Known for an eclectic style that incorporates elements of folk, country, and indie pop, Andrews began penning her own lyrics in her early teens and began touring at the age of 16. She eventually made her way east to New York City, landing work as a backing singer and session guitarist for many established artists, including Damien Jurado and Jimmy Eat World.
She made her full-length debut in 2016 with her album, Honest Life. Having stated that the bulk of the album's songs were written while she was in Belgium for four months and feeling homesick, Andrews finished writing after arriving home and taking a job bartending at a tavern just outside of Seattle. Establishing a rapport with some of the patrons of the bar, she realized that there were unifying themes in the cycle of life and humanity in the songs she'd been writing. Released by Mama Bird Recording Co. and Loose Music (Europe), 'Honest Life' received widespread acclaim from critics, and Andrews signed with Fat Possum in 2017. The following year, Andrews’ second full-length album, May Your Kindness Remain, was released. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Mark Howard (Lucinda Williams, Bob Dylan), it addressed the theme of empathy within the sociopolitical climate of the day with soulful vocal performances.
In June 2018, Rolling Stone named May Your Kindness Remain as one of the 25 Best Country and American Albums of 2018. In the United Kingdom, The Guardian similarly listed the album as one of the 25 Best Albums of 2018.
Andrews' announced her album 'Old Flowers' will be out June 5 2020 along with the first single, 'If I Told' and follow-up music video for the second single, "Burlap String".
Irene
Courtney Marie Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where your dreams are bound and
I just can't tell
But we both know, Irene
They won't come true at the bottom of a well
Gain some confidence, Irene
If you speak let your voice ring out
But keep your grace, Irene
You are a magnet, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
The heart is funny, Irene
You can't control who it wants to love
So let it love, Irene
Man or woman or anyone it wants
You dream of the north, Irene
Well then that's where you ought to be
You gotta want it, Irene
Don't follow any path halfheartedly
You are a magnet, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
You are a magnet, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
The song "Irene" by Courtney Marie Andrews is a heartfelt conversation between the singer and a person named Irene. As Irene leaves, Marie Andrews wishes her well and acknowledges that she does not know where Irene's dreams will take her. However, the singer warns Irene that her dreams will not come true if she succumbs to negativity, symbolized by the metaphor of a "bottomless well." Marie Andrews advises Irene to speak confidently and to maintain her grace, but also cautions her not to become too self-involved. The singer acknowledges that Irene is a "magnet" that attracts "troublesome things," though she recognizes that the heart is uncontrollable and that we can't help who we love. Finally, Marie Andrews encourages Irene to follow her dreams wholeheartedly and to not let any obstacles prevent her from achieving her goals.
The lyrics of "Irene" are poignant and relatable, touching on themes of self-discovery, love, and perseverance. Marie Andrews' advice to Irene to maintain her grace and confidence in the face of trouble is a reminder to us all to remain positive and hopeful, even in the toughest of times. The metaphor of the "bottomless well" is also significant, representing the negative voices that can hold us back from achieving our dreams. Ultimately, the song is a reminder to follow our hearts and dreams, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Fare well, Irene
Goodbye Irene
Where your dreams are bound and
Where your dreams take you
I just can't tell
I don't know where your dreams will lead you
But we both know, Irene
But we both know that they won't come true at the bottom of a well
They won't come true at the bottom of a well
Your dreams won't come true if you don't take action
Gain some confidence, Irene
Be more confident, Irene
If you speak let your voice ring out
Speak boldly and loudly
But keep your grace, Irene
Don't lose your elegance and poise
Don't go falling in love with yourself
Don't become arrogant or conceited
You are a magnet, Irene
People are attracted to you, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people attract difficult situations
The heart is funny, Irene
Love is unpredictable, Irene
You can't control who it wants to love
You can't always control who you fall in love with
So let it love, Irene
Let your heart love who it wants to love
Man or woman or anyone it wants
Love knows no gender, Irene
You dream of the north, Irene
You have aspirations that lead you north, Irene
Well then that's where you ought to be
You should follow your dreams, Irene
You gotta want it, Irene
You have to really desire it, Irene
Don't follow any path halfheartedly
Don't pursue your dreams with only a little effort
You are a magnet, Irene
People are attracted to you, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people attract difficult situations
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people attract difficult situations
You are a magnet, Irene
People are attracted to you, Irene
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people attract difficult situations
Sometimes good people draw troublesome things
Sometimes good people attract difficult situations
Writer(s): Courtney Andrews
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Northcountry Hermit
Love it!
I just finished watching the Ken Burns Documentary on country music describing the Carter scratch.
As a new guitarist, I'm exiting beginner and moving up a step- rapidly...like, in 6 months!
But I also play 7 other instruments sooo....lol.
;)
I saw your NPR video on
C.S. and laughed when you described "flail"...lmao ...
"Flail"...
So I hunted you down and subscribed to your channel! Cute video...loved it! Irene rocks...who's it based upon? You?
I'm surprised that my technique seems to mimic the C.S. without me actually knowing it! I've moved into alternating bass, with my fingernails providing the downstrum, and my pads on the upstrum...just feels natural. Now to add the melody....lol
THANKS SO MUCH!!
Good luck in your music career! Hope to see you in N.H. sometime! :)
Elaine Lamb
I was given your name by a Friend and told to have a listen to you. I have to be honest, I am listening to all of your music and I LOVE it! I am a radio presenter for New York and Amsterdam stations. I would love to play your music and maybe an interview for a Courtney Marie Andrews 4 hour radio special. x
extremadrummer
I love the song, the melody, your voice...
mario alfredo
great song and wonderful voice..
harry47111
Awesome!! One of my all-time favourites from Courtney :-)
H M
Lovely song <3 I hope it'll be on the radio sometime soon, more people need to hear it :)
Gracie Mae Young
So good... Keep singing❤️
Hayden Lindsey Music
I’m so upset it took me 4 years to find this amazing song and incredible video. What a showcase! We get to see Courtney’s talent and personality all at once. Instant fan.
Ed Schilling
great video and great song. i think at one time or another all of us feel trapped in a situation and wish we could break out like that
Tor Ole Ulleberg
Beautiful song . greetings from Norway - it's on my playlist
Blythe Spirit
Great song - Great singer