Forest Sun has regaled audiences around the globe with his wealth of songs and stories, all sung and told with back porch ease and bonhomie. Sun's music has been compared to everyone from Jack Johnson and John Mayer to Van Morrison and Bob Dylan but his unique style is entirely his own.
He's opened for Bonnie Raitt, The Beach Boys, Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne, Keb Mo and Brett Dennen among others and collaborations on his many records include the likes of such musical luminaries as Jolie Holland, Sean Hayes, ALO, Hot Buttered Rum to name a few.
In 2007 he was awarded 1st place in the Pacific Song Writing Competition with Drops in the Ocean, and in 2009 his song Gurus and Rockstars from the album Harlequin Goodnight was nominated for best song in the Just Plain Folks Awards.
His music provided soundtracks for Land of Saints, A Common Thread, and 5th Symphony Document.
Forest Sun has been featured on KFOG Local Scene Vol. 1 and 3 and the Japanese compilations Surf Time vol. 1 and 2.
As well as producing his own records, (Not Afraid, Plenty, For the Story, Walk through Walls, So Nice, Harlequin Goodnight and the 2010 release of the children's record, Just for Fun) Forest Sun has produced Minneapolis song-writer Alex Goldfarb, the benefit CDs Songs for Laura Vol 1 and 2 and hosted the monthly Songbird Series at the Bazaar Cafe and Songbird Radio on KWMR.
Acoustically, he tours with Ingrid Serban singing harmonies and the full band includes David Phillips on lap steel, Steve Adams from ALO on bass and Michael Messer on drums.
It's one of those album closers that's enough to make you play the whole thing through again. 'Harlequin Goodnight' is altogether a quiet joy in a raucous world.
John Davy - No Depression
"Forest Sun is now my favorite new singer-songwriter... his songs are jaunty, timeless and spirit raising, even life-affirming." Mac McDonald, Monterey Herarld
“... alt country, folk-rock jams, creating a hodgepodge of comparisons that ranged from Jack Johnson to Ryan Adams to David Gray. ...even into Bob Dylan territory ... a daunting place to tread, but pulled off with the grace of a musical veteran”
Jessica Small, Santa Barbara Independent
"... a toe tapping adventure" Matt Kramer, Pacific Sun
"Music for for bright sunny days and warm nights. For getting it on and having a ball, for dancing naked in your kitchen." CD Baby
Not Afraid
Forest Sun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To let my love blossom
Though at times I may stray
At times I've forgotten
Through the long cold winter days
Love's seed has lain still
The sun's feeble rays
I will not be afraid
To let my love bloom
What once kept me safe
Now encloses like a tomb
When the first days of spring
Break the song from my heart
With the birds I will sing
I'm ready to start
I will not be afraid
To let my love blossom
Though my bed be a grave
And I sink to the bottom
Love's roots will find their way
More tenacious than earth or stone
They'll wrap themselves around your heart
Slip like a secret into your bones
Sun, water, air and soil
These things will make me grow
But no matter how I toil
Seems only love can make me whole
Sweet fragrance of a flower
this too small fade
But love, love it is the power
So I'll not be afraid
I'll not be afraid to let my love blossom
I shall not be afraid to let my love bloom
I will not be afraid
I need not be afraid
I am not afraid
I am not afraid
Not afraid
In Forest Sun's song "Not Afraid," the singer proclaims that he will not be afraid to let his love grow, even though he may have faltered in the past. He uses the imagery of the long winter days to represent a time where love has lain still and dormant, waiting for the first signs of spring to emerge. Even though he may have once relied on something else to keep him safe, he realizes that he now wants to embrace the power of love, and is ready to start anew.
The singer acknowledges that love's roots are stronger than anything else, and they have the ability to wrap around your heart and slip into your bones. He compares the process of growth to that of a flower, which may fade over time, but love's power will never diminish. The song is ultimately about embracing vulnerability in love, and being open to its transformative possibilities.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was featured in episode 6 of the first season of the Netflix series "Outer Banks." Additionally, the song has been licensed for use in various films, commercials, and TV shows. Forest Sun, the singer-songwriter behind the track, has released multiple albums and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe.
Line by Line Meaning
I will not be afraid
I am determined to not let fear hold me back
To let my love blossom
To express my love and let it flourish
Though at times I may stray
Despite the moments I may lose my way
At times I've forgotten
There have been occasions I've lost sight of what's important
Through the long cold winter days
During the difficult times when love seems dormant
Love's seed has lain still
The potential for love has been lying dormant
The sun's feeble rays
Even with the little warmth that's present
Warm not this chill
It's not enough to melt this icy feeling
To let my love bloom
To allow my love to grow and flourish
What once kept me safe
The things that used to make me feel secure
Now encloses like a tomb
Are now imprisoning me within their grasp
When the first days of spring
As the first moments of new beginnings arrive
Break the song from my heart
Allow the music of my heart to sing freely
With the birds I will sing
I'll sing alongside the birds, full of joy
I'm ready to start
I'm eager and excited to begin anew
Though my bed be a grave
Even if my life ends and I'm buried
And I sink to the bottom
Descend deeper and deeper
Love's roots will find their way
Love's connection will continue to grow and thrive
More tenacious than earth or stone
Stronger and more unrelenting than any obstacle
They'll wrap themselves around your heart
They will encircle and embrace one's heart with love
Slip like a secret into your bones
Penetrate deeply and become a part of one's being
Sun, water, air and soil
The elements that sustain life
These things will make me grow
I will continue to develop and expand
But no matter how I toil
Even with great effort and hard work
Seems only love can make me whole
Love is what will truly make me feel complete
Sweet fragrance of a flower
The temporary, fleeting scent of a blossom
This too small fade
Will eventually dissipate and disappear
But love, love it is the power
Love is eternal and all-encompassing
So I'll not be afraid
So I choose not to let fear get in the way
I'll not be afraid to let my love blossom
I'm unafraid to let my love grow and thrive
I shall not be afraid to let my love bloom
I will not let fear prevent me from expressing love
I need not be afraid
There is no reason for me to be scared
I am not afraid
I am bold and fearless in my love
Not afraid
Fear has no hold on me
Lyrics © FOREST SUN MUSIC
Written by: Forest Sun
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind