Born Keren Ann Zeidel in Caesarea, Israel on 10th March 1974, she lived in the Netherlands and Israel until the age of eleven, when her family moved to France. Her first group, KAB (for Keren Ann Band), lasted three years. In 1997, she wrote the song "Father" for the film K by Alexandre Arcady, in which she also acted a small part. The next year, at the age of twenty-four, she formed Shelby with two other women; the group released one album and had a small success with the song "1+1+1", whose composer Benjamin Biolay became an important collaborator. In 2000 she began her solo career with La biographie de Luka Philipsen -- "Luka" in homage to the Suzanne Vega song, "Philipsen" after her maternal grandmother -- written with and produced by Biolay, who also co-wrote and -produced its follow-up, La disparition. (In return, she helped write his debut album, Rose Kennedy.) The pair also wrote several songs for Henri Salvador's best-selling, prize-winning 2000 comeback album, Chambre avec vue.
Lady & Bird is a collaboration with Bardi Johannsson of the Icelandic group Bang Gang.
Not Going Anywhere, which includes several songs from La disparition re-sung in English, was her first U.S. release, but her American breakthrough came with its follow-up, Nolita. Recorded in Paris and New York, it is named for Nolita, her neighborhood in lower Manhattan; it is sung half in French and half in English.
Between the Flatland & the Caspian Sea
Keren Ann Lyrics
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The radar dome is firin' on me
I think I might have lost you somewhere in the ride
Between the flatland and the Caspian sea
So many days that I forget my Lord
To trade the dark for the better side of me
I think I might have told you a little bit too much
God knows how much this town has promised me
Lie down, forgive yourself and cross your heart
I'll tell you how my love he soars at heights
He'll wave his wings onto me each and every hour
He'll lift me up when he comes back from the fight
God knows how much this town
God knows how much this town has promised me
Some other landin' on some other side
The radar dome is firin' on me
I think I might have lost you somewhere in the ride
Between the flatland and the Caspian sea
And God knows how much this town
God knows how much this town
God knows how much this town has promised me
The lyrics of Keren Ann's "Between the Flatland and the Caspian Sea" tells a story of a journey in search of something better. The character is leaving behind something familiar with hopes of finding something new and promising but along the way, they feel lost and uncertain without their loved one. The reference to the radar dome firing on them may indicate that they feel like everyone around them is watching and judging their decisions. It may also symbolize the pressure and responsibility that comes with taking such a big step.
The lyrics also explore the character's spiritual struggle, hinting at feelings of guilt and searching for redemption. They acknowledge moments where they may have drifted from their faith but are willing to forgive themselves and make a change. The reference to the weeping willow tree may symbolize mourning or sorrow but it's not clear if it's for a person or something else.
The song ends with the repetition of the line "God knows how much this town has promised me," suggesting that the character is leaving behind a place they thought would give them everything they wanted but realized it was all just empty promises.
Line by Line Meaning
Some other landin' on some other side
Different outcomes in alternate realities
The radar dome is firin' on me
Feeling scrutinized and judged
I think I might have lost you somewhere in the ride
Doubt about maintaining relationships amidst chaos
Between the flatland and the Caspian sea
In liminal spaces between stability and the unknown
So many days that I forget my Lord
Neglecting faith in trying times
To trade the dark for the better side of me
Striving for personal growth and improvement
I think I might have told you a little bit too much
Regret in sharing vulnerability
Between the crowd and the weepin' willow tree
Uncomfortable vulnerability in public spaces
God knows how much this town has promised me
Distrust in promises made by society or authority
Lie down, forgive yourself and cross your heart
Self-compassion and self-forgiveness
I'll tell you how my love he soars at heights
Sharing joy and love with others
He'll wave his wings onto me each and every hour
Receiving comfort and guidance from a loved one
He'll lift me up when he comes back from the fight
Supporting each other through difficulties
God knows how much this town has promised me
Continued distrust in societal promises
And God knows how much this town
Repeated emphasis on distrust
God knows how much this town has promised me
Closing emphasis on distrust and broken promises
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KEREN ANN ZEIDEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Olivier DURAND
Superbe chanson, tirée du meilleur album de Keren Ann.