On her website, http://dianecluck.info, she has been releasing brand new songs directly to subscribers in her fan-funded "Song-of-the-Week" project, and she continues to introduce new songs through her live performances.
Stylistically, her voice has been compared to "the broken coo of an outraged owl or howling bark of a horny dove" (Voodoo-Eros). Her songs have been noted for their "irregular, or even cellular, logic" (Other Music). Her self-taught guitar style, influenced by years of playing the piano, has been described by The Village Voice as “brilliant” and “idiosyncratic.” Known for oblique vocal harmonies on recording, Diane’s live show focuses on singing as a healing, textural experience, leaving space in which listeners may wander, ponder or simply be.
Diane’s six home-recorded albums have received international distribution and acclaim; songs from “Oh Vanille / ova nil” (re-released on vinyl in 2010) appeared in the film “Margot at The Wedding” and the U.K. television series “Skins.” She has toured the U.S., U.K. and Europe, and often works with versatile cellist Isabel Castellvi, and cellist Isabel Castellvi. Past collaborators include CocoRosie, Jeffrey Lewis and André Herman Düne. A current generation of songwriters, including Sharon Van Etten, Laura Marling and Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine) have cited Diane’s work as influential
Sara
Diane Cluck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Along the way
Comes to me red, black
With a lot to say
She sit my tail down
Pull the wishbone wide
She ream my head out
Along the way, way, the way
The way, ah, na-na-na-na, ah
She dig my hole, then
She toss me in
Her dirt reign, dark down
My falling skin
Stripped so lonely
I can′t even cry
I lay my head down
Along the way, way, the way
The way, the way
The way, ah, na-na-na-na, ah
Sara
Kali
Ereshkigal
Sara
Sara
Kali
Ereshkigal
Sara
Broad spirit comes back
She lay me out flat
She pin my tail down
Pull the wishbone wide
She ream my head out
Her dirt reign dark down
Can't even cry, oh, oh
Can′t even cry
The song "Sara" by Diane Cluck explores the theme of death and rebirth through references to various mythological figures. The lyrics of the song suggest the presence of a "broad spirit" that comes back and communicates with the singer. This spirit is represented through the use of color imagery, as it is described as "red" and "black." When this spirit appears, the singer sits down and listens as she shares her wisdom. The use of the phrase "pull the wishbone wide" suggests a sense of sacrifice or offering, as though the singer is willing to give up something in order to receive the spirit's guidance.
The second verse of the song takes a darker tone, as the spirit is said to "dig my hole" and "toss me in." This image suggests a type of burial or death, which is reinforced by the line "Her dirt reign, dark down my falling skin." Despite this, the song does not remain in a somber mood, as the references to Sara, Kali, and Ereshkigal point towards a sense of resurrection or rebirth. These three figures are from various mythologies and are known for their associations with death and the underworld. By invoking their names, the song suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for new life and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Broad spirit comes back
The singer's mind is visited by a powerful spirit.
Along the way
It is unclear how the spirit came to visit the singer's mind.
Comes to me red, black
The spirit is vivid and striking in appearance.
With a lot to say
The spirit has messages or lessons it wishes to impart.
She sit my tail down
The spirit forces the artist to sit and pay attention.
Pull the wishbone wide
The spirit makes the singer confront something uncomfortable or uncertain.
She ream my head out
The spirit challenges the singer's thoughts and beliefs.
Along the way, way, the way
The journey the artist is on, whether physical or spiritual, is significant.
The way, the way
Repeating the phrase emphasizes the importance of the journey.
The way, ah, na-na-na-na, ah
The journey is significant enough to be punctuated, but remains mysterious or ambiguous.
She dig my hole, then
The spirit forces the singer to confront their own mortality, or perhaps their own past.
She toss me in
The spirit forces the artist to confront their own vulnerabilities and fears.
Her dirt reign, dark down
The singer feels trapped or overwhelmed by the spirit's influence.
My falling skin
The singer feels exposed or unprotected by the spirit's influence.
Stripped so lonely
The singer feels isolated or disconnected from others, perhaps as a result of the spirit's influence.
I can′t even cry
The artist feels unable to express their emotions, despite feeling overwhelmed by them.
I lay my head down
The artist is exhausted or defeated by the spirit's influence.
Sara Kali Ereshkigal
The singer invokes the names of powerful goddesses from different cultures, perhaps seeking comfort or protection.
Sara Sara Kali Ereshkigal Sara
Repeating the names emphasizes their importance, or the singer's sense of desperation.
She lay me out flat
The spirit has completely overwhelmed the artist's mind and body.
She pin my tail down
The spirit has complete control over the artist, removing their agency or autonomy.
Can't even cry, oh, oh
The artist is still unable to express their emotions, despite the overwhelming influence of the spirit.
Contributed by Aubrey A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stephenotoole6633
This song and the singer have that unmistakable quality of authentic talent: music that is made from spirit and pure intuitive feeling. Poetry never fades because the human soul recognises it instantly; we really know when we are being sold cheap things and lies no matter how pretty the package; so when truth is presented it startles and enriches. Thank you Diane for your lovely piercing music and your truth.
@Nightbrrd
Yes ♥♥♥♥
@lisasloey302
@@Nightbrrd tasty little fairy tale toon should be sang to enrich tales to our Irish youths
@DianeCluckVideo
First official music video--enjoy!
@TheCof6656
Thank you so much for this! I really did enjoy it. So pure! Both, the music and the video. It's so rare to see something so pure in a music video these days. As much as I enjoy watching polished dancers and special effects, this is truly outstanding - it breathes and makes me feel a bit lighter because it's simple and beautiful at the same time.
@collinbeal
One of the most important contemporary folk artists. Diane Cluck and Joanna Newsom are the best! I hope you come to Chicago sometime!
@thebluesman1149
I first met Diane in what was our Senior year at High School. I was convinced to try out for the Spring Musical "Mame". She was an extraordinary person with a giant soul. Uplifting and encouraging to a newb like myself. I only wish I would have gotten involved the productions years earlier. Best experience I had in my HS career.
-- "Uncle Jeff"...
@ChristopherSleeps
earlier today i drank mushroom tea in the woods and thought about how nice it would be to capture what i saw and felt on film ... on the way back home, still drifting between dimensions, i listened to 'oh vanille' and 'black with green leaves' and it was perfect. i made dinner and discovered this video while eating and WOW, you guys actually put on film so many of the things i saw today. so many little beautiful details and movements. i'm so glad this exists:)))))))))
@6sam6lol63
woah i just discovered this while in a deep rabbit hole searching for neo folk music.. i love your voice so much oh my goodness
@lasa737
Pure Beaty... voice, tune and the hands’ dance!!
I think it’s the Sumerian myth of Ereshkigal that went down to the underworld... or the myth of Persephone who was living 6 months down to Adis and 6 months on the upper world!