Watin was released November 4, 2022. Named for his grandfather's first name, the album features several recordings of his grandfather, recorded in phone conversations during the pandemic, as spoken interludes. The album was preceded by the single "Nomads", which reached #1 on the CBC Music Top 20 and charted on the Canadian rock radio airplay charts, reaching #1 on the Alternative Rock chart in March 2023 and becoming the first indigenous Canadian artist ever to top that chart.
CBC Music named Watin as one of the 22 best Canadian albums of 2022, and "Nomads" as one of the ten best Canadian songs of the year. Aysanabee was a Juno Award nominee for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year for Watin at the Juno Awards of 2023. Watin was shortlisted for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize.
Nomads
Aysanabee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where do we go from here?
Grandfather did we flip the script?
Sure...
Grandfather I think we′ve flipped the script
I'm sure...
Chasing all those different mirrors
I was gone all these years
Running from invisible fears
"Sometime they used to beat the drum for an hour
Steady, until our dead people come to us"
I was gone all those years
Figuring you′d always be here
I was gone all these years
While you slowly disappeared
Oh that blinding light
Oh What a burning sight
Oh your guiding light
What if I'm afraid of the
Coming night?
"They ask what we were doing,
All that, and to be good...
And they were with us.
They were with us all the time.
And they quit that once the old people died"
I was gone all those years
While you waited here
I was gone all those years
Now i'm here, watch us reappear
Oh that blinding light
Oh what a turning tide
Oh your guiding light
Know that you′ve passed the fire
"What′s your name they told me. Watin, Watin... what's your name."
The lyrics of Aysanabee's song "Nomads" talk about the concept of displacement and a longing for a sense of belonging. The song starts with a question that seems to come from a place of uncertainty and confusion: "Where do we go from here?" A reference to the feeling of being lost and without direction. The next line "Grandfather did we flip the script?" suggests a shift or change that has occurred, which is then confirmed in the repetition of the line "Grandfather I think we've flipped the script, I'm sure...". It's as if the singer is acknowledging that something has changed and they are not entirely sure how to move forward.
In the verses, the lyrics talk about the singer's absence from their community, chasing after different things but eventually returning to find that things have changed. They express regret for this absence and the feeling of being disconnected from the traditions, values, and beliefs of their people. The reference to the drum being played until dead people come is a poignant reminder of the importance of tradition and honoring the dead in the community. The lyrics also suggest that the younger generation might not be as committed to these values as the older generation was.
The chorus talks about a blinding light and burning sight, which could be a metaphor for the uncertainty and danger of the present moment. But the singer has faith in their guiding light and is willing to face the coming night, even if they are afraid. The closing line "Watin, Watin... what's your name" is a reminder that the song speaks for a particular community and culture, and the singer is proud of who they are and where they come from.
Line by Line Meaning
Where do we go from here?
Asking what the next step is
Grandfather did we flip the script?
Asking if things have changed
Grandfather I think we've flipped the script
Realizing things have changed
I was gone all these years
Being absent for a period of time
Chasing all those different mirrors
Trying to find oneself in various ways
Running from invisible fears
Avoiding intangible things that scare you
"Sometime they used to beat the drum for an hour Steady, until our dead people come to us"
Referring to a traditional ceremony
Figuring you'd always be here
Assuming someone will always be around
While you slowly disappeared
Realizing someone is gone
Oh that blinding light
A bright, overwhelming moment
Oh What a burning sight
A striking scene that evokes intense emotion
Oh your guiding light
A metaphorical force that gives direction
What if I'm afraid of the Coming night?
Questioning fear of the unknown
"They ask what we were doing, All that, and to be good... And they were with us. They were with us all the time. And they quit that once the old people died"
Reflecting on the past and how traditions have changed
While you waited here
Someone else stayed in the same place
Now I'm here, watch us reappear
Acknowledging the present
Oh what a turning tide
A dramatic shift in events
Know that you've passed the fire
Overcoming a difficult challenge
"What's your name they told me. Watin, Watin... what's your name."
A conversation where someone is trying to verify the other's identity
Writer(s): Evan Pang
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-nj6ve2qq8w
I need your strength. My years were wasted and lost or not? Indigenous veterans exist. You give me breath. I’m just another statistic but now I have a voice through you. My voice at 17 was brainwashed, for Queen and Country.
@adampatterson
Stumbled across Aysanabee today and I'm glad I did!
@klausmey9976
Powerful songs. Sad and upsetting Canadian history. Saw you at Squamish Nation amalgamation celebration. Thank you for a wonderful concert.
@limabravo0001
Heard this on Vancouver's 102.7 FM The Peak. Added to my Spotify. Great track.
@maik4946
I never heard the word "grandfather" said so incredibly.
This is a song that the ears of my soul can hear
not just my ears.
....deep deep lol.
My grandfather died before I knew him....thank you for sharing the beautiful relationship with yours
@cobycolbertson
I’ve played this track at least 100 times … & I still can’t hold back the tears.
So powerful & I love it.
@kristypetzschler7993
I love your grandfather
And I loved his daughter
He must be so proud of you
This is amazing
Your music is amazing
Congratulations
@johnharvey653
Heard it first on Indie88...What a great song
@Yellow930
I can’t believe how amazing this song is…We needed an artist as yourself!!! Migwhich brother!!!!!
@cindylynnsawula9717
Caught a short clip on Global Edmonton news this morning. 5 seconds of hearing your voice and I was hooked!
Awesome, love it. Don’t stop 👍