Eliza recorded her first full-length effort this winter with Chicago-based engineer Mark Greenberg (Andrew Bird, Wilco, Mavis Staples). It was funded by a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign during her nationwide spring tour, when over $12k were raised (out of a $6k goal). The album is anticipated for release in early 2012, and highlights Eliza's talent for writing string arrangements, and includes contributions from percussionist Kevin O'Donnell (Andrew Bird's 'Bowl of Fire') & bassist Tom V. Ray (Neko Case, Jakob Dylan).
Two stunning music videos were made in 2010 with Mindfruit Films for songs off her toy piano-based EP, 'Gild the Lily' (2009). The first video ("Cinnamon Bone") was completed in the spring, and is a reverse effect, slow motion short film about a young woman reliving her heartbreak through the seasons. All effects for the video were analog only, and this unique concept landed "Cinnamon Bone" a spot at 2011's SXSW Film Festival. A stop-motion video for "Black Rose" was released six months later.
"Eliza's beautifully unusual voice, accompanied only by the unique tones of a toy piano, is mesmerizing ... absolutely exquisite." - Renee Trinca, President, Schoenhut Piano Company
Now and Then
Eliza Rickman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blood, blood is on my hands
And oh, to be loved again
I'd give, give you my best laid plan
Oh, come and dance again
And take, take me by the hand
And oh, come and dream again
'Cos if the road to hell is paved with our intentions
It's a fine, fine, fine way to love
But if the hand you deal is hidden in your back pocket
Don't you dare, dare, dare come around
I found me a bitter man
To give, give me my daily bread
And I'll find, find me a better man
To take, take, take me as I am
'Cos if the road to hell is paved with our intentions
It's a fine, fine, fine way to love
But if the hand you deal is hidden in your back pocket
Don't you dare, dare, dare come around
The lyrics to Eliza Rickman's song "Now and Then" are a reflection on love, loss, and the desire to recapture the innocence and pure joy of youth. The first two lines, "Oh, to be young again / Blood, blood is on my hands," suggest a longing for a time when life was less complicated and feelings of guilt and regret were not yet present. The following line, "And oh, to be loved again / I'd give, give you my best laid plan," emphasizes the desire for connection with another and the willingness to put effort into a relationship.
The chorus warns against the dangers of selfish intention and manipulation in relationships, with the lyrics " 'Cos if the road to hell is paved with our intentions / It's a fine, fine, fine way to love / But if the hand you deal is hidden in your back pocket / Don't you dare, dare, dare come around." The use of the phrase "the road to hell" illustrates the potential for relationships to lead to negative consequences if motives are not pure.
The final verse speaks to the importance of personal growth and finding someone who accepts you for who you are. "I found me a bitter man / To give, give me my daily bread / And I'll find, find me a better man / To take, take, take me as I am."
Overall, "Now and Then" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the importance of being true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, to be young again
Yearning for youth and the recklessness that comes with it
Blood, blood is on my hands
Feeling guilt or responsibility for something bad that has happened
And oh, to be loved again
Craving affection and validation from someone else
I'd give, give you my best laid plan
Willingness to submit oneself to someone else's desires and plans
Oh, come and dance again
Yearning for carefree moments and enjoyment in life
And take, take me by the hand
Desire to be taken care of and guided in life
And oh, come and dream again
Yearning for a sense of hope and possibility
And hold, hold to me now and then
Desire for human connection and the comfort it brings
'Cos if the road to hell is paved with our intentions
Warning of the dangers of blindly following one's desires without considering the consequences
It's a fine, fine, fine way to love
Acknowledgment that love is not always rational or sensible
But if the hand you deal is hidden in your back pocket
Suspicions that someone may have ulterior motives or be dishonest
Don't you dare, dare, dare come around
A warning to stay away from someone who may cause harm
I found me a bitter man
Acknowledgment of a mistake in choosing a partner
To give, give me my daily bread
Settling for someone who can simply provide basic needs and sustenance
And I'll find, find me a better man
Determination to make a change and find a more fulfilling relationship
To take, take, take me as I am
Desire to be accepted and loved for who one truly is
Writer(s): elizabeth ann rickman
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.