A native New Yorker with a captivating voice and a clear gift for songwriting, Meredith began playing both piano and violin from an early age, switching to guitar through high school and college. She began playing solo shows in small venues around New England, and made a few cds to hand out at shows which proved incredibly popular. Word spread fast, and the 2006 heyday of myspace added rocket fuel to the fire. When we talked with her about working together after the Southpaw show, we had no idea that her songs had already sold 15,000 copies, had not seen the 17 pages of cover versions on youtube, and had never been to one of her (more common) solo shows.
The name Gregory And The Hawk was conceived in 2003, initially devised to avoid her being perceived or pigeonholed as a female singer-songwriter (though, perhaps ironically, when pressed for a list of influences Meredith cites Nick Drake, Liz Phair, PJ Harvey). Meredith remained playing alone under that name for a few years, until she met Mike McGuire in New York in 2005. The two played live shows together for several months before teaming up with bassist Jeff Ratner and drummer Adam Christgau (both of New York band Paper And Sand). The four of them recorded the 'Boats And Birds EP', which they self-released in 2006.
Soon after, the four friends moved apart, and so Meredith began playing live with just Jeff on upright bass, and herself on acoustic guitar and vocals. This was how she played most of the shows to support 'In Your Dreams,' the debut album, again self-released in 2007. The only players on 'In Your Dreams' were Meredith, Mike McGuire (who also engineered most of it), and Susan Ambrose. The recording of 'Moenie and Kitchi' was somewhat different; while Mike, Susan and a host of others contributed, many of the instruments were played by the album's producer Adam Pierce (Mice Parade).
The gentle, hook-laden songs of Gregory And The Hawk's mostly solo/acoustic sets have received much of their considerable attention through internet streaming and downloads, resulting in a groundswell of support that belies the fact that up until now, there has been no label, no manager, or indeed any other supportive network to help them on their way. Gregory And The Hawk have but one thing on their side - the ability to craft spellbinding, idiosyncratic pop songs, that sound at once suggestive, familiar, and yet very much of themselves.
‘Moenie and Kitchi’ was released in October 2008, with US and European tours embarked on in support of this.
Gregory and The Hawk are currently writing new material for an album set to be released in 2010. Leche is schedule for release on Nov. 9th in the US and Nov. 15th in the UK.
Discography:
Gregory and the Hawk (demo quality) - c. 2002; re-released 2005
8-track demos - 2005
Boats & Birds EP - 2006
In Your Dreams - 2007
Moenie and Kitchi - 2008 - Fatcat
Leche - 2010 - Fatcat
Come, Now - 2012
Stone (EP) - 2012
A Selection of Demos - 2014
On the Orange Mountain - 2017
Three Weeks No Songs - 2020
Texas Collectious - 2022
Singles:
Ghost - 2008 - Fatcat
Olly Olly Oxen Free - 2010
Some White Mountain - 2023
Bootlegs:
Live at Olives - 4/4/04
Whisper the Answer
Gregory and the Hawk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I saw it with my own eyes
They were bugged out on the sugar
Heavy hats take to the skies just the same
I saw it with my own eyes
They were high up in the clouds
If I said please, would you stick around?
It beats just driving fast on the highway
While the wind whips around
You always thought twice didn't you
My baby blue... You'd say,
'What goes around comes around'
Didn't you?
Well now's the time
Good as any other time
Inch closer
Whisper the answer
It beats just trying to hold you down
If I say please, would you stick around?
It beats just driving fast on the highway
While the wind whips around
Boy i'm not afraid of,
You tell me what, I'll tell you why
Wait for me, please wait for me
It beats just trying to hold you down
It beats just driving fast on the highway
While the wind whips you heart around
The lyrics to Gregory and the Hawk's song "Whisper the Answer" are a mixture of nonsensical and profound sentiments. The first verse speaks of "quick rats" winning the race due to their sugar-high energy. In contrast, the "heavy hats" also take to the skies, suggesting that weight and gravity are no obstacle if one is determined enough. The chorus repeats the lines "It beats just trying to hold you down, if I say please, would you stick around?" which can be interpreted as a plea to let go of control and trust in the other person. The second verse references the adage "what goes around comes around" and encourages the listener to embrace the present moment and take the time to "whisper the answer" instead of rushing blindly forward.
The themes present in "Whisper the Answer" seem to revolve around the idea of surrendering control and trusting in the natural flow of life. The imagery of quick rats and heavy hats suggests that success can come in unexpected ways and by unconventional means. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the desire for connection and the fear of being held back or left behind. The invitation to "whisper the answer" suggests a desire to connect on a deeper level, beyond superficial expectations or plans.
Line by Line Meaning
Quick rats win the race this time
Fast and clever individuals succeed in this competition
I saw it with my own eyes
I personally witnessed this event
They were bugged out on the sugar
They were hyperactive and excited due to consuming sugar
Heavy hats take to the skies just the same
Even those burdened with responsibilities can enjoy life
They were high up in the clouds
They were experiencing joy and freedom
It beats just trying to hold you down
There are better things to do than controlling or restricting someone
If I said please, would you stick around?
If I asked for your presence, would you stay by my side?
It beats just driving fast on the highway
There are greater pleasures than mere speed and movement
While the wind whips around
While facing various challenges and obstacles
You always thought twice didn't you
You were hesitant and cautious in your decisions
My baby blue... You'd say, 'What goes around comes around' didn't you?
You used to believe in the karmic principle of cause and effect
Well now's the time
This moment is opportune
Good as any other time
As good a time as any
Inch closer
Approach me gradually
Whisper the answer
Tell me the solution discreetly
Boy I'm not afraid of,
I am not intimidated by you, boy
You tell me what, I'll tell you why
You provide the information and I will explain the reasons
Wait for me, please wait for me
Stay for me, I implore you
While the wind whips your heart around
While your emotions are being stirred up and tested
Contributed by Alexandra O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.