Quinlan was raised North New Jersey and Quakertown, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, and was an active reader in their youth. They began songwriting as a teenager with their brother, Andrew, who introduced them to women musicians including Ani DiFranco, Fiona Apple, and Lauryn Hill. In the mid-2000s, Quinlan began a solo acoustic project in college at Maryland Institute College of Art. They used digital audio workstation software to record Songs of the Sea, an EP that introduced them to Long Island. They credit the suburbs' DIY punk community with affirming their confidence and place in the industry.
Quinlan recorded their first solo album, Freshman Year, under the name Hop Along, Queen Ansleis, in 2005, between their freshman and sophomore years. They distributed the album on burned CDs. After graduation, another brother, Mark, joined them on drums as they continued the project, which was renamed Hop Along. Quinlan is a guitarist and lead singer in the indie rock band. Hop Along's 2015 studio album Painted Shut was widely praised by critics for its "immediacy and emotional depth", led by Quinlan's voice. They lived in Philadelphia in the mid-2010s, where they wrote the lyrics of the band's next album, Bark Your Head Off Dog.
Likewise, their first eponymous solo album, was recorded with Hop Along bandmate Joe Reinhart and expands beyond the indie guitar sound adding strings, autoharp, and synthesizers. Quinlan also created the album's cover art. The album was released by Saddle Creek Records on January 31, 2020.
Lean
Frances Quinlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A tiny face up on the balcony
Of a capuchin- huh, I wonder what happened
After the fed up remaining staff
All stormed in
Was she, free of a master
Released?
Or handed to a kinder custodian
Nonetheless,
Upon the sight of her your group sped off
Leaving behind a doomed lord
Looking down from the top
Jessie, I still can't stand hearing the truth
Let's have one more about other countries
I know you have to get up early
But it's what I need
Wish I could have caught
The expression of the captain upon
Waiting for the ship hand with whom he
(Through email) corresponded
Only to see you pull the truck door
Open, and
Reach out to shake his hand
Jessie, can I crash here with you tonight?
Although my contribution's been lean
Woman, love follows where you've been
Your legs can take it just a few more times
I know it isn't fair
Stories struggle for air
And I need yours more than ever
I need yours more than ever
Climb one more mountain for me, woman
In Frances Quinlan's song "Lean," the lyrics delve into various vignettes that explore themes of freedom, connection, and longing. The song begins with the line "Leeza, show them your doll," introducing us to a scene where a small face appears on a balcony. The person observing wonders what happened to Leeza after the staff revolted and left. Was she freed or simply given to a kinder caretaker? This image raises questions about power dynamics and how individuals navigate their relationships with others.
The narrative then shifts to Jessie, with the singer expressing their discomfort in hearing the truth. They ask Jessie to tell stories about other countries, despite knowing that she has to wake up early. This request suggests a longing for escapism and a desire for distraction from the conflicts and difficulties of everyday life. The line "Wish I could have caught the expression of the captain" further emphasizes this yearning for connection and understanding.
As the song continues, the singer asks Jessie if they can stay the night, acknowledging their own lack of contribution. They refer to Jessie as a woman and express their admiration for her strength, suggesting a deep sense of respect and a recognition of her resilience. The repetition of the line "I need yours more than ever" underscores the singer's longing for connection and the importance of human stories in their life.
The song concludes with the plea to "Climb one more mountain for me, woman," symbolizing the hardships and challenges that the singer wishes their companion would face on their behalf. This line encapsulates the theme of reliance on others and the desire for someone to overcome obstacles on their behalf.
Line by Line Meaning
Leeza, show them your doll-
Leeza, display your doll to them in a way that captures their attention and interest
A tiny face up on the balcony
A small and innocent face seen from a high place, representing vulnerability and curiosity
Of a capuchin- huh, I wonder what happened
Referring to a capuchin monkey, expressing curiosity and confusion about its fate
After the fed up remaining staff
After the frustrated employees who remained
All stormed in
Entered abruptly and forcefully
Was she, free of a master
Was she liberated from her owner's control
Released?
Set free
Or handed to a kinder custodian
Or entrusted to someone who would treat her better
At least?
At the very least, a better situation for her
Nonetheless,
Nevertheless,
Upon the sight of her your group sped off
Upon seeing her, your group hurriedly departed
Leaving behind a doomed lord
Abandoning someone who is destined for misfortune
Looking down from the top
Observing from a position of power and authority
Jessie, I still can't stand hearing the truth
Jessie, I still struggle to accept and face reality
Let's have one more about other countries
Let's hear one more story about different places and cultures
I know you have to get up early
I understand that you have commitments in the morning
But it's what I need
But it's what I crave and require in this moment
Wish I could have caught
I wish I could have witnessed
The expression of the captain upon
The captain's facial expression upon
Waiting for the ship hand with whom he
Anticipating the arrival of the crew member he
(Through email) corresponded
Exchanged messages with online
Only to see you pull the truck door
Only to witness you opening the door of the truck
Open, and
Open, and
Reach out to shake his hand
Extend your hand to shake his in a gesture of respect
Jessie, can I crash here with you tonight?
Jessie, can I stay overnight at your place?
Although my contribution's been lean
Although I have not been able to contribute much
Woman, love follows where you've been
Woman, love is present wherever you go
Your legs can take it just a few more times
You have the strength to endure a few more challenges
I know it isn't fair
I am aware that it is not just or equitable
Stories struggle for air
Narratives fight to be heard and acknowledged
And I need yours more than ever
And I need your story more than ever
Climb one more mountain for me, woman
Conquer one more obstacle or challenge on my behalf, woman
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Christine Frances Quinlan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshtise9313
Unspeakably moving. And that kazoo, blasting me back to Freshman Year... untouchable
@lars.equals.laurentius
i love me some good kazoo
@antiolrachmor
Oh man, when that subtle reverb comes in... what a beautiful song
@PecktheTownCrierVideos
Magic.
@mistery-ed7900
Something special.