Having p… Read Full Bio ↴Jake Houlsby is a British singer-songwriter from Newcastle.
Having previously released material under the guise of Suntrapp, Jake stepped out of the limelight six months ago to consider his artistic direction and is now ready to return and release music under his own name.
The folkster has gained widespread acclaim in the last few years with national radio airplay on BBC 6 Music courtesy of Lauren Laverne and Tom Robinson as well as considerable blog coverage on the likes of The 405, For Folk’s Sake and The Mad Mackerel.
In 2013, Jake was also the proud recipient of the Alan Hull Award for Songwriting in addition to being selected for the Roundhouse 3030 Project which saw him perform at the Roundhouse Rising Festival.
The talented folk musician has clearly honed his craft on the live scene and is ready to kick off this new phase of his career with a series of live shows dedicated to debut release ‘Yannina’.
The six-track EP will feature tracks including title track ‘Yannina’, ‘Fuel For The Fire’ and ‘Beyond All This’ and promises to show a side to him we’ve never seen before.
Howl
Jake Houlsby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the sea between the isles
And this ain't the time to chase the dawn
This is the time to count the miles
So hold your fire and clear your mind
You won't get left behind
I was a drifter on the prowl
Now I'm the lights between the scenes
Now I'm the wolf that's yet to howl
Yet to break out, yet to run
Yet to be outdone
I was a shadow on the screen
I was a drifter on the prowl
Now I'm the lights between the scenes
Now I'm the wolf that's yet to howl
The opening lines of the song, "This is the calm before the storm/ This is the sea between the isles" suggest a sense of anticipation, as if something big is about to happen. It's a metaphorical calm before the storm, with the sea being the space that separates things. The following line "And this ain't the time to chase the dawn/ This is the time to count the miles" reinforces that idea. It's not a time to look forward to the future, but to take stock of the present, and prepare for what's to come. There's a sense of determination, and maybe even anxiety, in the lyrics.
The second part of the verse describes a shift in perspective. The singer goes from being a shadow on a screen, a drifter on the prowl, to being the lights between the scenes, and the wolf that's yet to howl. It's a powerful image - he's transformed from being a passive observer, to being an active participant. There's a sense of agency and power, despite the fact that he has not yet fully realized his potential. The final lines, "Yet to break out, yet to run/ Yet to be outdone" reinforce this idea. He might not have fully arrived, but he's on his way.
Overall, the song seems to be about seizing the moment, and not being afraid to take risks. There's an underlying sense of tension, but also a feeling of hope and potential.
Line by Line Meaning
This is the calm before the storm
This moment is quiet and peaceful, but there is a feeling that something big is about to happen.
This is the sea between the isles
This is a transitional moment, where we are between two different times, places or emotions.
And this ain't the time to chase the dawn
This isn't a moment for new beginnings or fresh starts; it's a moment of preparation for something else.
This is the time to count the miles
This is a moment to take stock of what has come before and prepare for what is to come.
So hold your fire and clear your mind
Don't rush into anything; take a moment to calm down and gather your thoughts before you act.
You won't get left behind
Don't worry about being left out or missing something; if you take your time, you'll be able to keep up with everyone else.
I was a shadow on the screen
I was invisible or insignificant, and didn't stand out.
I was a drifter on the prowl
I was wandering aimlessly or looking for something, with no clear direction or goal.
Now I'm the lights between the scenes
Now I'm the one drawing attention or setting the tone, even in the transitional moments between bigger events.
Now I'm the wolf that's yet to howl
Now I'm ready to make my mark or have my moment, but I haven't done it yet.
Yet to break out, yet to run
I haven't fully achieved my potential or done what I'm capable of.
Yet to be outdone
Even though I haven't fully succeeded yet, I still believe that I can match or surpass anyone else who tries.
Writer(s): Jake Houlsby
Contributed by Harper J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@9jaFanx
Who's here after watching The 💯
This song makes me feel sad
@Flixpage
Me too
@gazza7407
me too❤️Shaw😢❤️
@randomsisawinmylife9342
I actually cried
@marildabarroso5006
Me too
@tharushika_ekanayake
same here !!!
@DesiExplorer_
Virgin River brought me here! Anyone else?
Lovely song!!!!!
@pheonixwings8121
Me too!
@SilentMasquerade
Yep. Same here.
@nehak5692
Me too