Holter, a Los Angeles native, grew up in a musical family. Her father plays guitar and once performed with Pete Seeger. Her mother, Carole Shammas, is a prominent academic and currently holds the John R. Hubbard Chair in History at the University of Southern California. Besides playing and recording music, Holter tutors students and works with a nonprofit organization for teenagers in South Central Los Angeles. After graduating from CalArts, where she studied composition, Holter contributed songs to multiple compilation albums in 2008. She performed in the LA Road Concert with the Open Academy Youth Orchestra on Washington Boulevard in 2009. The following year she began playing with Linda Perhacs' band. In 2010, she released a CD-R titled Celebration and a collection of live recordings.
Her debut studio album, Tragedy, was released in August 2011 on Leaving Records. Inspired by Euripides' Greek play Hippolytus, the album received generally favorable reviews and was named one of NPR's "Best Outer Sound Albums Of 2011".
Holter released a second album, Ekstasis, in March 2012 on the RVNG label. The album drew comparisons to works by such artists as Laurie Anderson, Julianna Barwick, Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom, Grouper, and Stereolab, and received many positive reviews. Holter spent three years making the album, whose title comes from the Greek word meaning "outside of oneself." The music video for album track "Moni Mon Amie", directed by Yelena Zhelezov, was also released in March.
In addition to collaborating with other California-based musicians like Nite Jewel (Ramona Gonzalez), Holter recently released her third album, Loud City Song. Unlike her first two albums, which were recorded mostly alone in her bedroom, Holter recorded Loud City Song with an ensemble of musicians
Celebration
Julia Holter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have brought you this gold crown
I spliced its flowers together
Only the bees looking for flowers in spring go freely through the cool grass
Your voice is distinct in my ears
Now blessed lady, take this
Embellish your gold hair
No man alive approaches my good luck to ride with you
may my love go throughout life
as strong at the finish as now
at the turning point
This comes from a faithful hand
The song "Celebration" by Julia Holter is filled with cryptic and obscure lyrics that can elicit various interpretations from the listener. On the surface, the song appears to be about a mystical and romantic encounter between two people. The initial verse reads, "We are moved by your radiance. I have brought you this gold crown. I spliced its flowers together." This seems to describe an offering or gift given to the singer's love interest. There is an element of worship and awe as if paying homage to the goddess.
The following verses offer more clues to the song's true meaning. The singer speaks about the lady's voice being distinct in their ears and how they have been blessed to ride with her. Additionally, they mention how they haven't seen the lady's face, but they hope their love can endure till the end of time. The final line, "This comes from a faithful hand," confirms that the singer is declaring undying love and loyalty to the lady.
The song's meaning remains open to interpretation, but it could be about love, devotion, and the transcendental experience of falling in love with someone beyond physical attraction. The use of mystical imagery, honoring the divine feminine, and references to nature, all add to the otherworldly nature of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
We are moved by your radiance
Your beauty is awe-inspiring
I have brought you this gold crown
I gift you with an ornament fit for a queen
I spliced its flowers together
I meticulously crafted this crown with precision
Only the bees looking for flowers in spring go freely through the cool grass
Only those seeking true beauty can appreciate your presence
Your voice is distinct in my ears
The sound of your voice is unique and unforgettable
Now blessed lady, take this
Please accept my offering as a token of my admiration
Embellish your gold hair
Let this gift enhance your natural beauty
No man alive approaches my good luck to ride with you
I consider myself fortunate to have your companionship
Though your face I never see
I am entranced by your grace even without seeing your face
May my love go throughout life
I pledge my undying love
as strong at the finish as now
My love will remain as powerful as it is now until the end of time
at the turning point
During all times, especially critical moments
This comes from a faithful hand
This gift is given with sincerity and loyalty
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: JULIA HOLTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind