On her MAXJAZZ debut, Don't Take Your Time, Erin performed her personal take on tunes from the Great American Songbook, pop classics, and her first original song, "Don't Take Your Time." On her new album Over and Over, she adds more original songs and arrangements, further developing her own unique sensibility.
The Erin Bode Group have performed nationwide at venues such as Blues Alley in Washington D.C., Zanzibar Blue in Philadelphia, and at Sweet Rhythm in New York. They have also been in Europe twice, touring in Italy.
They have also opened for legendary Supremes' singer, Mary Wilson; for Michael Buble at St. Louis' newest premiere venue The Pageant; with Macy Gray on the steps of the Gateway Arch; and for Jamie Cullum at the Sheldon Concert Hall.
In late 2006, they traveled to South Africa to work with the Themba Girls' School Choir. Most recently, Erin performed with Garrison Keillor on A Prairie Home Companion at the Fabulous Fox.
The Little Garden
Erin Bode Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Starting with a cool drop, and ending with a full sop
If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground
If a little rain falls down
I don't need a fortune, to build a little garden
You don't need an orchid, to garner my affection
If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground
If a little rain falls down
And I remember all of the wonder in your eyes
And I surrender, surrender to no one, no one tonight
Where your imagination, always riding shotgun
Keeping you away from the crowds and the crimes
But this is not a question of simple isolation
This is not an old story of wrongs and rights
If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground
If a little rain falls down
And I remember all of the wonder in your eyes
And I surrender, surrender to no one, no one tonight
And I remember all of the thunder in the sky
And I surrender, surrender to no one, no one tonight
If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground
If a little rain falls down
The lyrics of Erin Bode's song, "The Little Garden" can be interpreted in a number of ways. On the surface, the song seems to be about the beauty of nature and the simple joys of life. The garden can be seen as a metaphor for love, and the rain as a metaphor for the challenges that come along with it. Despite the obstacles, the singer is willing to weather the storm and remain committed to the one they love.
However, there is a deeper layer to the song that speaks to the idea of isolation and the need for connection. The line "Where your imagination, always riding shotgun/Keeping you away from the crowds and the crimes" suggests a desire to escape the chaos of everyday life and find solace in a small, private space. The garden becomes a symbol of this space, where the singer can retreat and be alone with their thoughts.
The repeated refrain of "If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground" emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Life is not always easy, but if you have the strength to weather the storm, you can come out on the other side stronger and more grateful for the little things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
If a little rain falls, this'll be a long walk
If there are difficulties, the task ahead will be long and arduous.
Starting with a cool drop, and ending with a full sop
The initial challenges are minor, but will escalate to become much larger problems.
If a little rain falls down, and you can hold your ground
If you can remain steadfast during difficult times, then that strength will be rewarded.
I don't need a fortune, to build a little garden
Small things can bring just as much joy as big things.
You don't need an orchid, to garner my affection
You don't need to do anything grand to earn my love and affection.
And I remember all of the wonder in your eyes
I recall the feeling of amazement and awe that your presence used to inspire in me.
And I surrender, surrender to no one, no one tonight
I won't give up or let anyone else control me, not tonight nor any other night.
Where your imagination, always riding shotgun
Your imagination is always present and guiding you, just like a passenger in the front seat rides shotgun.
Keeping you away from the crowds and the crimes
Imagination can act as a shield or refuge, protecting you from the dangers of society.
But this is not a question of simple isolation
This isn't about becoming isolated or cut off from others as a result of pursuing imagination.
This is not an old story of wrongs and rights
This story isn't about what's right or wrong, but rather about taking risks and following your heart.
And I remember all of the thunder in the sky
I recall the loud and powerful sound of thunder that used to rattle the sky and our emotions.
Contributed by Isabella P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.