Basia Bulat is a Canadian singer-songwriter based in London, Ontario. She r… Read Full Bio ↴Basia Bulat is a Canadian singer-songwriter based in London, Ontario. She released a self-titled Independent EP in 2005. Her debut album, Oh My Darling, was released in 2007. Her second album, Heart Of My Own, released in January 2010. As reviewed in Pitchfork, Feb 8/10, "...but while Bulat's versatility's a selling point, it's her rare, extraordinary voice that makes her a fresh find in the notoriously musty folk-pop bin. Graceful and incandescent, confident but approachable, her alto's the aural equivalent of the perfect party host who makes every guest not only welcome, but certain they're the most important person in the room."

She appeared in the September edition of Now! Magazine. She also appeared on the LOLA 2007 line-up, using her lush instrumental back-ups to accompany her reedy voice. Her first album has been hailed in the Exclaim! monthly newspaper and on several online publications.

Basia was nominated in 2010 for a Polaris Music Prize and nominated in 2011 for a Juno in the Best New Artist category.

The Garden
Basia Bulat Lyrics

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Here
Where the grass is the tallest
Lilacs all done with their blooming
Keeping your eyes closed to see it

Here
In the garden we wanted
In our dream we might not know

Walking through
Minding the old fence
On the edge of an ocean

We won't look back
And if we die, we won't be lost
I won't look back
I know I won't
I know I won't be lost

Even when daylight was shortest
You were still calling me darling
Lilacs were all overgrown then
There in the garden we wanted

In a year or two
If we find ourselves
Walking through
Minding the old fence
There where the grass is the tallest

We won't look back
We won't be lost
We won't look back, and if we don't
We won't be lost

Oh, don't look back
And if you don't, you won't be lost
I won't look back

I know I won't
I know I won't be lost

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Basia Bulat's "The Garden" paint a vivid picture of a serene and idyllic setting. The opening verse sets the scene in a garden where the grass grows tall and the lilacs have finished blooming. The imagery of keeping one's eyes closed to truly see the beauty around them suggests a sense of mindfulness and being present in the moment. The setting is described as a dreamlike place that may not be fully understood, heightening the sense of mystery and wonder.

The garden symbolizes a place of peace and desire, a sanctuary where the singer and their loved one find solace. The mention of an old fence on the edge of an ocean adds a sense of boundary and infinity, capturing the duality of containment and boundlessness that can exist in relationships. The idea of not looking back signifies a commitment to moving forward and embracing what lies ahead, regardless of the uncertainties and challenges that may arise.

As the lyrics progress, the theme of mortality and the impermanence of life emerge. The acknowledgment that even in the darkest times, the singer's beloved still calls them "darling" speaks to the enduring power of love and connection in the face of adversity. The overgrown lilacs symbolize the passage of time and the cycle of growth and decay that is inherent in all living things.

In the final verse, the repetition of the refrain "We won't look back, we won't be lost" reinforces a sense of determination and resilience. The act of not looking back is framed as a way to avoid losing oneself in the past, a reminder to keep moving forward with courage and faith in the unknown future. Ultimately, the song's message is one of hope and reassurance, emphasizing the importance of staying present, embracing change, and navigating life's uncertainties with grace and confidence.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Basia Barbara Josephine Bulat

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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