Comprising Philip Moore (vocals, guitar), Beth Tacular (accordion, vocals) and Mark Paulson (violin, vocals), their début album, Hymns for a Dark Horse (2007), was released on Burly Time Records, followed by their second album, Upper Air in July 2009 and album number three, The Clearing in March 2012.
Whereas the first two albums were recorded on the quick and the cheap, the songs sounding like "old, familiar campfire anthems sung by a couple clinging to very deep love". For the recording of The Clearing they had more time and better resources, making it a bigger sounding record, with bolder sounds, a broader scope, and more complicated songs. It was more than a third record for Bowerbirds. Between 2009 and 2012, Beth Tacular nearly died after a mysterious illness that put her in the hospital.
Beth and Phil even ended their long relationship but began it again after realizing that, despite their own shortcomings, they didn’t want to be with anyone else. Mostly, though, they returned to their cabin in the woods of North Carolina to nest—to make soup and walk dogs, to make art and write songs, to realize that this was their life and find contentment in it.
From 2012 to 2020, they did not release anything until the release of a string of digital singles in 2020 (they were compiled on Endless Chase: 20 Singles) and a long overdue new studio album, becalmyounglovers, in 2021.
Chimes
Bowerbirds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they echo wildly off the canyon walls
Well, this is wild land humming
These are ancient songs that fill my body
Oh, the light is astounding
Its golden lashes sweep the old growth
Well, this is my joy spiraling
Still with all my faults
I draw my breath from an ancient earth
Oh, the light is astounding
Like the sulfur cloud amongst these stately pines
Well, I can hold my gaze as steady
And in a thousand years we'd verily think the same
Still with all my faults
I draw my breath from an ancient earth
Oh, for what it's worth
I draw my breath from an ancient earth
Bowerbirds' song "Chimes" is a beautiful homage to nature and emphasizes the importance of our connection with the earth. The lyrics are reminiscent of a spiritual awakening, with the chimes and ancient songs symbolizing a deeper sense of awareness within the singer. The first verse highlights the overwhelming beauty of the natural world; the chimes echo off the canyon walls, and the land is described as "wild," indicating its untamed, primal nature. The second verse continues to describe the stunning visuals, as the light cascades through the trees and the singer feels a sense of joy and gratitude simply for existing within this incredible environment.
The third verse ties everything together with the concept of timelessness. The singer notes that, despite their faults as an individual, they draw breath from the same ancient earth that has been around for thousands of years. The sulfur cloud mentioned could be interpreted as a representation of the negative aspects of human influence on the environment, while the stately pines are a symbol of the resilience and endurance of nature. The singer acknowledges that they are small in comparison to the vastness of the earth's history, but they still draw power and inspiration from it. In the final refrain, the singer simply reflects on the fact that they are a part of this ancient earth and that, regardless of their individual struggles or accomplishments, this connection is an invaluable gift.
Overall, "Chimes" by Bowerbirds is a beautiful reflection on the awe-inspiring power of nature and our place within it. The lyrics are poetic and thought-provoking, and the melody evokes a sense of serenity and reverence for the natural world.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the chimes are sounding
The sound of chimes can be heard.
And they echo wildly off the canyon walls
The chimes' sound is bouncing off the walls of the canyon.
Well, this is wild land humming
The land is alive with energy and life.
These are ancient songs that fill my body
The music of nature is awakening a feeling inside the artist.
Oh, the light is astounding
The beauty of the light is overwhelming.
Its golden lashes sweep the old growth
The light is touching and moving through the old forest growth.
Well, this is my joy spiraling
The artist is experiencing joy and elation from witnessing this beauty.
These are my spoils for simply breathing
Being able to experience this beauty is a reward in itself for simply being alive.
Still with all my faults
Despite any flaws or shortcomings, the artist is still present to witness this beauty.
I draw my breath from an ancient earth
The artist recognizes their connection to the long history and age of the earth and its life.
Like the sulfur cloud amongst these stately pines
The artist compares the beauty of the light to a sulfur cloud weaving through the tall trees.
Well, I can hold my gaze as steady
The artist is able to stay focused and appreciative of the beauty before them.
And in a thousand years we'd verily think the same
The artist imagines that even in a millennium, people would still be awestruck by such beauty.
Oh, for what it's worth
Regardless of any external value, the artist recognizes the importance of this experience.
I draw my breath from an ancient earth
The artist reiterates their connection to the long history and age of the earth and its life.
Contributed by Leo E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.