Deaf Joe writes folk songs that are sometimes romantic, sometimes dreamlike and always cathartic. An incessant writer and performer he also scores for contemporary dance and theatre productions. He plays live with fellow Irish artist Katie Kim from time to time.
"Muted, coiling and graceful, Burrowings is the debut album by folk-abstractionist Deaf Joe. A combination of acoustics, waltzing blues and ambient stretches, the album is both hypnagogic while rooted in familiar terrain..."
- State.ie
"Joe emerges pearl-like from his shell. Sublime songs and divine inspiration; a potent mix." - Donal Dineen, Today FM
'Hands down my most favourite and most listened to track this year...' - stranded.ie on 'Joanna'
'The owner of a gorgeous voice, the multi-instrumentalist creates beautiful soundscapes and is a fantastic live performer...' - 2UIBestow & Swear I'm Not Paul Irish blogs 'Irish Sound of 2011'
"Joe's vocal hits the spot while a widescreen soundtrack punches you in the gut." - Hot Press
Joanna
Deaf Joe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A given right that's not in doubt
Joanna says "Just open up.. you never know what could become.."
But I've been feeling sleepy-eyed
And with an ever-growing smile
And on and on she starts to roll
Wilder plans begin to sprout
As deeper still the frowns bite
Come here and take a breath
Come and rest your pretty head
A selfish one I must admit
But it's a city state of mind
The only way for number one
With blinkers on at shoulder height
Because it saves a lot of heart
From getting lost out in the dark
Deaf Joe's song Joanna is a tale of conflict between the singer's rationality and the whims of a woman named Joanna. The lyrics suggest that despite feeling sleepy-eyed, the singer is swept up in Joanna's infectious energy and is caught up in her plans which begin to sprout. Joanna tells the singer to "just open up... you never know what could become," suggesting to embrace life to the fullest while you can. Nonetheless, the singer can sense Joanna's wild plans coming and acknowledges that it will bring deep frowns to their life. The chorus, "Come here and take a breath, come and rest your pretty head" suggests that Joanna is providing a break from the mundane, a fun-loving person that shows the singer an exciting life outside their comfort zone.
The second verse seems to describe a more selfish desire of the singer, with the lyrics "it's a city state of mind, The only way for number one." There is an allusion to the excessive nature of a city where self-preservation is essential to survive depicted by the metaphors of wearing blinkers at shoulder height, saving oneself from getting lost out in the dark. It's a reminder to the singer that self-care is essential and not a luxury to vigorously pursue one's dreams. Perhaps Joanna represents the singer's inner desire to let go and have fun while the singer acknowledges that a balance between self-care and living in the moment is needed to keep one's life on track.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not a matter for the courts
This situation does not require legal intervention
A given right that's not in doubt
The right involved in this situation is unquestionable
Joanna says "Just open up.. you never know what could become.."
Joanna encourages taking risks and being open to unpredictable possibilities
But I've been feeling sleepy-eyed
I'm tired and feeling a lack of motivation
And with an ever-growing smile
Despite my fatigue, I am happy and optimistic
And on and on she starts to roll
Joanna continues to speak excitedly and enthusiastically
And waves her arms out ever wide
Her gestures become more dramatic and expressive
Wilder plans begin to sprout
Joanna's ideas become more bold and adventurous
As deeper still the frowns bite
Despite initial resistance, Joanna's ideas start to take hold and gain support
Come here and take a breath
Take a moment to relax and regroup
Come and rest your pretty head
Find some peace and tranquility
A selfish one I must admit
My next action is self-serving
But it's a city state of mind
This decision is characteristic of living in a busy, competitive urban environment
The only way for number one
Looking out for oneself is the most important priority
With blinkers on at shoulder height
Ignoring outside distractions while remaining alert to immediate surroundings
Because it saves a lot of heart
Being self-focused can protect one from emotional heartache and disappointment
From getting lost out in the dark
Avoiding the unknown and uncertain to stay emotionally safe
Contributed by Callie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.