She signed to Source Records/Virgin in 2001 and issued the folksy 4.35am EP and the more band-orientated Work to a Calm EP before releasing her debut album, Night on my Side, in 2002. The album was subsequently nominated for that year's Mercury Music Prize, now called the Barclaycard Mercury Prize.
After touring for Night on my Side Hayes took 2 years out from the music business; "All I do know is that I didn't want to listen to music at all. I stopped listening to the radio. It was like I'd overdosed on music".
In late 2005 Hayes returned with her second album, The Roads Don't Love You, and picked up the Best Irish Female Artist award at the 2006 Meteor Ireland Music Awards shortly before completing a small tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. She also co-wrote the song "Hazy" with Adam Duritz for the Counting Crows' live album, New Amsterdam in the same year.
Following the departure from Source/Virgin after her second album she released her third effort The Hollow of Morning on her own label in May 2008.
Let It Break is Hayes' fourth studio album, released in May 2011. The album was recorded in Westland Studios in Dublin, Ireland, Black Box Studios in Noyant La Gravoyère, France and in Los Angeles.
Her fifth effort, Bones + Longing, was released in November 2014.
Hayes' music has been featured on a multitude of films and television shows, including Grey's Anatomy, ER, and Mr. And Mrs Smith.
November
Gemma Hayes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has taken its toll
And if I know better
There's more to come
And the ocean is waitin' at our backdoor
You know we could leave
But we know in our hearts
We will find a way
To make it through these days
And we will find a way
To make it through these days
And I've fallen face down in the sun
Yeah, I take my chance playin'
Life's little dance and I still don't understand
And people are talkin' at me
Yeah, they make no sense
Wish I could pay my expenses
And get on the next train outta here
We will find a way
To make it through these days
We will find a way
To make it through
With sweet love and prayer
And who's the fairest of us all
And who will fight for you and I
Who's the bravest of us all
And who will hold us when we cry
When we cry
And we will find a way
To make it through these days
We will find a way
To make it through
To make it through
To make it through
To make it through
To make it through
In Gemma Hayes' song "November," the lyrics express the heaviness and difficulties of life, especially during the month of November. The first verse describes how November has taken its toll and there's more to come, emphasizing the growing feeling of uncertainty and anxiety as the year draws to a close. The ocean waiting at the back door represents the unknown future that is both inviting and intimidating. The lyrics imply that this is a moment of decision-making, where they could choose to leave but ultimately decide to find a way to make it through the hard times.
The second verse expresses the confusion and frustration of facing life's challenges. The singer refers to falling face down in the sun, implying that despite their efforts, they still don't understand life and its complexities. They feel like others are talking at them but making no sense, wishing they could escape their reality and go somewhere else. However, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, where the singer realizes that they can get through these difficulties with sweet love and prayer. The outro questions who will fight for them and hold them when they cry, reminding them that they're not alone in their struggle and that love can bring people through the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
November
Referring to a dark and difficult time or situation, which has caused a lot of pain and hardships.
Has taken its toll
The hardships of the past are clearly visible in the present, causing both physical and emotional exhaustion.
And if I know better
Despite everything that has happened, the singer still has hope and believes that there is still something left to learn and experience.
There's more to come
More difficult times are yet to come, but the singer is determined to overcome them.
And the ocean is waitin' at our backdoor
There are opportunities waiting for the singer, but they are hesitant to take them because of the fear of the unknown.
You know we could leave
The singer has the option to leave the current situation and start anew.
But we know in our hearts
Despite the difficulties faced, the singer knows deep inside that there's something worth sticking around for.
There's so much more
There are better days ahead, and the singer is hopeful for what the future holds.
We will find a way
The singer is determined to overcome any obstacles and difficult situations that may arise.
To make it through these days
To survive and persevere through the difficult times.
And I've fallen face down in the sun
The singer has experienced failure and hardship despite trying to have a positive outlook on life.
Yeah, I take my chance playin'
Despite the hardships faced, the singer is still willing to take risks and try new things.
Life's little dance and I still don't understand
The complexities of life are still hard to grasp for the singer despite trying to make sense of it all.
And people are talkin' at me
The singer is facing criticism and judgment from others.
Yeah, they make no sense
The criticism and judgement from others is baseless and unfounded.
Wish I could pay my expenses
Financial difficulties are adding to the singer's problems and stress levels.
And get on the next train outta here
The singer wishes to escape from the current situation and start anew elsewhere.
With sweet love and prayer
Love from others and spiritual strength are helping the singer to overcome the difficulties faced.
And who's the fairest of us all
The singer is questioning the standards of beauty and how it is affecting people.
And who will fight for you and I
The singer is questioning who will support them and help them through difficult times.
Who's the bravest of us all
The singer is questioning what it means to be brave in the difficult situations faced.
And who will hold us when we cry
The singer is questioning who they can turn to for emotional support during times of hardship.
When we cry
The singer acknowledges that crying is a natural response to difficult situations and that it is okay to do so.
To make it through
The singer is determined to persevere and overcome any difficulties faced.
Writer(s): Gemma Claire Hayes
Contributed by William V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.