Julia Shammas Holter (born December 18, 1984) is an American experimental a… Read Full Bio ↴Julia Shammas Holter (born December 18, 1984) is an American experimental artist, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. A CalArts graduate, she released her first studio album, Tragedy, in 2011. A second album, Ekstasis, followed in 2012. Holter also collaborates with other musicians including Nite Jewel, Linda Perhacs, and Michael Pisaro. In 2013, she released her third album, Loud City Song to resounding critical acclaim.

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

Have You in My Wilderness
Julia Holter Lyrics

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Shake me awake!
Am I the man you see
Through your mystery eyes?
Oh yea, I second that emotion

You'll see lightning cascading
Pronouncements of our love

Lady of gold, you would fit beautiful in my wilderness
In your waters I've dropped anchor

You'll see lightning cascading
Pronouncements of our love

Tell me, why do I feel you running away?

Overall Meaning

In the song, "Have You in My Wilderness" by Julia Holter, the singer appears to be communicating with a lover. The lyrics reveal how the singer is yearning to wake up from the grasp of the lover's mystery. The singer is not certain if she can trust the lover's true motives, as she asks, "Am I the man you see through your mystery eyes?" While she agrees with the strong emotions and affection, she seems unsure of the lover's true intentions.

The use of vivid imagery in the lyrics also appears to express a sense of chaos and uncertainty. Julia uses the imagery of lightning cascading, which is a powerful force of nature. The lightning pronounces the singers' love, whether as a warning, an announcement, or an affirmation, it is unclear. She then proceeds to address the lover as the "Lady of Gold." Gold is often associated with material wealth, but it can also be symbolic of virtues such as excellence, prestige, and accomplishment. The mention of the term "wilderness" may depict uncertainty, indicating that the relationship or situation is in a state of turmoil. She adds that the lover will fit beautifully in her wilderness, giving it a new meaning, one that can be associated with a place of wonder.

The chorus ends with the singer asking, "Tell me, why do I feel you running away?" The lyrics express the singer's fear and insecurity that the lover might leave or let go of the relationship. Whether the singer's perception is accurate or not, it is clear that the singer is struggling with insecurities in the relationship.

Line by Line Meaning

Shake me awake!
Please wake me up from my stupor!

Am I the man you see Through your mystery eyes?
Do you perceive me as I really am, or am I a mystery?

Oh yea, I second that emotion
I completely agree with you on that.

You'll see lightning cascading Pronouncements of our love
Our love will be so intense and powerful that it will be like lightning.

Lady of gold, you would fit beautiful in my wilderness In your waters I've dropped anchor
You, who are precious and valuable, would be perfect in my life. I am committed to you.

Tell me, why do I feel you running away?
I sense that you are pulling away from me. Please tell me why.

Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: JULIA HOLTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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