texas. The first single taken from the record was "Eliza".
Tristan
Anna Calvi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa)
And I can feel it now
The touch is turning me
Oh it’s closer, closer
Closer calling me
God help you Tristan
When we rise, we rise so high
God help us Tristan
(Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa
Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa)
You’re the one with the armour harm and let it go
Oh I dare you, I dare you now to trust in me
Now if you’re going to do it, do it now
God help you Tristan
As we rise and rise so high
Sunlight, Tristan
(Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa
Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa)
On a wave that takes me out
God help it Tristan
On a wind I’m calling out
God help us Tristan
The song "Tristan" by Anna Calvi is a longing love song that describes the powerful connection between two people. The lyrics of the song are cryptic and poetic, but they suggest that the singer is urging someone named Tristan to take a chance on love. The lyrics are filled with references to rising, touching, and daring to trust, all of which suggest an intense physical and emotional connection between the two people.
The song's chorus is particularly powerful, with the singer calling out to Tristan for help as they both rise higher and higher. The repeated refrain of "Ah ah ahaaaaaaaa" creates a hauntingly beautiful and powerful tone that adds to the song's emotional impact. Overall, it seems clear that the song is about the exhilaration and fear that come with falling in love.
Overall, "Tristan" is a powerful and evocative song that showcases Anna Calvi's skills as a singer and songwriter. The lyrics are rich and poetic, full of images and suggestions that hint at a deeper emotional connection between two people. The song's haunting melody and powerful arrangements only heighten the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
And I can feel it now
The singer is currently experiencing a sensation.
The touch is turning me
The sensation is powerful and transformative.
Oh it’s closer, closer
The source of the sensation is nearing the singer.
Closer calling me
The sensation is urging the artist to respond.
Now if you’re going to do it, do it now
The artist is challenging someone to take action immediately.
God help you Tristan
The singer is acknowledging that the challenge is risky or dangerous.
When we rise, we rise so high
Taking the challenge will lead to great heights or elevated emotions.
God help us Tristan
The artist is admitting that they, too, are at risk when taking the challenge.
You’re the one with the armour harm and let it go
The person being challenged has protected themselves because of previous harm but should let it go to take the risk.
Oh I dare you, I dare you now to trust in me
The artist is daring the person to trust them and take the challenge together.
As we rise and rise so high
The singer is emphasizing that, together, they will experience great heights or elevated emotions.
Sunlight, Tristan
The heightened experience will be bright and positive.
On a wave that takes me out
The singer is describing the sensation as being taken out or overwhelmed by a wave of emotion.
God help it Tristan
The overwhelming sensation may be dangerous or uncontrollable.
On a wind I’m calling out
The singer is describing the sensation as being carried away by a strong force and calling out for help.
God help us Tristan
The artist is acknowledging that both they and the person being challenged may need help navigating the overwhelming sensation.
Contributed by Tristan M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Ambrox90
The cover album remember me "Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love & Hate" by Puddle Of Mudd. But, what matter, two different eyes.. and this is superb.
@blancooos
this could be a siouxsie & the banshees song, Very nice!
@oneusually
For the barman at Hay on Wye's 'Blue Boar' ???