Haale (as in halle-lujah or jalepeno), is a Bronx-born woman of
Iranian descent whose name means the 'halo around the moon.' Her songs are trance-inducing, rhythmically propulsive, and lyrically engaging
tapestries that draws on both Persian mystical and American
psychedelic musical traditions.
Haale pays homage to 60's psychedelic rock and Persian/Sufi trance, creating a propulsive soundscape of electric guitars, percussion, and mystical lyrics. Her band features Matt Kilmer on percussion and John Shannon on electric guitar. Haale has beeen recognized by CMJ for her "totally original songs". Haale’s distincitve style and incendiary live shows have led her to perform at a David Byrne-curated series at Carnegie Hall and collaborate with Tchad Blake, Sean Lennon, and most extensively with producer and composer Dougie Bowne. 2007 opened with the release of two EPs, Morning and Paratrooper.
She released two mesmerizing EPs in January 2007: 'Morning' and 'Paratrooper' -- and spent the year touring across the country and in Europe, at venues such as the Bonnaroo Festival, SXSW, and the Mimi Festival in France. She performed at David Byrne's Nonesuch-sponsored series at Carnegie Hall, recorded with Sean Lennon (on 'Before the Skies'), and shared the stage with such diverse artists as the legendary Hugh Masakela and Odetta.
While back at home from touring, Haale and producer/percussionist Matt
Kilmer went to work on their first full-length debut, 'No Ceiling.' It was released on March 18, 2008, to critical acclaim, hailed "one of the year's most memorable releases," by the Boston Globe. The album features players Shahzad Ismaily, Mike Gamble, Doug Wieselman, Chris Hoffman, and Johnny Gandlesman and co-writing by Matt Kilmer and Dougie Bowne.
On the breathtaking full-length debut, "No Ceiling" Haale explores themes of transformation and evolution, singing in English and Persian through a riveting soundscape of percussion, psychedelic guitars, and soaring strings.
'Over driving rhythms...Haale's warm, supple voice unfurled like a curlicue of smoke. Her band's amplified rumble served as a reminder of the extent to which rock bands like the Doors and the Velvet Underground turned to the East for their hypnotic efforts; here their borrowings were reclaimed with interest.'
-NEW YORK TIMES
'Haale is just beginning to make her mark nationally, but she's a star on the rise. [Their] raw sound owes as much to '60s psychedelic rock as it does to the ancient Middle East...'
-WASHINGTON POST
'On her two latest EP releases, 'Paratrooper' and'Morning' (both self-releasd), [Haale] works a panoramic blend of luscious rock, heady bass, and brilliantly produced rhythms.'
-POPMATTERS
www.haale.com
No Ceiling
Haale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is an open road
The air is clear, the land is wide
I'm calm, I'm flying
I go on my way, the feeling grows
No Ceiling
Above is a shifting sky
I travel light in body and mind
The peace I know is home
I go on my way, the feeling grows
No ceiling
Like a million suns shining out there
No ceiling
These lyrics paint a picture of someone who is free in both body and mind. They are not constrained by anyone or anything, and are able to travel on an open road where the air is clear and the land is wide. They feel a sense of calm and peace as they soar through the sky, unencumbered by limitations or doubts. The singer is in control of their own destiny and following their own path, which only leads to a feeling of expansion rather than confinement, hence the idea of "no ceiling".
The second verse highlights the idea that there is always more to discover and learn, no matter how much we know. The singer is comfortable with this unknown territory and travels lightly, unburdened by material possessions or unnecessary thoughts. They know that their true home is within, and the peace they feel is a reflection of that. The idea of "no ceiling" is repeated in the refrain, adding to the sense of infinite possibility and potential that the singer feels.
Overall, these lyrics promote a sense of freedom, possibility, and joy. They encourage the listener to break free from constraints and pursue their own path, with the knowledge that the sky is the limit, and even then there may be no limit at all.
Line by Line Meaning
Inside a mind under no one's spell
In a free and liberated state of mind
There is an open road
Having the freedom to make choices and decisions
The air is clear, the land is wide
Feeling unburdened and with endless possibilities
I'm calm, I'm flying
Experiencing a sense of serenity and liberation
I go on my way, the feeling grows
Continuing to pursue the path towards inner peace and freedom
No Ceiling
No limitations when it comes to personal growth and transformation
Above is a shifting sky
Life is constantly evolving and full of surprises
What's known reveals more unknown
The more you learn, the more you realize there is to discover
I travel light in body and mind
Traversing through life with minimal baggage and mental clutter
The peace I know is home
A sense of inner calm and contentment is the true meaning of home
Like a million suns shining out there
Limitless potential and countless opportunities abound
No ceiling
Unlimited possibility for growth and expansion
Writer(s): Haale Gafori, Matt Kilmer
Contributed by Gabriella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.