The Cocteau Twins were signed to Ivo Watts Russel's record label 4AD and Fraser found herself contributing to Russel's 'supergroup' This Mortal Coil which showcased the talents of his stable. Her most notable performance was probably on Song to the Siren; a beautifully haunting cover of the Tim Buckley song which enjoyed a considerable covert success in the late '80s.
Fraser has also recorded with Ian McCulloch (of Echo and the Bunnymen) and Massive Attack as well as featuring on the soundtrack to The Lord of Rings movie trilogy.
Kala
Elizabeth Fraser Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here on this sleeper train
And do you feel the pain
Growing into the night, Mary
And I can feel the taste
Of your birthday cake
Remember how it was
It wasnt there
The summer lights around
I wasnt there
His hand upon my knees
And were gone
Across the sunny streets
And were gone
The day you died, Mary
And we go faster now
Together throught the fields
Here on this sleeper train
And I can touch your face, Mary.
The precious things weve done
Hidden under my skin
I let you sleep a while
I leet you sleep
A while, Mary.
It was there
The summer lights around
I was there
His hand upon my knees
And were gone
Across the sunny streets.
And were gone
The day you died, Mary
The song Kala by Elizabeth Fraser is a heartfelt and emotional tribute to a loved one who has passed away. The lyrics seem to be addressed to a dear friend or family member named Mary. The song opens with a question, "do you recognize me?", and then goes on to describe being on a sleeper train, night falling, and feeling the pain of losing Mary. Fraser reminisces about sharing birthday cake with Mary and holding her in her arms. The refrain, "It was there/The summer lights around/I was there/His hand upon my knees/And were gone/Across the sunny streets," is a beautiful and haunting reminder of the memories we create and the people we share them with.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Mary has passed away, and Fraser is reflecting on their time together. She talks about how they move faster now, together through the fields, on the sleeper train, and how she can touch Mary's face. The "precious things we've done" are now "hidden under my skin," and Fraser lets Mary sleep for a while, perhaps indicating that the pain of loss is too much to bear at times. The last refrain, "And were gone/The day you died, Mary," is a poignant reminder that life is short and fleeting, and we should cherish the time we have with those we love.
Overall, Kala is a beautiful, moving tribute to a lost loved one. The lyrics offer a sense of comfort and hope in the face of grief, reminding us that even though our loved ones may be gone, their memory lives on within us.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you recognize me
Asking if the person remembers and knows her
Here on this sleeper train
Referring to the place they are in
And do you feel the pain
Asking if the person feels the same pain and sorrow she does
Growing into the night, Mary
Describing how the pain and sorrow intensifies with each passing moment
And I can feel the taste
Suggesting that the memories are still fresh and vivid
Of your birthday cake
Recalling a particular moment in time
Remember how it was
Asking the person to recall a past event
To hold you into my arms, Mary.
Reminiscing on holding her in her arms in the past
It wasnt there
Revealing an absence
The summer lights around
A descriptive element from the past
I wasnt there
Admitting to not being present during an event
His hand upon my knees
Suggesting intimacy or touch
And were gone
Expressing the idea of something fleeting, passing or leaving
Across the sunny streets
Describing the scenery that accompanied the passing of something
And were gone
Re-emphasizing the transient nature of things
The day you died, Mary
Referencing a very traumatic event
And we go faster now
Describing a sense of urgency or desire to move on
Together through the fields
Imagining a journey together
Here on this sleeper train
Identifying the current mode of transportation
And I can touch your face, Mary.
A moment of intimacy or closeness with the one who is gone
The precious things weve done
Referring to a past shared experience and memories
Hidden under my skin
A metaphor for how the memories are internalized and never disappear
I let you sleep a while
A sense of letting go or giving space
I let you sleep
A decision to allow rest
A while, Mary.
A personal and intimate statement to the one who is gone
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRASER, TIERSEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@supercare1
I met this wonderful person after a Massive Attack show at the Roseland New York in 2006, what a truly wonderful and humble person. As were all of the band especially Angelo Bruschini who I met in Bristol along with Damon Reece, long live the Coronation Tap!
@keithwillb5691
I’ve recorded in many recording studios for lots of people. It’s serious work. I love that Elizabeth has her 'game face' on. She’s giving the 'client' her best . What a pro. An added bonus is ...it’s beautiful.
@kkd1969
it's been 28 years now since i fell in love with her + still i adore elizabeth fraser.. this is sublime...
@gojump7
Liz Fraser adds her angelic magic to every project she is part of!
@joellyshooshoo
Liz!!! In all her glory <33 so lovely seeing her in the studio
@oxigenareacreierelor
yann tiersen and liz together..perfect ! just perfect..
@themysticmuse1111
Elizabeth,I'm so in love with your soul....
@reichel09
I don't know why his songs make me cry always, he has such a great power!
@orenatz
Her voice is still fresh and delight..
@sparktako
pure beauty in this song