His live performances saw him support the likes of American Music Club, John Prine, Turin Brakes and rising newcomers Joanna Newsom and Willy Mason. Turin Brakes' Olly Knights has said that Regan's "ability to paint weighty and sublime imagery with words is untouchable and very rare, yet it's combined with a sweet charm that renders all cynicism impotent."
Regan is known to have taken a DIY approach to recording sessions, using analogue equipment and recording in houses, a shed and a barn to try and capture a live sound. In February 2010, Regan released his sophomore effort, the more rock-influenced The Shadow Of An Empire.
Fionn's third studio album 100 Acres of Sycamore was released in August, 2011, to a generally positive response. A lot of reviewers point out a return in terms of themes and style to his debut, with many comparing the tone and use of strings to Nick Drake.
The title track of the album, can be downloaded for free at the website.
http://www.fionnregan.com
Old Folks
Fionn Regan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and I can't make use of all the sense you're making now
I'd like to leave this town without catastrophe
Where the shaking of our hands will hear it's hereditary
it's an old cold street
where old folks teeth shine in the headlamps
'cause the streetlamps over there are far to bright
I'd like to build a house where we could stay
where the drunken winter shivers words from far away
it's an old cold street
where old folks meet out in the moonlight
The first verse of Fionn Regan's Old Folks seems to describe a conversation between two people whose words are strikingly alike. However, the singer is unable to fully comprehend what the other person is saying, "I can't make use of all the sense you're making now". Despite the similarity of their words, there is still some disconnect between them. The singer expresses a desire to leave the town they are in, without causing any chaos or disturbance. But wherever they go or whatever they do, the feeling of tension between these two people seems to be a part of who they are, "Where the shaking of our hands will hear it's hereditary". The imagery of shaking hands being hereditary highlights the idea that their disconnect seems to be passed down to them from their ancestors.
The second verse of the song continues with the theme of wanting to leave, but being unable to because of the surroundings. The singer wants to be under the stars tonight, but he cannot because of the bright streetlamps. He dreams of building a home somewhere else where he can be with the person he is speaking to, where the cold winter cannot touch them. The choice of words is deliberate; the shivering of winter is associated with the drunkards in the cold, harsh streets. However, the singer wants to remove themselves from this scene altogether, "where the drunken winter shivers words from far away". The song speaks of finding a safe haven from the harsh, cold world outside.
Overall, the song seems to suggest that though two people may speak the same language, it does not necessarily mean that they can connect with each other fully. The desire to leave the town and build a home elsewhere away from the coldness of the old streets and the old folks who seem to be stuck in their ways is a yearning for a fresh start.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't get over how our words are similar
I am amazed at how our thoughts and feelings match
and I can't make use of all the sense you're making now
I am unable to comprehend all the wisdom you are presently sharing
I'd like to leave this town without catastrophe
I desire to move away from this place without encountering any negative events
Where the shaking of our hands will hear it's hereditary
Where the physical traits of our family will be evident as we shake hands
it's an old cold street
The location we are currently in is an aged and chilly environment
where old folks teeth shine in the headlamps
Where the older generation's dental work reflects in the glare of car headlights
I can't get underneath the stars tonight
I am unable to gaze at the stars this evening
'cause the streetlamps over there are far too bright
As the lights of the road lamps are too intense
I'd like to build a house where we could stay
I dream to construct a home where our relationship can blossom
where the drunken winter shivers words from far away
Where winter's coldness carries and amplifies the words of inebriated people who are far from us
it's an old cold street
Again, the location where we are is an aged and chilly environment
where old folks meet out in the moonlight
Where elderly individuals come together to enjoy each other's company under the glow of the moon
Contributed by Brooklyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
General Sammy
Lyrics:
You pulled a rainbow from my skull and you said "look at that"
The fire you have within will never dim its climb
I will always run to you run to you upon the ground
On hollow bones
Cormorant bird does not sing things
For days
The cloud pulled its curtain but the light stayed where you sat
In the blackberry bush where the bulbs
Shatter white
I will always run to you
Run to you upon the ground on hollow bones
Cormorant bird does not sing things
For days
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(La la la la)
New boat say nothing
Nothing is no wings
To the melody of our secret cormorant sins
General Sammy
Lyrics:
You pulled a rainbow from my skull and you said "look at that"
The fire you have within will never dim its climb
I will always run to you run to you upon the ground
On hollow bones
Cormorant bird does not sing things
For days
The cloud pulled its curtain but the light stayed where you sat
In the blackberry bush where the bulbs
Shatter white
I will always run to you
Run to you upon the ground on hollow bones
Cormorant bird does not sing things
For days
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(Oh oh)
(La la la la)
New boat say nothing
Nothing is no wings
To the melody of our secret cormorant sins
Lebowski5
I remember picking up "The End of History" at a record store randomly without knowing anything about it and being BLOWN AWAY. I can't wait for this LP in the mail and to see FIONN IN NEW YORK. His ONE and ONLY show in AMERICA!
Donovan
exactly what happened to me. ive been telling people about him ever since haha
Berlyn Grey
I can't believe I only just discovered this song today!! I played it all day its my new special song
bhrisphoria
I get a feeling this is gonna be THE album for Fionn Regan. Combine his sample in 22, A Million and this coming release, and he might finally get the recognition he deserves.
patrick feehan
let's hope so, he's an incredible talent
Doininit
I'm a big fan and I like a lot of the songs on this album, but to be honest as a whole the album is far too shallow. As piece of work it doesn't compare in any shape or form to 100 acres of sycamore which an absolute masterpiece. The first 4 songs are nice and euphoria but everything else is just mmmm. So thats 5 songs...
Роза Коленвалова
Волшебная песня. Продолжайте в том же духе.
Folkwood
Great artist - great album
david asleep
beautiful. . rare poetry in the form of music. . but then the good art/ heart is always that way. .haunting us nightly. . daily. .songs of life. . he knows that fully. . .honesty is rare. . he has it/ sublime sounds here and else where he touches the air with his voice/