In 2006 Isobel released a collaborative LP (Ballad of the Broken Seas) with former Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age singer Mark Lanegan, a mixture of folk and more rock-orientated music. October 2006 also saw the release of her latest album, Milkwhite Sheets, a more acoustic folk album, consisting of a mixture of traditional songs alonside Isobel's own compositions.
Isobel's band The Gentle Waves released its first album on Jeepster Records, titled The Green Fields of Foreverland, in 1999. The second Gentle Waves record, Swansong For You came out one year later. In 2002, she collaborated with Scottish jazz musician Bill Wells on a collection of Billie Holliday songs, released by Creeping Bent.
In 2003 Campbell released Amorino, the first solo album under her own name, to very good reviews. Bill Wells was featured here again, along with other jazz musicians.
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan form a unique combination of gruff vocals and dulcet voices. They have released three albums so far: Ballad of the Broken Seas, which received a nomination in the 2006 Mercury Awards, Sunday at Devil Dirt, which was released in May 2008. The album received US release in Fall 2008. And finally their third album Hawk was released in August 2010.
Asleep On A Sixpence
Isobel Campbell Lyrics
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That I left cast away
Moonlight′s up the harbour
The sheeps in the bay
With the north star above you
To follow someday
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
Retire to the sweet one who loves you the best
For the captain is calling
So come get your rest
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
Asleep on a sixpence
Asleep with your dreams
The old coat you're wearing
Who stares at the seems
Ain′t no heartache tomorrow
Your sail ain't no way
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
Asleep on a sixpence
Asleep with your dreams
The old coat you're wearing
Who stares at the seems
Ain′t no heartache tomorrow
Your sail ain′t no way
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
The lyrics of Isobel Campbell's song "Asleep On A Sixpence" describe a person who has left the girl and the world they knew behind to embark on a journey to pursue their dreams. The first stanza of the song alludes to the person being in a place near the sea as they reference the moonlight up the harbor and sheep in the bay. The reference to the North Star indicates that the person is likely headed north, which in historic navigation, was the guiding star for travelers. The phrase "asleep on a sixpence" is an old British expression, which means to sleep soundly or peacefully, even in cramped conditions, which could reflect the challenging conditions of the person's journey.
The second stanza of the song seems to be guiding the person towards their journey, encouraging them to retire to the sweet one who loves them the most, perhaps indicating that they should take the love and support of their loved ones with them on their journey. The captain calling refers to the call of adventure and the need to rest before embarking on the next leg of their journey. In the final stanza, the phrase "ain't no heartache tomorrow" suggests that there may be challenges ahead, but the person is unaware or peacefully unconcerned about them, as they choose to focus on their dreams instead.
Line by Line Meaning
To the girl, to the world
That I left cast away
Addressing the woman and the world that the singer abandoned and left behind
Moonlight's up the harbour
The sheeps in the bay
With the north star above you
To follow someday
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
Describing the scene of a peaceful harbor with the moon shining and sheep nearby. The presence of the North Star provides direction and a sense of purpose. The singer is asleep, but still dreaming.
As you climb to the east and sail to the west
Retire to the sweet one who loves you the best
For the captain is calling
So come get your rest
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
As the singer travels from east to west, they recommend returning to a loved one who provides comfort and support. The captain is calling, and so it is time to rest and dream.
Asleep on a sixpence
Asleep with your dreams
The old coat you're wearing
Who stares at the seems
Ain′t no heartache tomorrow
Your sail ain't no way
Asleep on a sixpence with dreams
Repeating the refrain that the artist is asleep on a sixpence, with dreams. The old coat that the artist wears is worn and faded, but it holds no heartache for tomorrow. There is no obstacle in the artist's way as they dream.
Writer(s): Campbell Isobel Karen
Contributed by Gabriella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.