As a teenager, Barker was known to sing heavy metal and soul covers at high-school assemblies. She first entered the British music scene via the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2002, where she appeared with Rob Jackson, Boo Hewerdine’s guitarist. The success of this performance led them to form a band called the-low-country, in which Barker was the songwriter and front person. They released two albums (the first being in 2003), played numerous alt-country venues and festivals, and enjoyed several plays on John Peel’s show.
2005 saw the birth of Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, consisting of Barker and the all-female trio of Anna Jenkins, Jo Silverston and Gill Sandell who collectively provide backing harmony vocals and who respectively play violin, cello and musical saw, and accordion, piano and flute.
The band’s second studio album, Despite The Snow, was recorded in live sessions in a 16th century barn in Norfolk. Self-released in November 2008 on Emily’s own label Everyone Sang, the album again garnered much praise.
February 2011 saw the release of Almanac. Dear River followed in 2013.
* Official site
Where Have the Sparrows Gone?
Emily Barker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your grandma's gas mask
Hide in the place we played
Where the woods were once
They closed the bridge again
They're not letting us out
Though we told them years ago
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
We're headed north
Which way were you going to go?
I heard there's a truck that leaves
From the Old Kent Road
Wild fire, wild weather
The prophecies came true
We read about them years ago
No one to blame but me and you
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Took too much from the ocean
Took too much from the earth
We took more than we needed to
More than we could return
Ashes in my pocket
I'll scatter them when we stop
He loved to be by water
Down where the waves bow and buck
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Blow the dust off
Your grandma's gas mask
Hide in the place we played
Where the woods were once
They closed the bridge again
They're not letting us out
Though we told them years ago
They didn't listen to us shout
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where have the sparrows gone?
They're where the woods were once
Where the woods were once
Where the woods were once
They're where the woods were once
Where the woods were once
Where the woods were once
In Emily Barker's song "Where Have the Sparrows Gone?", the lyrics paint a picture of a post-apocalyptic world where environmental devastation has taken its toll. The opening line, "Blow the dust off your grandma's gas mask," sets the tone for a bleak and dangerous atmosphere. The singer reminisces about a place they used to play, a place where the woods once stood, which now serves as a hiding spot from the chaos outside.
The bridge being closed represents a restriction on freedom, as the authorities deny the people the chance to escape or find sanctuary. Despite previous attempts to raise awareness and voice their concerns, their pleas were ignored. The repeated question, "Where have the sparrows gone?" serves as a metaphor for the disappearance of the natural world and the avian species that were once abundant. It reflects the loss of biodiversity and the devastating impact of human actions on the environment.
The lyrics hint at a group of people seeking refuge by heading north, possibly in search of a better situation or a safe haven. They mention a truck leaving from the Old Kent Road, suggesting a journey toward salvation. The references to "wild fire" and "wild weather" imply that the prophecies of ecological disaster and climate change have come true.
The song also suggests an acknowledgment of responsibility for the state of the world. Lines such as "No one to blame but me and you" and "Took too much from the ocean, took too much from the earth" convey a sense of regret for the actions of humanity. The lyrics further mention carrying ashes in the pocket, symbolizing the remnants of what was lost, and a desire to scatter them when they find a moment of respite.
Overall, "Where Have the Sparrows Gone?" is a haunting reflection on the consequences of environmental degradation, the loss of nature's beauty, and the urgency for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Blow the dust off
Remove the dust from
Your grandma's gas mask
The protective mask passed down from your grandmother
Hide in the place we played
Conceal ourselves in the location where we used to have fun
Where the woods were once
In the area that was covered by woods in the past
They closed the bridge again
The authorities have closed the bridge once more
They're not letting us out
They're preventing us from leaving
Though we told them years ago
Despite the fact that we informed them years in advance
They didn't listen to us shout
They ignored our loud cries
Where have the sparrows gone?
Where did the sparrows disappear to?
We're headed north
We're moving towards the north direction
Which way were you going to go?
In which direction were you planning to go?
I heard there's a truck that leaves
I heard there's a departing truck
From the Old Kent Road
Originating from the Old Kent Road
Wild fire, wild weather
Uncontrolled fire, extreme weather conditions
The prophecies came true
The predictions became a reality
We read about them years ago
We encountered them in our readings years ago
No one to blame but me and you
There is no one to hold responsible except for ourselves
Took too much from the ocean
We extracted an excessive amount from the ocean
Took too much from the earth
We took an excessive amount from the planet
We took more than we needed to
We took beyond what was necessary
More than we could return
More than we were capable of giving back
Ashes in my pocket
Remains in my pocket
I'll scatter them when we stop
I'll disperse them when we come to a halt
He loved to be by water
He had a fondness for being close to water
Down where the waves bow and buck
In the lower vicinity where the waves bend and surge
They're where the woods were once
The sparrows can be found in the location where the woods used to exist
Where the woods were once
In the place where the woods formerly occupied
Where the woods were once
In the area where the woods previously stood
They're where the woods were once
The sparrows are situated in the place where the woods used to be
Where the woods were once
In the location where the woods formerly existed
Where the woods were once
In the area where the woods previously were
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: EMILY BARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind