Ford cites Rhythm and Blues singers Ann Peebles, Roberta Flack, and Donny Hathaway as influences, and this is evident in her debut album. Jenny Charlesworth of The Georgia Straight wrote that a few of the songs "swing with a mellow neo-soul beat enlivened by buttery vocals". Ford also credits her free spirited parents (her father was an American draft dodger who moved to Canada), and being a mother as strong influences on her songwriting.
Obadiah takes its name from Ford's middle name "Obadiah". When she was born, her parents asked her brothers to choose her middle name; they decided to name her after their pet cat Obadiah that had recently run away.
Ford was raised in the Kootenays in Southeastern British Columbia, and Toronto. She currently resides in Vancouver.
September Fields
Frazey Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You better grab the best of your life
I know you're ready
To get older
Anyhow
Well all you have to do is wander
Well over the fields of dark time
Feeling lonesome
Do you reckon your body and your mind?
Day on earth by the streets at night
Oh yeah
I saw you passing
There in the street lights
Do you have
A home for the morning?
And are you holding
Holding on so tight?
You say that's what you have been given
A whole lot of nothing for your time
And have you sunken
Down in your bones
Do you toss and turn, and turn at night?
And are you holding, holding on so tight?
Do you toss and turn, and turn at night?
And are holding, holding on so tight?
In Frazey Ford's "September Fields," the lyrics capture a sense of longing, reflection, and introspection. The opening lines, "You better get up for your mama, You better grab the best of your life, I know you're ready, To get older anyhow" encapsulate a sense of urgency to seize the moment, live fully, and embrace life before it passes by. The repetition of the phrase "holding, holding on so tight" throughout the song suggests a deep-rooted desire to hold onto something, whether it's a person, a memory, or a feeling. As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to a more somber tone as the singer questions the path they've taken in life, wondering if they've wasted their time and energy on something that has left them with a sense of emptiness.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's sense of isolation, as they wander through the fields of dark time, searching for something that eludes them. The line "Feeling lonesome, do you reckon your body and your mind?" captures a sense of detachment and disconnection from oneself and others. The final verse touches on the theme of lost opportunities and unfulfilled dreams, as the singer questions whether they've squandered the precious time they've been given. The line "And have you sunken down in your bones, do you toss and turn, and turn at night?" captures a sense of restlessness and unease, hinting at a deeper sense of regret and disappointment.
Overall, "September Fields" is a poignant and introspective song that captures the complex emotions surrounding the passage of time, the search for meaning and purpose, and the longing for connection and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
You better get up for your mama
You should take responsibility and make wise decisions for yourself and your family
You better grab the best of your life
You should make the most of the precious time you have and make positive changes in your life
I know you're ready
You are eager and prepared to face the challenges ahead
To get older
You want to experience life and mature through your experiences
Anyhow
Regardless of the challenges and obstacles you may face
Well all you have to do is wander
If you feel lost or uncertain, simply wander and explore the world around you
Well over the fields of dark time
Even though you may experience difficult times, keep moving forward and don't lose hope
Where do you find yourself?
Ask yourself where you are in life and what you want to achieve
Feeling lonesome
You may feel isolated or disconnected from others
Do you reckon your body and your mind?
Have you taken care of your physical and mental well-being?
Day on earth by the streets at night
You may feel like an outsider or observer in life
Oh yeah
A casual expression of agreement or acknowledgement
I saw you passing
I noticed you moving through life
There in the street lights
Under the illumination of city lights
Do you have
Do you possess
A home for the morning?
Do you have a safe and comfortable place to rest and recharge?
And are you holding
Are you grasping tightly onto something
Holding on so tight?
Are you resistant to change or holding onto something that is not beneficial?
You say that's what you have been given
You feel like your life circumstances have been predetermined
A whole lot of nothing for your time
You feel like you have not accomplished much or made progress in your life
And have you sunken
Have you become overwhelmed or defeated
Down in your bones
In the core of your being
Do you toss and turn, and turn at night?
Do you struggle with sleep or inner turmoil?
And are you holding, holding on so tight?
Do you have a tight hold on something that you need to let go of?
Do you toss and turn, and turn at night?
Do you continue to struggle with sleep or inner turmoil?
And are holding, holding on so tight?
Are you still holding onto something that is not beneficial to you?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frazey Obadiah Ford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AntoineMaloney
Somehow, you need to watch this, listen AND follow along with the lyrics!
September Fields
- Frazey Ford
You better get up for your mama
You better grab the best of your life
I know you're ready
To get older
Anyhow
Well all you have to do is wander
Well over the fields of dark time
Where do you find yourself?
Feeling lonesome
Do you reckon your body and your mind?
Day on earth by the streets at night
Oh yeah
I saw you passing
There in the street lights
Do you have
A home for the morning?
And are you holding
Holding on so tight?
You say that's what you have been given
A whole lot of nothing for your time
And have you sinkin
Down in your bones
Do you toss and turn and turn at night
And are you holding
Holding on so tight?
Do you toss and turn and turn at night
And are you holding
Holding on so tight?
So lyrical, and full of meaning to dwell on.
@cattalkbmx
@@jennifersokolov7822
I just listened to this song and saw your reply. It's been so long I worry about the accuracy of how I'll remember the story now, so some of this may be wrong.
But from what I remember it was a full circle moment for Frazey. She was heavily influenced by soul music like Al Green. One day members of a band he used to record with (Hi Rhythm Section) heard her singing (I believe at a gas station, potentially on another cars stereo?) someone they were with recognized her and were eventually able to introduce them.
So many years after they had influenced her, she entered into the studio (the one in the video) and recorded some songs with them. Al Green had also previously recorded with Hi Rhythm Section (songs like Love and Happiness and Lets Stay Together) in the same studio using many of the same instruments they used on Ford's new album.
I can only imagine it was a dream come true for her, hanging out with the band, in a historic space, using those old sacred instruments to make her music. Not long after recording with, the guy who I believe was initially interested in working with her, Teenie Hodges passed away.
That may not all be exactly correct, but it's the best I can remember it now.
@katiedallas1339
One of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. And Frazey ford’s voice is pure heaven. What a talent.
@celinanevin5831
Absolutely love THIS - WOW !!!!!!❤
@celinanevin5831
❤ 😍
@anndavies4774
Totally agree.
@armandoswaim6028
This song is absolutely 💯 70s badass music
@Czechmagnum
yes i was happy when i discover this misterpiece
@steve660917
One of the best feelings in life is when you hear an amazing song for the first time!!
@anndavies4774
Totally agree and when the voice gives you chills like this lady's voice does.
@joelbenshaul6153
Try this one .Youre welcome. x
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sw2JJ5nSbM
@Purkkification
@@anndavies4774 Agreed!!