With a childhood spent on the move, as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon when she was in her early teens, Diane Birch absorbed a unique and very cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music and makes a simple categorization of it impossible.
Trained as a classical pianist using Suzuki methodology (playing by ear at a young age following Suzuki's theory of language acquisition, where a child learns to speak before learning to read), Diane rapidly moved away from any confines of tradition, cultivating a very individual style and composing her own material. With an obvious abundance of talent and a passion for performing, it wasn't long before she realized that if she wanted to pursue a career in music she would probably be better served in Los Angeles, where both the film and record industries could be explored.
Working by day, making ends meet playing piano in up-scale hotels and bars, and then by night performing her own material in muso joints across the city, Diane rapidly attracted the attention of Hollywood's 'great and good', and before long the invitations had started to pour in to 'jam with Prince and his band at his house', 'write a piece of music for a movie' or 'perform for various top studio executives'. And as this started to unfold and her desire to communicate with her audiences grew even stronger, Diane discovered that not only did she have a strong feel for melody and musical composition, but also that she had a natural ability to capture her stories in words, and a voice to carry them.
As the buzz grew, even more opportunities began to present themselves to Diane, one of which was an invitation to come to England to focus in earnest on her career as a singer-songwriter, where very quickly she acquired a global publishing deal with EMI and started to garner rave reviews for her performances. Of one of the first of these, the UK's industry bible, Music Week, said "Diane has a voice and songwriting ability that will connect with truly global audiences."
Before long, Diane had been signed by Steve Greenberg's S-Curve Records and had returned Stateside, to New York, where she completed her debut album, 'Bible Belt' (2009), on which all tracks are composed by Diane.
An EP of covers "The Velveteen Age" was released in 2010 with backing from "[artistThe ]Phenomenal Handclap Band".
www.dianebirch.com
Ariel
Diane Birch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tryin' to free the bird inside this cage
I got news today that you're gonna go see the great wall of China
I guess I'll see all the pictures on your page
No, I can't tell the reason from the riddle and the rhyme
I can't see the feelin's on your mind
You know it feels like we're only living under the same sky
Do you hear me callin' Ariel?
Am I a fool to think I know you well?
Do we see the same stars Ariel?
Cause sometimes baby those green eyes just don't tell
I've been cryin' on the pillow where you lie
For the past, for the future and everything in between
Oh, does it hurt more to lose you or hurt more to love you baby?
Or does it hurt more to look at you on my screen?
Do you hear me callin' Ariel?
Am I a fool to think I know you well?
Do we see the same stars Ariel?
Cause sometimes baby those green eyes just don't tell
Are you gonna leave me lonely?
Talkin' to myself again
Lookin' out on New York City
Do you hear me callin' Ariel?
Am I a fool to think I know you well?
Do we see the same stars Ariel?
Cause sometimes baby those green eyes just don't tell
Oh, no, no, no
Do you hear me callin' Ariel?
Am I a fool to think I know you well?
Do we see the same stars Ariel?
Cause sometimes baby those green eyes they just don't tell
No, they just don't tell, oh
The lyrics of "Ariel" by Diane Birch seem to express the feelings of someone who is struggling to understand the person they love. The singer seems to be trying to find a different way of feeling alive, but feels trapped and unable to express themselves freely. They hear about their loved one's plans to see the Great Wall of China, but can only experience it vicariously through pictures. The verses carry a sense of melancholy and uncertainty, with the singer speaking about their struggles to make sense of what's happening in their relationship. They question whether they truly know their loved one, and whether they share the same hopes and desires for the future.
The chorus of the song repeats the singer's desperate call to their loved one, asking if they hear them and questioning whether they truly know them. The lyrics suggest that the singer is feeling lonely and disconnected, unable to bridge the gap between themselves and their loved one. They express a sense of frustration and confusion, searching for clarity amidst their emotions.
Overall, Diane Birch's "Ariel" is a song about the complexities of love and the struggles of navigating a relationship. The lyrics express a range of emotions, from longing and hope to fear and uncertainty, and suggest the difficulty of truly knowing and understanding another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Lookin' round for a different high in the land of the living
Searching for a new way to feel alive in this world
Tryin' to free the bird inside this cage
Attempting to release the trapped and confined parts of oneself
I got news today that you're gonna go see the great wall of China
I was informed about your plan to visit China's great wall
I guess I'll see all the pictures on your page
Assuming that I will only view the trip through your social media posts
No, I can't tell the reason from the riddle and the rhyme
Not able to decipher the true meaning behind your words and actions
I can't see the feelin's on your mind
Unable to perceive the thoughts and emotions that happen within you
You know it feels like we're only living under the same sky
It seems as if we are only existing in the same physical world
When the clock strikes eleven fifty nine
Just before a moment of change or transition occurs
Do you hear me callin' Ariel?
Are you able to understand the message I am conveying, Ariel?
Am I a fool to think I know you well?
Is it foolish to believe that I understand you completely?
Do we see the same stars Ariel?
Are our views and perspectives aligned, Ariel?
Cause sometimes baby those green eyes just don't tell
Because sometimes, despite looking closely into someone's eyes, we aren't able to see what they truly feel
I've been cryin' on the pillow where you lie
I've shed tears on the pillow that you've been near to
For the past, for the future and everything in between
For every possible moment, thought, and feeling that I've experienced with you
Oh, does it hurt more to lose you or hurt more to love you baby?
I'm not sure whether it hurts more to lose you or to endure the pain of loving you
Or does it hurt more to look at you on my screen?
Perhaps it's more painful to see you only through a digital device
Are you gonna leave me lonely?
Will you abandon me and leave me feeling alone?
Talkin' to myself again
Speaking to myself and wondering where things went wrong
Lookin' out on New York City
Observing the city around me and reflecting on my life
Oh, no, no, no
Expressing disappointment or sadness with the current situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DIANE BIRCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ILoveWomensVoices
Agreed - her album is a joy, filled with wonderfully crafted and sung tunes. They grab you immediately and don't let go. I've listened to the whole album daily for the last two weeks and my love for her music still grows.
@jorgeteransejas50
Her album is great, her voice meets my soul and, this song is one of my favorties.
@Ratseno
I agree with all the critics. Her voice gives my soul a sense of peace. Her songs make me "Believe" again in music and what music is really meant for....to evoke emotions and connect with the soul. Boy, I could have a glass of red wine and listen to her album all night. What a wonderful story teller! Oh, by the way....she is so damn cute with her doe-eyes and fragile frame.
@steveunderdahl8929
can't adequately describe how much I like this song! Fantastic! I hear an Elton John influence here.
@deeegol
And a bit of Neil Young too ❤
@oscararmandopinochi4729
Great Voice, lovely songs, Great Artist!!!
@Sarah9624
Woh? Is this song a year old, what a shame she dindn't get more famous!
@kurt11110
great elton john style early piano style, great lyrics, fantastic voice. i wonder if she can keep the momentum going and she becomes a big star.
@silviasaintgold
Beautiful! <3
@nasserdubauree2630
Beautiful Song... Great voice... and to think I got the opportunity to talk and share a sit on a London Bus just recently. Big Ups D.Birch Strength and Success on your career and Life, Until next time...Tah Tah...