With guitar in hand, Craig can turn any setting into an intimate affair, infusing his music and lyrics with an uncompromising humanism rarely seen in today's production-heavy climate.
Craig makes it a point to keep the relationship with his fans personal, inviting and accepting any opportunity to make his audience as much a part of the performance as he is. Don't be surprised if one day you find yourself enjoying one of Craig's renowned shows in the comfort of your own living room.
In 2012, Cardiff was nominated for a Juno Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year: Solo, and for a Canadian Folk Music Award as Contemporary Singer of the Year.
For more information, tour dates, and music, please visit the official Craig Cardiff site.
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Craig Cardiff's Bandcamp page
Rowantree
Craig Cardiff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your eyes should be lead balloons.
A bumblebee flying,
Haven't slept all afternoon.
Let's get you ready for bed,
Read for a while
Until your eyes get heavy
All the badness, all the fright,
We called them and told them not to come around tonight.
(You were) named for the witches, named for the tree,
Named for the one who couldn't be here to meet you.
Let's get you ready for bed,
Read for a while
Until your eyes get heavy
And you drift off into the ocean of the night.
In Craig Cardiff's song "Rowantree," the singer is addressing someone who is having trouble sleeping. The opening lyrics express concern and surprise that the person isn't asleep yet, saying "Your eyes should be lead balloons." The second line describes a bumblebee flying, perhaps as a symbol of restlessness and activity, further emphasizing the contrast between the person's current state and the expected sleepiness.
The singer then tries to help the person get ready for bed, suggesting they read until they become drowsy and fall into the "ocean of the night." The following lines imply that the person may be struggling with some sort of fear or trauma, as the singer talks about keeping away "all the badness" and "all the frights." The references to witches and trees add an eerie, mystical quality to the song, suggesting that there may be deeper, darker influences that the person is fighting against.
Overall, "Rowantree" is a gentle, soothing lullaby that addresses themes of comfort, safety, and protection. It acknowledges the difficulties of falling asleep, but encourages the listener to keep trying and suggests that eventually, they will find peace and rest.
Line by Line Meaning
Why aren't you sleeping?
I notice you're not sleeping. Can I help you with anything?
Your eyes should be lead balloons.
Your eyes should be heavy and shut, indicating peaceful sleep.
A bumblebee flying,
You appear to be restless, like a buzzing bumblebee that can't seem to land.
Haven't slept all afternoon.
It seems like you haven't slept all day, which is causing you to feel exhausted.
Let's get you ready for bed,
I would like to help you relax and prepare for a good night's rest.
Read for a while
Perhaps reading a calming book will help you unwind and ease into sleep.
Until your eyes get heavy
Let's continue to read until you feel your eyes drooping, signaling you're ready to sleep.
And you drift off into the ocean of the night.
Eventually, you will fall into a deep and peaceful sleep, much like floating in an ocean.
All the badness, all the fright,
All the negative emotions and fears we acknowledge and attempt to keep away.
We called them and told them not to come around tonight.
We've made a conscious effort to keep those negative feelings at bay and not let them interfere with your rest.
(You were) named for the witches, named for the tree,
Your name is significant and unique, referencing ancestry and nature.
Named for the one who couldn't be here to meet you.
Your name honors someone special who has passed away and was important to your family.
Contributed by Audrey K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ali Mirjan
nice