After learning to play the guitar, the fiddle, and the piano, as well as to sing, Rusby played at many local folk festivals as a child and adolescent. She came to wider attention through her duets with her friend and fellow Barnsley folk singer Kathryn Roberts on the 1995 album Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts.
At about this time she joined, and became the lead vocalist of, the all-female Celtic folk band The Poozies. This led to her becoming a founding member of the group Equation, which included Kathryn Roberts and Seth Lakeman. Rusby left Equation (being replaced by Cara Dillon) to follow a more traditional direction and, in 1997, released her debut solo album Hourglass produced by Scottish fiddler John McCusker (to whom Rusby was married for some time).
In 1999 Rusby recorded Sleepless which earned her a Mercury Music Prize nomination and the BBC Folk Award for Best Album and Best Folk Singer.
Rusby continues to release albums mixing traditional and self-penned songs on her own Pure Records, winning fans as diverse as Graham Coxon (who provided the illustration for her album The Girl Who Couldn't Fly) and collaborator Ronan Keating.
2008 saw the release of Sweet Bells, an album of traditional Christmas songs interpreted by Rusby.
In 2010, Rusby released the album Make the Light, a collection of self-penned songs, and in 2011 issued a second collection of Christmas songs titled While Mortals Sleep.
www.katerusby.com
Daughter Of Heaven
Kate Rusby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drifting away and don't make a sound
We'll cry when we hear that you ran from this town
She's gone to a new place now
She's gone to a new place now
Daughter of heaven Oh, daughter of now
The stars are your jewels the rubies your crown
She's gone to a new place now
She's gone to a new place now
Daughter of heaven Oh, daughter of now
Your eyes they were closed and your hands they were bound
There's a time in the past when I had to come down
She's gone to a new place now
She's gone to a new place now
Daughter of heaven Oh, daughter of now
Drifting away and don't make a sound
We'll cry when we hear that you ran from this town
She's gone to a new place now
She's gone to a new place now
She's gone to a new place now
The song, "Daughter of Heaven," is a haunting and emotional ballad that captures the feeling of loss and mourning. The lyrics suggest that the daughter of heaven has passed away or left this world, and is now in a new place. The repetition of the line "she's gone to a new place now" reinforces the idea of loss but also hints at the possibility of a better, different place. The phrase "daughter of heaven" adds a spiritual element to the song, creating an ethereal quality that matches the sadness of the lyrics.
The second verse is particularly interesting, as it speaks to the idea of the daughter of heaven's beauty: "The stars are your jewels, the rubies your crown." This metaphor suggests that her beauty is cosmic and otherworldly, further emphasizing the idea that she belongs to a place beyond this earth. The final verse is perhaps the most poignant, as it alludes to a moment in the past when the singer had to come "down." It's unclear what this means, but it suggests that the singer may have been in a position of power or authority, and had to make a difficult decision regarding the daughter of heaven.
Overall, the song is a beautiful and melancholic tribute to someone who has passed away or left this world. The lyrics are open enough to allow for various interpretations, but the overarching themes of loss and the possibility of a better place are clear.
Line by Line Meaning
Daughter of heaven Oh, daughter of now
Addressing the subject of the song as a heavenly, mystical figure, existing both in the present moment and beyond it.
Drifting away and don't make a sound
The subject of the song is departing quietly and serenely, almost as though she is fading into the background.
We'll cry when we hear that you ran from this town
Acknowledging the sadness and loss that will be felt when the subject of the song leaves town, and the grief that will accompany the realization of her absence.
She's gone to a new place now
Repeating the idea that the subject of the song has left her current location behind and moved onto a different place, both physically and spiritually.
The stars are your jewels the rubies your crown
Elevating the subject of the song to a regal status, using grand and poetic language to emphasize her importance.
We are standing off for your right to stand
Asserting that the subject of the song has a right to her independence and individuality, and that her supporters will stand up for her in the face of any opposition.
Your eyes they were closed and your hands they were bound
Reminding the listener of a difficult time in the subject of the song's past, perhaps hinting at a struggle or trauma that has led her to seek a new beginning.
She's gone to a new place now
Once again repeating the central idea of the song, that the subject has moved on from her past and embarked on a new journey.
Daughter of heaven Oh, daughter of now
Closing the song by repeating the opening lines, bringing the lyrics full circle and underscoring the timeless and ethereal nature of the subject of the song.
Contributed by Cameron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
eSava Cakaunitavuki
I love this song the words are fitting since I lost my sister. Beautiful
Rachel Copley
They should play more of her music. Beautiful voice ..x
Sharon Frye
Lovely tribute, my grandmother was my hero and best friend.
Ana Roquette
Beautiful voice, beautiful song
Immaruka Lillacmess
I just love this song! thanks so much for sharing!
Pam Johnson
My favorite singer of all time and this may be her best song.
Clare Tucker
thank you - such a beautiful song at such a significant time of saying bye to my Nana.
Bud Goodrich
Gorgeous.
Jayne Brown
I think she's singing "We all stand in awe of your right to astound"
Jayne Brown
and there's a time in the past when I helped you come down